MEDIA CENTRE ARCHIVE

Solihull firm teams up with loyalty division of global hotel company to offer improved benefits for customers

Solihull-based credit and loyalty solutions provider, LaSer UK, has teamed up with Marriott Rewards® to launch a new, improved credit card that gives customers the chance to earn Marriott Rewards points faster and enjoy a host of additional benefits.

The new World™ MasterCard® from Marriott Rewards, the loyalty division of international hotel company Marriott International, Inc., has been launched in partnership with LaSer UK, and MasterCard.

The card, which is the latest in LaSer UK’s portfolio of co-branded credit cards, offers 0% on balance transfers for 12 months (on balances transferred within 90 days of account opening) and Marriott Rewards points on all purchases, which can be redeemed for free hotel stays, leisure breaks, airline miles, merchandise and upgrades.

Stephen Hunt, CEO, LaSer UK comments: “This improved card from a prestigious global brand offers better rewards for frequent travellers with a host of benefits. We are delighted to be able to provide such a strong card offer for Marriott Rewards and to expand our strong offering of co-branded affinity cards.”

Ed French, senior vice president, Marriott Rewards, said: "We are excited to offer our UK Marriott Rewards members a credit card that allows them to earn points faster. We know our members look for a card that will provide them with the greatest value and the Marriott Rewards MasterCard from LaSer UK is designed specifically for them."

More information about the card can be found at www.MarriottRewardsCreditCard.co.uk.
 

Notes for Editors:

About LaSer UK
LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and retail finance products. LaSer UK operates as Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK.

The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed 40 years experience of working with UK businesses and consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum. Its operations are UK based with operational centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Everton FC, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, All Saints, Dell, Dixons Retail, DFS, ScS, Dreams, Sharps, Sony, and Ultralase.
For more information go to www.laseruk.com

About Marriott Rewards®
Marriott Rewards is free to join. The program has no blackout dates and members can earn and redeem points at more than 3,500 Marriott® International hotels around the world. Members may also choose to earn airline miles or redeem points for miles with more than 30 airline mileage programs. In addition to hotels and frequent flyer miles, members can also redeem points for merchandise, cruises, car rentals and more.

Marriott Rewards won the 2011 and 2010 Frequent Travel Award and 2009 Freddie Award for “Best Hotel Rewards Program,” and has been named best hotel rewards program by the readers of Business Traveler, Global Traveler, Executive Travel and BusinessWeek magazines.
For more information visit www.MarriottRewards.co.uk

Media Enquiries:
Media enquiries to Tom Leatherbarrow or Peter Hitchman at Willoughby PR on 0121 456 3004 or toml@willoughby-pr.co.uk/peterh@willoughby-pr.co.uk
 

LaSer UK has been shortlisted for two prestigious Card & Payments Awards, for Best Credit Card Marketing Campaign of the Year and Best CRM Programme.

The leading credit and loyalty services provider, which scooped a Card & Payments Award in last year’s ceremony, will once again go up against global card providers Santander, American Express and Barclaycard at the 2012 awards, as well as Co-Operative Bank and Royal Bank of Scotland.

LaSer UK has been shortlisted in the 2012 Awards for Best Credit Card Marketing Campaign of the Year for its Early Bird Campaign with Wolverhampton Wanderers, and for Best CRM Programme for its Flybe Double Points Campaign.

In 2011 it won Best CRM Programme for its successful VIP Customer Campaign with leading ladies fashion retailer M&Co.

Lisa Simcox, Sales and Marketing Director, said: “It is a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted for two awards in such a prestigious ceremony and shows both the quality and strength of our loyalty, data and marketing expertise.”

Sixteen LaSer UK employees formed part of a 15,000 strong crowd of runners that took to the streets of Birmingham on Sunday 23rd October, running 13.1 miles (21km) in aid of our nominated charity Teenage Cancer Trust.

The team was formed as part of the LaSer UK Make a Difference programme, which encourages wellbeing in the workplace and gives employees the opportunity to support charitable causes.

Even though most of the group were new to running and had never taken on anything like a half marathon before, everyone made it across the finishing line in good time and all were still smiling as they crossed it.

Andrea Pullen, Communications Executive at LaSer UK, said: “Crossing the finishing line of the half marathon was one of the proudest moments of my life.

“When I started training three months ago I could barely run half a mile, and for a long time I just couldn’t see how I would ever be able to run 13.1 miles. But I ran the whole half marathon in a time that I’m very pleased with, proving that anyone who sets their mind to something can achieve it!

