Western Provident Association

Western Provident Association is one of the UK's largest private medical insurers, with over 400,000 customers throughout the UK and is recognised internationally as a truly world-class organisation. Rated by the Department of Trade & Industry and the Confederation of British Industry as one of the UK's Top 100 Companies, it was also identified as one of the Top 100 Best Employers in the Sunday Times 2004 Awards.

The company relocated their headquarters from Bristol to the Blackbrook Business Park, Taunton in 1992. Currently the company employs 300 people on the Taunton site.

This is what Julian Stainton, the Chief Executive of Western Provident Association (WPA) had to say about their move to Taunton during a recent interview.

Was moving to Taunton from Bristol a good thing?
‘Yes absolutely ‘

Has the business prospered since moving?
‘Yes. It has gone from adequate to world class. WPA is now recognised as one of Britain's top 100 employers and is one of only 24 BSI Gold standard companies in the world'.

Did the change of location increase the efficiency of
your workforce?
‘Yes'.

Was it getting the work-life balance right for your staff, which helped make that difference?
‘Yes definitely. The improvement in the general quality of life created a better work life balance for our people'.

Is Taunton a good place to live?
‘Yes. I cannot think of anywhere better to relocate to.
As I said it is possible to get the work balance right in Taunton, so people come to work ready to work'.

Does the local labour force fulfil your requirements? Can you find the people, with the right skills you need, in the local labour force ?
‘Yes easily'.

Is the local labour force well educated? Are the Schools fit for your children?
‘Yes and yes. The local schools (both state and independent) do very well in the regional / national league tables etc'.

Are the transport links to the rest of the country good?
‘Yes. Under 2 hours to London by rail. Easy access to M5/ Motorway Network. About 50 minutes to Bristol and less to Exeter. Some staff commute from South Bristol or Exeter'.

WESTERN PROVIDENT ASSOCIATION (WPA)
Rivergate House
Blackbrook Business Park
TAUNTON
TA1 2PE

Tel: 01823 625000

Website: wpa.org.uk

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