Aviva expansion a huge vote of confidence in Galway's future

Last week, I announced our intention to create an Aviva Centre of Excellence for Galway, resulting in the creation of an additional 220 jobs.

The move was significant, signalling a vote of confidence in Aviva Ireland’s hard-working and dedicated staff and our ongoing commitment to our Galway operation.

We are here for the long haul and we look forward to growing a sustainable and successful business over the coming period.The trading environment is tough for all insurance companies but I am confident that, with the services we are providing in Galway, led by people like Colm Scully, Celine Graham and Des Quinn, Aviva Ireland can continue to serve our 1.2 million Irish customers and build for the future.

The company’s roots in Ireland can be traced as far back as 1780. Since then, the company has frequently changed and updated. Today, as in the past 200 years, we recognise the need to constantly improve our offering; streamline our business; anticipate industry changes; and, position our company to effectively deal with whatever the ever-changing insurance market throws at you.

Late last year, I was appointed chief executive of Aviva Ireland. Since my appointment we have faced challenging times and I have had to make difficult adjustments. These adjustments were unavoidable and necessary to secure Aviva’s future in Ireland.

My focus for the company in Ireland has been on how to plan, develop and realise future growth and expansion.

Our decision to base a new facility in Galway is a key part of that development strategy. It’s both a domestic strategy focused on how can we grow Aviva’s market share in Ireland and also a regional strategy which strives to utilise our existing operations here to allow Aviva in Ireland to broaden its remit into also servicing the larger UK market.

Our new centre of excellence in Knocknacarra is the first tangible component of this approach. Our new 220 employees will be tasked with servicing both new claims and direct sales not just solely for Ireland, as is currently the case, but also for the full Aviva UK market. It’s a major coup for Aviva in Ireland and particularly for Galway.

For more, read this week's Connacht Tribune.