16th Oct 2007 07:00
Nationwide Accident Repair Srvs PLC16 October 2007 NARS.L Nationwide Accident Repair Services plc ("Nationwide" or "the Company") Announces Contract with Norwich Union Nationwide Accident Repair Services plc, the largest dedicated provider ofautomotive crash repair services in the UK, is pleased to announce it has signeda three year contract with Norwich Union Insurance ("Norwich Union") for theprovision of vehicle repair services. Under the terms of the agreement, Norwich Union will supply a minimum level ofrepair jobs per annum across a number of geographic areas comprising the NorthEast, North West, East and South West of England, Wales and Central Scotland.The relationship with Nationwide represents part of Norwich Union's strategy toconsolidate the number of its accident repair suppliers in order to driveefficiencies and enhance customer service levels. Once fully in place,Nationwide expects the agreement to contribute an additional £20 million ofsales per annum. Nationwide will retain ongoing control of its supply chain and deploy workacross its network of bodyshops in a way which allows for maximum efficiency andcost effectiveness. Paul Pancham, Director of Motor, Norwich Union, said, "Norwich Union continually strives to improve the quality of our customerexperience. Nationwide's reputation for customer care and its ability to manageincreasingly complex vehicle repairs are some of the key factors influencingNorwich Union's decision. We have also been impressed by their demonstratedcommitment to investing in their business to keep up to date with industrystandards to ensure a safe, quality repair." Michael Wilmshurst, Chief Executive of Nationwide, said, "This contract represents an excellent opportunity for both Norwich Union andourselves to work together in order to achieve our mutual objectives. Not onlydoes the contract enable us to drive operational efficiencies but also, in beingable to move work within our network, it allows us to service our customers'needs effectively, maintaining our market leading standards of customerservice." About Nationwide Accident Repair Services plc Nationwide provides automotive crash repair and accident administration servicesto the UK insurance industry. With a network of accident repair centres locatedacross England, Scotland and Wales employing over 2,100 people, it is thelargest dedicated provider of accident repair services in the UK. The Group'scustomer base includes insurance companies such as Royal & Sun Alliance, EquityRed Star and Zurich and fleet operators such as DHL. Enquiries: Nationwide Accident Repair Michael Wilmshurst, Chief T: 01993 701 720Services plc Executive David Loftus, Finance Director Arbuthnot Securities James Steel or Alasdair Younie T: 020 7012 2000 Biddicks Katie Tzouliadis or Sophie T: 020 7448 1000 Lane Norwich Union Erik Nelson T: 01603 682264 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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