Success In NZ Market Leads To UK Market

2 July 2004

Success In Nz Market Leads To Competitive UK Market

On the back of a very successful New Zealand operation, First Assistance, New Zealand's leading supplier of medical and technical services to travellers has announced an expansion into the United Kingdom.

People living in the United Kingdom (UK) or UK expatriates working abroad can now access the services which have been available to New Zealanders since First Assistance was established in 1992.

First Assistance’s founder and managing director, Murray Berkett, said the United Kingdom was a very competitive market but believed with the expertise and knowledge built up in NZ over the past 12 years the company is well placed to compete and gain significant market share.

“Although initially all assistance work will be driven into our New Zealand operation, our mid-term goal, if the venture proves successful could see us replicate our operation in the UK,” said Mr Berkett. “In the longer term, as New Zealand businesses increasingly focus on Asia and with tourism opening up in China these are other markets that we have our eye on.”

Staff on the ground in the London premises will handle claims, build relationships and manage negotiations with the local network of service providers such as doctors and hospitals. First Assistance was established in New Zealand in 1992 and is now responsible for 65% of the retail travel market. Clients such as Mike Henry Travel Insurance choose to back up their insurance policies with the specialist services of First Assistance.

Rapidly improving telecommunications and computer technology has made it possible for a single organisation such as First Assistance to specialise in being the emergency or after hours contact point for a number of clients operating in the travel, roadside assist, property and contact centre markets. Qualified operators and a worldwide network of service providers, ensure that First Assistance can put the required recovery plans in place with maximum efficiency and minimum cost.

ENDS

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