Press Releases
Winners of the Brand New Claims Technology Awards Announced
Some of the UK’s most talented individuals and companies involved in the development and application of technology for the insurance and legal claims management industries were last week (Thursday 6th May) applauded by their peers when the winners of the inaugural Claims Technology Awards were announced.
Organised by Barker Brooks Media in association with Eclipse Proclaim, the glittering black tie ceremony at the Lowry Hotel, Manchester was hosted by renowned business communication guru Will Kintish. More than 250 professionals from across the insurance and legal claims management industries – from law firms and insurers to claims management companies and medical reporting agencies –gathered to honour the winners and celebrate excellence within the industry.
The winners are:
Most Innovative use of Software (Legal) - Abney Garsden McDonald (for their unique Abuse case type)
Most Innovative use of Software (Insurer) - ARAG Legal Services (for their Gateway system)
Most Innovative use of Software (Claims Management Company) - Merlin Claims (for their Xactware system)
Most Innovative use of Software (Medical Agency) - Premex Services (for their Vu case handling system)
Client Care Award - Questgates (for their QGV system)
Green Initiative - 80e
Rising Star - Robert Illidge of Ralli Solicitors*
Outstanding Team - The Underwriting & Claims Team, ARAG Legal Services**
Outstanding Individual - Heather Batey of REACH***
Chairman of the judging panel, Joe Pendle of ISO, commented: “IT systems are becoming increasingly important in the insurance and claims industries, and the way they are implemented and managed makes an enormous difference to the performance of a business, and its ability to perform well for its clients and claimants.
“The high quality of nominations we have received is testament to the outstanding work being done by people and teams within these organizations.”
The panel of judges consisted of a host of leading industry insiders and representatives of professional bodies providing expertise from across the legal, insurance and claims sectors. The panel comprised: Nicholas Bevan of Enable Law Limited, Don Clarke of Keoghs, Jonathan Gulliford of Co-Op Legal Services, Paul Kitson of Russell Jones & Walker, Alan Nesbit of the Association of Regulated Claims Management Companies (ARC), Joe Pendle of Insurance Services Office (ISO), Eddie Phillips of Equity Redstar, Rob Rowe of Central Law Training and Andrew Twambley of Amelans and InjuryLawyers4U.
The headline sponsor of the awards was Eclipse Legal Systems. Other sponsors included: 80e, ARAG, InterResolve, ISO, Just Costs, Medicals Direct Group, Medicess, i-sign, Rehab Prosthetics, Reach Personal Injury Services, Thorneycroft Solicitors, TSL Consultancy and UKS Medical Diagnostics. To find out more, visit www.claimstechawards.co.uk
As well as honouring hard work and excellence within the claims technology industry the awards also raised over £1,500 for Manchester-based Francis House Children’s Hospice.
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For further press information, please contact:
Jane Burgess
Barker Brooks PR (01423) 851150,
or jane.burgess@barkerbrooks.co.uk
Editors’ Notes
*Robert Illidge of Ralli Solicitors - Rising Star
Having been with the firm for nearly two years as a marketing executive, Robert has made an extremely impressive start thanks to his creative and commercial skills in the use of technology.
His initial role was to update and maintain the firm's client database and make minor changes to the website. However, his own drive and determination led to a notable increase in his responsibilities. Having inherited a somewhat traditional marketing strategy, he soon developed a Web 2.0 strategy for the firm that incorporated social media (including Twitter, LinkedIn and a corporate blog) while improving Search Engine Optimisation and implementing Pay Per Click campaigns. Tangible results have been secured on the back of his excellent work.
2010 will see Robert drive further innovation at Ralli, including a revolutionary iPhone application and the launch of a YouTube channel.
His proactive approach extends into traditional marketing too, and his efforts have helped secure coverage in outlets as diverse as the Guardian and the Daily Mail, BBC Breakfast and Sky News.
**The Underwriting & Claims Team, ARAG Legal Services - Outstanding Team
The ARAG Legal Services Team were recognised for the collective dedication of everyone involved in the development of their innovative systems which put the customer at the forefront of their operations in the ATE insurance and case management spheres.