“The atmosphere on the day was incredible and the supporters lining the streets really put a smile on my face as they shouted encouragement and handed out sweets and water. I’m already making plans to take part again next year as I want to relive the huge high.”

Richard Smithies, sponsor of LaSer UK’s Make A Difference Committee added “It was a fantastic achievement by everybody involved and a further demonstration of what we can achieve through our Make a Difference programme.”

The fundraising brings the total raised so far for Teenage Cancer Trust, which was nominated by employees at the Solihull HQ as the charity of the year for 2011, to £17,640 with many more activities planned throughout the year.

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Notes for Editors:

About LaSer UK
LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products. LaSer UK operates as Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK. 

The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed almost 40 years experience of working with UK consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum. Its operations are UK based with operational centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Everton FC, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, All Saints, Dell, Dixons Retail, DFS, ScS, Dreams, Argos, Homebase, and Ultralase.

For more information go to www.laseruk.com

One of the UK’s leading premium finance providers, Premium First, has rebranded as LaSer UK Premium Finance.

The newly-named provider is part of the LaSer UK group, which has supported partners in the consumer finance sector for 40 years with an extensive range of finance, loyalty and data services.

Richard Welsh, Head of Premium Finance at LaSer UK, said: "LaSer UK Premium Finance is a leading provider of premium finance solutions in the UK and we are committed to delivered innovative, technology-driven services for our partners."

"We have taken the opportunity to rebrand our service to reflect the strength of our growing business. Partners and customers will notice a difference in name but our commitment to service, quality and the latest technology remains."

Leading credit, loyalty and retail finance solutions provider, LaSer UK, has secured a deal to provide point of sale finance services for the UK’s leading fitted furniture specialist, Sharps Bedrooms.

Under the partnership, LaSer UK will provide innovative retail finance solutions that will provide Sharps customers with a convenient and flexible way to spread the cost of their purchase.

With 40 years of working with retailers across sectors including furniture, electrical and home improvement LaSer UK’s ‘Easicredit’ solution has been developed with unique features designed to help retailers increase sales and reduce costs.

Dave Fletcher, Director of Sales for LaSer UK, said: “We are excited to be working with Sharps and to develop the partnership further over the coming months and years. This is a significant win for LaSer UK and we are proud to help Sharps to meet its own objectives, and those of its customers.”

“Our point of sale finance solutions are part of a wide range of products we offer to furniture retailers in what is becoming a strong sector for LaSer UK. Our loyalty solutions and proven, paperless finance solution for e-retailers have also proved popular and we are looking forward to building on our strong credentials in this sector.”

Tim Moore, Marketing Director at Sharps, comments: “In this difficult climate, finance plans are of huge benefit to many customers as they can remove one of the barriers that often stops people from making a purchase.”

“LaSer UK offers competitive APR rates which was a crucial point for us when choosing our new finance provider, particularly given the current market conditions. We are looking forward to working in partnership with LaSer UK to support our business growth.”

As part of its continued commitment to the communities in which it operates, LaSer UK has forged links with Solihull College, working on a number of projects to help bring young people into employment and provide learning opportunities for its employees.

LaSer UK, the credit, loyalty and retail finance services provider, employees more than 500 people in Solihull town centre and is active in its Make A Difference CSR programme. Staff are actively encouraged to get involved in fundraising and volunteering activities to benefit the local community.

Throughout the partnership LaSer UK and Solihull College have worked together providing NVQ training for employees, mentoring programmes and Business Enterprise schemes for students.

In recognition of its support, Solihull College invited LaSer UK to present an award at its celebration of achievement ceremony. Conor Cubitt, Chief Operating Officer, presented the LaSer UK Award to Hayley Cowley who graduated with a Degree in Business, Management and Communications with a distinction.

Conor Cubitt said: “Our Make a Difference programme gives employees the platform to support local communities and organisations, whether volunteering for charitable organisations or taking time to support and mentor local academic and business talent. I was delighted to present the award to Hayley and it was a fitting ceremony for so many young people that have achieved great things at Solihull College.”
 

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Notes for Editors:

About LaSer UK

LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products. LaSer UK operates as Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK.

The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed 40 years experience of working with UK consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum. Its operations are UK based with operational centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Everton FC, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, All Saints, Dell, Dixons Retail, DFS, ScS, Dreams, Argos, Homebase, and Ultralase.

