GOLDEN MOMENTS FOR SWISS RE
Swiss Re’s move to Norwich a year ago was expected by many in the local business community to bring a Midas touch to the financial services industry in Norfolk. So there was a gold tinge to the first anniversary celebrations with an Olympic style challenge for hundreds of staff.
The contest, inspired by the performance of Team GB at the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics, recognised exceptional performances and acknowledged them with prizes and a medal ceremony.
As well as the awards for excellence, the day’s activities included a treasure hunt around Norwich with money raised going to the East Anglian Air Ambulance, as voted for by employees.
“This was all about Team Swiss Re,” said Brian McPhail, head of the company’s Norwich operation. “Coming to Norwich has proved a tremendous success for us and it’s all down to the efforts and skills of the team involved. Their contribution has been remarkable.
“This was a key investment in Norwich for us – and it has paid off.”
The arrival of Swiss Re in Norwich last October saw 620 locally based Norwich Union staff transfer their employment to Swiss Re.
The move was part of a deal between the two companies under which Swiss Re became responsible for managing three million life insurance policies on behalf of Norwich Union.
“Major progress has so far been made in realising a number of milestones, forming part of a two-year plan to migrate these policies to Swiss Re’s administration platform,” said Mr McPhail.
“It has been a time for people to seize new opportunities, learn new skills and build relationships. Great care has been taken to ensure that employees’ core values and past experience were incorporated to establish a new Swiss Re working culture in Norwich.”
Soon after the company’s arrival in Norwich, Swiss Re established a liaison committee of Norwich-based employees with the main objective of raising Swiss Re’s profile within the city community and establishing partnerships with local businesses.
The aim was to support community initiatives and activities, encourage employees to volunteer for community and charity groups, plan their own events for local and national charities and organise sporting and social events.
Swiss Re is a leading and highly diversified global reinsurer, operating through offices in more than 25 countries.
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