The knowledge and experience of all key stakeholders – solicitors, software developers, and staff – was essential in the development stage and for maximising the benefits post implementation. Investment in staff and technology has paid dividends for ARAG in recent years, with the gross written premium for ATE risks growing from £1.7m to £10.6m from 2007 to 2009. The firm's overall operating ratio, including provision for unexpired risk, amounts to a very satisfactory 77%. The new systems are also scoring very highly in terms of efficiency and customer satisfaction.
***Heather Batey of REACH - Outstanding Individual
Heather’s innovative approach has been instrumental in helping to rehabilitate many severely brain injured adults and children, and a common-sense but effective use of technology has been central to her efforts. The fact that she carries out treatments in patients’ own homes and not a treatment centre has a number of benefits, including patient comfort and the ability to use all regular household technologies to assist in the rehabilitation, makes her stand out from her peers. Examples of her approach include:
- Text messages, to enable clients to have more independence while still being closely monitored.
- PDAs, for planning and organising and helping with short term memory.
- Facebook, which can open new lines of communication and socialisation.
- CDs and games which aid with cognitive rehabilitation and can be transposed to functional tasks as skill is developed.
- Even the Nintendo Wii is regularly used, helping patients who do not yet have the confidence to attend a gym.
Friday 9 April 2010
Shortlist revealed for the Claims Technology Awards
Some of the UK’s most innovative companies are to be recognised at the forthcoming Claims Technology Awards. The shortlist of nominated companies has now been announced and includes many of the biggest names in the claims sector.
The awards, which have been developed in association with Eclipse Proclaim, aim to acknowledge and reward excellence in the development and application of technology for the insurance and legal claims management industries.
Entries were received from a wealth of individuals and companies involved in all aspects of the claims process; from law firms, insurers and brokers to claims management companies and medical reporting agencies.
The shortlisted firms are:
80e
Abney Garsden McDonald
ARAG Legal Services
Bott & Co. Limited
Chartis Medical & Rehabilitation
Elite Insurance
Goldsmith Williams
Hayward Baker Solicitors
InterResolve
Just Costs Solicitors
Medicess Limited
Mercury Legal
Merlin Claims
MAPS Legal Assistance
Premex Services
Quality Solicitors
Questgates
Winn Assist
The following individuals have also been shortlisted:
Heather Batey of Reach Personal Injury
Robert Illidge of Ralli
James Lowley of Hayward Baker Solicitors
Rob Tonks of Hayward Baker Solicitors
Naomi Wilson of NW Law
The winners will be revealed at a prestigious ceremony and dinner at The Lowry Hotel, Manchester on Thursday 6 May where more than 250 professionals involved with the personal injury, claims management, insurance and rehabilitation sectors will come together to celebrate, network and socialise.
The awards have been organised by Barker Brooks Media, publishers of Legal & Medical and Claims Management magazines, and of conferences and awards ceremonies for the legal and claims sectors. The Claims Technology Awards is the first ever event to recognise and reward excellence in the development and application of technology within the claims process.
The awards are supported by an eminent panel of judges including Eddie Phillips of Equity Red Star; Don Clarke of Keoghs LLP; Andrew Twambley of Amelans and InjuryLawyers4U; and Joe Pendle of Insurance Services Office.
As well as acknowledging excellence in the claims technology sector, the awards will raise money for Francis House Children’s Hospice based in Didsbury, South Manchester.
To book your ticket, please contact Claire Winstanley on (01423) 851157 or claire.winstanley@barkerbrooks.co.uk; for more information, visit www.claimstechawards.co.uk
The awards are sponsored by ARAG Legal Services, Eclipse Proclaim, Insurance Services Office and Premex i-sign. Further opportunities are available to sponsor some of the individual awards. For more information, contact Kate McKittrick at Barker Brooks 01423 851150 or kate.mckittrick@barkerbrooks.co.uk.
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For further press information, please contact:
Jane Burgess, Barker Brooks PR
T: 01423 851150,
E: jane.burgess@barkerbrooks.co.uk