For more information go to laseruk.com

Media Enquiries:
Media enquiries to Tom Leatherbarrow or Peter Hitchman at Willoughby PR on 0121 456 3004 or toml@willoughby-pr.co.uk/peterh@willoughby-pr.co.uk
 

Leading furniture retailer, CSL, has successfully launched LaSer UKs innovative e-commerce solution to enable customers to finance purchases through CSLs websites. The paperless solution combines on line verification and electronic signatures to revolutionise the customer experience.

Dave Fletcher, Director of Sales at LaSer UK, said: “We are delighted that CSL has shown its confidence in this proven technology, which will bring benefits to both consumers and retailers. The customer can expect a richer online experience; delivering the convenience they expect when purchasing on line. For retailers such as CSL, it builds profit through increased speed of decision and reduced administration costs compared to paper agreements.”

Jason Tyldesley, Managing Director of CSL, said: “As part of our focus on multi channel retailing, CSL is endeavoring to mirror our market leading in-store customer experience through our online and direct channels”.

“Our focus on making order execution simple, fast and efficient means that we were extremely receptive to the advantages that e-signature remote credit brings. Our customers can now execute their agreements immediately after approval and we can action their orders immediately, making the process seamless and efficient for ourselves, the customer and for LaSer UK.”

                                                                                                                                ENDS

Notes for Editors:

About LaSer UK
LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products. LaSer UK operates as Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK.

The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed almost 40 years experience of working with UK consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum.

For more information go to laseruk.com

Media Enquiries:

Media enquiries to Tom Leatherbarrow or Peter Hitchman at Willoughby PR on 0121 456 3004 or toml@willoughby-pr.co.uk/peterh@willoughby-pr.co.uk
 

With official figures showing that one in five youths is unemployed in the West Midlands, one Solihull company has laid the gauntlet down to local companies in a bid to tackle the problem.

Credit and loyalty services provider LaSer UK, which employs more than 500 people in Solihull town centre, says business needs to do more to address the fact that 72,000 people aged 18-24 are unemployed in the region. The figure has risen from 45,000 in 2007 and unemployment amongst young people is currently twice the average adult unemployment rate.

As well as developing external links with local schools and colleges to support young people into employment, LaSer UK is promoting mobility through its business – encouraging school leavers and graduates to enter employment and make the most of opportunities to move through the business to forge rewarding, long term careers.

As a local employer, LaSer UK has made a conscious decision to identify the talent of its employees and to create opportunities to tap into their potential.    The company has undertaken a skills audit to recognise skills of its staff and provided development and training opportunities – not just through temporary secondments but also by employing staff in permanent roles in new areas.  LaSer UK also operates a policy of advertising all roles internally to promote career progression and internal mobility.

Last year, LaSer UK demonstrated significant growth with a 10% increase in staff, reinforcing its commitment to investment in people.   LaSer UK’s customer service centre has been the first port of call for many employees who have now progressed to positions in other areas of the company after showing interest, enthusiasm and expertise in other fields.

Stephen Hunt, CEO at LaSer UK, said: “There is a wealth of talent amongst young people in the region and with university tuition fees pricing people out of higher education, business must do its bit to show these people there is an alternative.”
“We have employees that have been with the company for 10, 20, 30 years because they took on a position early on and have been given the support and encouragement to move through the business. Now we are working with local schools and colleges to show young people of today that there are opportunities out there – even if their first position may not be their chosen path for a whole career.”

Hunt adds it’s not just school leavers that need support into business. LaSer UK currently has four graduates who could not find work in their chosen field, so they took on a customer service position in the call centre. Instead of seeing it as a stop-gap they have shown initiative and developed through the business.  The results are of mutual benefit and I would encourage all businesses to look at how they could do their bit to reduce the youth unemployment we have today.
He said: “One particular employee joined our call centre team as an agency temp after completing a Computer Science degree but struggling to find work. He has since moved upwards through the business through series of different analyst roles, taking advantage of our secondment opportunities to gain experience across departments.

“As a management team we’ve made a conscious decision to tap into the potential of our employees.  If those kind of opportunities were not available, and if we as a business had not encouraged the mobility through different departments, many talented people would have left the business. Instead our people can build the career they have always wanted to pursue delivering mutual benefit to both the business and our employees.”

