Britannia Rescue

Location: Huddersfield

Turnover: £22 million

A leading breakdown recovery company

Britannia Rescue is the UK's fourth largest breakdown recovery company, in terms of customer numbers, and was established in Huddersfield in 1983.

From its town centre-based call centre, the award-winning company coordinates a nationwide independent network of 3,000 roadside technicians as well as having access to a breakdown recovery service throughout the rest of Europe.

A growing organisation

Since the company was taken over by LV= Liverpool Victoria in 2007, the number of customers purchasing Britannia Rescue breakdown cover with their insurance policy is growing. The company has also achieved significant sales through partnerships with major organisations including Asda and Unison. Investing in its people and their skills is key to Britannia Rescue's success.

"The region offers access to an excellent labour pool of educated individuals and around 80% of our 105 employees live within a 3-mile radius. Having developed close links with the University of Huddersfield, we also have the opportunity to attract high quality graduates, many of whom are keen to remain in the area," said Britannia Rescue general manager, Simon Stevens.

With plans to expand its Huddersfield operations to incorporate LV= Liverpool Victoria's growing insurance and financial services, it is anticipated that the workforce will grow by 65% over the next 18 months. To accommodate this increase, the company is relocating to new premises in Huddersfield's Folly Hall development, in summer 2010.

Keen to remain in the town, Simon explained: "We believe that Huddersfield is a thriving town that is going places and we want to be part of that success. By expanding our operations to include insurance and financial services, we're looking to create a 'Centre of Claims Excellence' in the region."

Investing in the community

Britannia Rescue has also invested heavily in the local community. To raise the company's profile among local people, Britannia Rescue has signed a 5-year deal to sponsor a stand at the Galpharm Stadium, which is home to Huddersfield Town AFC and Huddersfield Giants RLFC.