June 5, 2006

NATIONAL INSURER BUDGET DIRECT SETS FIRMER FOUNDATIONS

National insurance provider Australian Insurance Holdings Pty Ltd's signature brand Budget Direct looks set to further cement it's foothold on the Sunshine Coast, securing the last building site available at the Kawana Waters Business Village.

The new 2,200 square-metre three level call centre will house up to 280 staff and according to newly appointed Call Centre Operations Director Gerry O'Shaughnessy, is proof that Budget Direct is committed to staying on the Sunshine Coast.

"It's a very exciting time here at Budget Direct and there's a lot of potential being part of an international group with more than 20 years experience, so we've got the support and knowledge needed to make our continued expansion program successful," Mr O'Shaughnessy said.

Since starting operations in 2000 and moving the call centre to Kawana in 2002, Budget Direct is now one of the largest employers on the Sunshine Coast. They make a substantial impact on the local economy by injecting approximately $15 million annually into the local area and spending $8 million on staff salaries alone.

Mr O'Shaughnessy said that one thing is for certain, that being Budget Direct's need for new recruits.

"Since inception, Budget Direct has only provided motor vehicle insurance, which will change in the second half of this year when we introduce our Home & Contents product." he said.

"We wanted to be known as a reliable insurer before branching out into other major products, and we have definitely achieved this with the call centre currently issuing over 4,500 policies nationally every week.

The introduction of Home & Contents means we are ready to employ more locals and having our own registered training provider means we can offer Certificate III Traineeships in Financial Services, which are recognised nationally."

It's a great opportunity for locals looking for employment or those who may be considering a career change.

"We have quite a diverse group of staff at Budget Direct, ranging from university graduates, mothers who want to get back into the workforce right through to people in their sixties who have decided retirement simply didn't suit", he said.

The new building has been designed by Maroochydore architect Ian Dimond, with completion due by August 2007.