Case study:

One employee who is well placed to talk about the value of mobility in business is Sally Kelly.  She first joined the company in 1983, 25 years ago, as a Payment Clerk when it was known as Sears Financial Services. After a temporary position in IT, she worked in various roles within the Marketing department for three years, before moving into a role within the Systems & Operations Team to implement major systems solutions for the business.  Through working her way up in various roles, Sally was promoted to Head of Systems and today has responsibility for teams across both UK sites in Solihull and Belfast.

She says:  “I think it is important to have the opportunity to move internally. I have worked in many different roles and departments which has given me different perspectives on the business.  The business has seen significant growth which can be challenging and frustrating at times, but always a good business to work in.  It’s the kind of business that if you have the right aptitude you can move around and choose what you’d like to do and drive your career to where you want to go. For a young person entering the business there are so many opportunities and that’s what appeals so much to school leavers, college leavers and graduates.

“When I first joined the company in 1983 things were very different. Now we are part of a team of more than 740 employees with an internal call-centre which is fully integrated into the business. It means a wealth of opportunity for those coming into the business.”
 

                                                                                                                                           Ends

Notes for Editors:
LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products. LaSer UK operates under the Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK companies, providing credit to customers through credit cards and loans.

The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed almost 40 years experience of working with UK consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum. Its operations are UK based with operational centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Everton FC, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, All Saints, Dell, Dixons Retail, DFS, ScS, Dreams, Argos, Homebase, and Ultralase.

For more information go to laseruk.com
 
Media Enquiries:
For media enquiries please contact Peter Hitchman or Tom Leatherbarrow at WPR on 0121 456 3004 or peterh@willoughby-pr.co.uk / toml@willoughby-pr.co.uk
 

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based credit and loyalty services provider has reported strong growth in 2010 and has set a new target to double the size of the business by 2013.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of LaSer UK is optimistic for the future. “2010 was a remarkable year that came from the hard work and focus of everybody in the company. We have achieved a real milestone and now have the breadth of offer and scale in the business to be even more ambitious”.

The year to 31st December 2010 demonstrated significant growth with a 42% increase in sales and 51% increase in balances.

Financial & Operational Highlights

42% increase in sales to £1.2bn
51% increase in balances (level of outstanding credit)
LaSer UK is now the only major credit provider to continue to support clients in the Republic of Ireland
Company sets new objective to double the size of the business by 2013

The strong financial performance has created growth in its operations in Solihull and Belfast. As LaSer UK continues to grow it has recruited new expertise as well as developed the skills of its existing staff. 2010 saw an increase of 10% in staff and considerable investment in technology and new products.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of LaSer UK, commented: “These results demonstrate the benefit of the investments we have made in terms of people, systems and processes, which have delivered new clients, increased sales, reduced costs and lower risk. We have achieved our target of becoming a £1 billion business, a target put in place in 2006, one year ahead of schedule”.

LaSer UK is a business that continues to evolve, developing innovative new products designed to help partners drive sales and customer loyalty. Highlights for 2010 include:

Award winning, paperless e-commerce solution, the first of its kind in the UK marketplace, launched with a world leading online computer and electronics retailer
Exclusive point of sale finance deal secured with Dixons Retail, owners of Currys and PC World
Launch of loyalty and marketing services

Appointed by major insurance provider ChoiceQuote to manage its premium finance facility, making the provision of premium payment fast and efficient
New rewards credit card launched with Maximiles UK

Stephen Hunt, CEO, LaSer UK attributes the success to the diversity of offer and ability to tailor flexible programmes that drive real value for partners. “The business is built around data and a true understanding of how to turn insight into driving sales and customer loyalty. In 2011 the focus remains on profitable and sustained growth supporting partners in growing their business and a continued investment in our business with a strong focus on the rollout of loyalty services”.
 

                                                                                                                       Ends

Notes for Editors:

LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products. LaSer UK operates under the Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK brands, providing credit to customers through credit cards and loans.

The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed almost 40 years experience of working with UK consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum. Its operations are UK based with operational centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Everton FC, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, All Saints, Dell, Dixons Retail, DFS, ScS, Dreams, Argos, Homebase, and Ultralase.

For more information go to laseruk.com

Media Enquiries:
For media enquiries please contact Peter Hitchman or Tom Leatherbarrow at WPR on 0121 456 3004 or peterh@willoughby-pr.co.uk / toml@willoughby-pr.co.uk


 

A team of employees from Solihull-based LaSer UK, a leading provider of credit and loyalty services, has taken a giant leap for charity in a group skydive that raised more than £7000 for Teenage Cancer Trust.

