ALLIANZ COMMERCIAL PARTNERS WITH BARCLAYS

Allianz Commercial is pleased to announce that it has been selected by the major global financial services provider, Barclays, to provide commercial insurance packages for its SME customer base in the UK.

Barclays and the Insurer have agreed a long-term partnership to offer a flexible product range which caters for every business segment from start-ups to mature businesses. Under the new arrangement, Allianz Commercial will underwrite tailored packages which will include a wide range of cover options from property & casualty insurance to specialist sectors, such as marine transit and engineering inspections.

Allianz will also provide a branded sales, service and claims capability for all new business, which will operate from Allianz’s new premises in Lancaster. The company expects to recruit as many as 80 employees as part of the dedicated operation within the next year.

David Martin, director, SME markets, Allianz Insurance said: “To be selected by Barclays is a tremendous achievement for Allianz Commercial and demonstrates the strength of our SME proposition. We believe that the innovation, creativity and enhanced technology behind this solution, which was developed specifically to meet the needs of Barclay’s customers, provides a new, exciting and substantially different proposition to the bancassurance sector.”

Sue Hayes, managing director of Barclays Business added: “We are delighted to be working with Allianz Commercial. We look forward to delivering the best possible insurance solution for our Business banking customers. One that is flexible and innovative, allowing businesses to grow and develop in the knowledge that they have insurance in place that will protect them if something goes wrong.”

ENDS

About Allianz Insurance

Allianz Insurance is one of the largest general insurers in the UK and part of the Allianz SE Group, one of the leading integrated financial services providers worldwide and the largest property and casualty insurer in the world.  With approximately 142,000 employees worldwide, the Allianz Group serves approximately 78 million customers in more than 70 countries.

The mission of Allianz Insurance is to be the outstanding competitor in our chosen markets by delivering products and services that our clients recommend, being a great company to work for and achieving the best combination of profit and growth.

About Barclays Business banking:

Barclays Business banking has over 789,000 - customers that are a mixture of start ups, sole traders, partnerships and limited companies.

Barclays services to SMEs include:

• A choice of business accounts that they can tailor to their needs and the provision of up to two years free banking to start-ups, subject to remaining in credit. 
• Day to day business banking support through an award winning team of Business Managers who are available over the telephone for everyday and urgent banking needs during the daytime, evenings and weekends.
• A support line that customers can use to talk directly to a Barclays lending specialist to discuss additional financing options.
• Free consultations for businesses with a local accountant, marketing expert and solicitor to advise on topics such as the best legal status, how to advertise or draft supply contracts.
• A free nationwide business seminar, clinic and workshop programme. This is designed to help business owners network and gain practical help on relevant challenges such as cashflow management, trading overseas, and business growth. Over 20,000 delegates are expected to benefit from this face to face support this year.
• Business management software that helps business customers complete their account work quickly and efficiently; support their hiring efforts; help back up their business data securely; and avoid late payment and bad debts.