Swindon-based insurance broker warns of 'difficult' job cuts
Be Wiser is reorganising the business to hit the ground running post-lockdown
Last updated 16th Feb 2021
The Swindon-based insurance broker 'Be Wiser' says some jobs are set to go and has begun consulting with its 280 staff.
The reorganisation of the business will impact staff in Swindon, as well as the company's Andover office.
'We will do everything we can to support those affected'
Be Wiser CEO Jeff Brinley said the business needed to act swiftly, to be in the best possible position to exploit the anticipated economic upswing later in the year.
“We need to reconfigure Be Wiser now so that we are ahead of the game and ready to make the most of market conditions when the market bounces back,” he said.
“It’s never easy to take these difficult decisions that impact on our people, especially in such uncertain economic times.
“We will do everything we can to support those affected, including redeployment where that’s possible".
A month-long staff consultation process will begin shortly. The number of roles at risk won’t be finalised until the end of this deliberation, with those affected working mainly in the back office and support functions.
'Protect ourselves today in order to grow and prosper tomorrow'
The Chief Executive added that the pandemic had been “challenging” for Be Wiser and for UK broking in general, especially in motor.
“This has encouraged us to accelerate our transformation plans,” he said. “Our top priority is to maintain our reputation for exceptional customer service, and my aim is to strengthen our customer operation for the future.
“The motor insurance market has been badly hit by this most recent series of restrictions.
“Re-configuring our business operation will enable us to protect ourselves today in order to grow and prosper tomorrow".