FAST-expanding Gwent specialist insurance broker Quote Detective is on the trail of new recruits after revealing plans to boost its workforce by half by the end of the year.

Quote Detective, which currently employs 38 people at its head office at Mamhilad Park Estate, Pontypool, is looking to boost that number to nearer 65 by the end of this year.

Quote Detective chief executive David Harlow said: “Quote Detective is a phone based insurance business. We have plans to boost our workforce up to 50 by Easter 2018 and to 70 by this time next year.

“We have an immediate requirement for a dozen new staff to start immediately. We’ve negotiated terms with new insurers and improved terms with existing insurers which means that we are now even more competitive and therefore require additional staff to cope with this demand.

“The staff we have recruited for the business from the local pool have all been excellent. We’re now looking to repeat this process filling nine new sales positions and three customer service positions with candidates who have a good work ethic, determination and a positive attitude.”

Mr Harlow said Quote Detective is keen to spread itsrecruitment net as wide as possible in the local area by making working conditions as flexible and thus as attractive as they can.

“At a previous company I ran in Cwmbran I found that there were many workers, parents in particular, who were unable to commit to full-time hours but nevertheless wanted employment. We offered flexibility and found that the candidates we managed to attract to be of excellent quality. We offer full training and all our managers are promoted from within.

“Prospective Quote Detective employees need good work ethic, basic numeracy and bags of ambition.”

Sian Ralph-Pearce, aged 41, of Griffithstown, near Pontypool, has worked as head of service and quality at the firm since March 2017.

She said: “I’ve worked in the insurance industry since 2008. I started working as a customer service agent progressing to supervisor and then assistant CS manager. I progressed to complaints and cancellations manager, so I have a vast knowledge of different roles within the business.

“I enjoy and appreciate the opportunity that this job has provided me. And to also be able to work alongside directors with a wealth of knowledge and experience, that I both admire and respect. Under their guidance I hope to develop and progress my current skill set even further.

“We value our staff and encourage them to progress and become experts within their areas. Our aim is to create an environment where our staff feel valued, enjoy coming to work and feel rewarded for their efforts.

“We are looking for hardworking people with a can do attitude that enjoy helping others and enjoy working as part of team. A good telephone manner along with good communication skills are also key within this business.

“Any individuals with above attributes that are looking for the opportunity to develop and progress within the insurance industry should apply as they will thrive in this environment.”

Nathan Hewitt, aged 26, from Cwmbran, worked in insurance for five years before securing a position with Quote Detective last year.

“I worked at Insure Your Motor for four years where I learned all aspects of the company within the banking, administration, cancellations and sales departments. More recently I worked at First Utility; my role was to collect outstanding payments from customers.”

The former Fairwater High School, Cwmbran student said: “There are many opportunities here to progress. I started as a sales advisor and quickly progressed to team supervisor with hard work and dedication.

“I enjoy working here because it’s a company which believes in its values and its staff. This is a company which prides itself on going the extra mile for the customer and providing an excellent customer journey. I’m proud to be part of what we’re building here.

“I work on a rota basis and I’m given my hours in advance, I’m usually putting in extra hours to continue to help push the company forward, however Quote Detective has always helped if I have needed to change my hours or have time off to spend with my young daughter.”

The insurance broker outgrew its premises at Cwmbran’s Springboard Innovation Centre and is now established in 4,000 sq ft of space at Johnsey Estates-owned Mamhilad Park Estate with an eye to securing more onsite office space.

It is owned by Next Risk solutions Ltd. The business works with leading businesses in the world of insurance broking and online quote comparison sites.