21 members of staff jumped 10,000 feet in Oxfordshire as part of LaSer UK’s Make a Difference programme, which encourages employees to support charitable causes and local communities. 

Funds raised from the skydive will help to support young cancer-sufferers and their families after Teenage Cancer Trust was chosen as the company’s charity of the year for 2011.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of LaSer UK, said: “It was a great day for everyone and one of the most exciting events we’ve done as a company. This was a brilliant chance to get actively involved in helping a worthwhile cause, and we’re delighted that so many employees took up the challenge.”

                                                                                                                                  ENDS

Notes for Editors:

LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe’s leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products. LaSer UK operates as Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK. 
The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed almost 40 years experience of working with UK consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum. Its operations are UK based with operational centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Everton FC, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, All Saints, Dell, Dixons Retail, DFS, ScS, Dreams, Argos, Homebase, and Ultralase.

To find out more about LaSer UK and their Make A Difference programme, visit laseruk.com

Media Enquiries:
For media enquiries please contact Peter Hitchman or Tom Leatherbarrow at WPR on 0121 456 3004 or peterh@willoughby-pr.co.uk / toml@willoughby-pr.co.uk

A Birmingham man who works in Solihull is gearing up to cycle more than 400 miles from Birmingham to Paris in support of Teenage Cancer Trust. Chris Holton, who works for Solihull-based credit and loyalty services provider LaSer UK, will cycle from his Erdington home to the company's global head office in Paris over three days, starting on July 20th.

The cycling fan will arrive in time to see the final stage of the Tour de France as part of his charity trip, which has been planned as part of LaSer UK's Make a Difference programme, giving employees the platform to support charitable initiatives and local communities. Through company and individual initiatives, each member of staff is encouraged to spend one working day fundraising or volunteering in the local community.

Chris said: "I have been doing quite a bit of training; I cycle to work every day and have done for about a year. I have been slowly increasing how far I ride each day and have managed to get my daily round trip to work up to about 45 miles which is about as much as time allows.

"I have been doing longer rides on the weekends, the longest of which was this weekend and was just over 93 miles. My cycle computer said that I had burned 2400 calories during that ride! I generally average around 16 miles an hour but anything over about 14 for the whole journey would be excellent.

"I am very grateful to LaSer UK for supporting me on this trip and giving me the time to pursue something which is very close to my heart. I have lost family members to cancer and I know that charities such as Teenage Cancer Trust are really worthwhile causes so I wanted to do something to help the charity's efforts.

"My target is to raise £800 for Teenage Cancer Trust, which works out to about £2 a mile so I'll be able to count it up as I cycle along. It is a challenging journey but I'm confident my training will pay off."

Help Chris raise well deserved funds for Teenage Cancer Trust. You can donate at http://www.justgiving.com/chris-holton

LaSer UK is part of the LaSer Group, jointly owned by BNP Paribas, the global retail and investment bank, and Galeries Lafayette, Europe's leading retailer. From its Solihull office, LaSer UK provides a range of credit and loyalty services, including credit cards, store cards, loyalty programmes and fixed term credit products. LaSer UK operates as Creation Financial Services, Creation Consumer Finance and Sygma Bank UK.

The company has operations in Solihull and Belfast employing over 740 people and has developed almost 40 years experience of working with UK consumers and currently manages more than 4 million customers and over 200 UK partnerships, financing over £1.4 billion in credit per annum. Its operations are UK based with operational centres in Solihull and Belfast and its current clients include Flybe, Everton FC, Selfridges & Co, M&Co, All Saints, Dell, Dixons Retail, DFS, ScS, Dreams, Argos, Homebase, and Ultralase.

For more information go to laseruk.com

For media enquiries please contact Peter Hitchman or Tom Leatherbarrow at WPR on 0121 456 3004 or peterh@willoughby-pr.co.uk / toml@willoughby-pr.co.uk

LaSer UK, a leading provider of credit and loyalty solutions, has invited clients to attend the
Be Connected event to share a day dedicated to understanding the challenges of the new consumer/ brand relationship. With demonstrations on practical solutions to drive customer loyalty and retention including how to use mobile technology and social media effectively; plus, the opportunity to network with leading industry experts across europe. The event to be held at the Espace Cardin in central Paris takes place on June 30th 2011, 11am - 6.30pm.

With best practice from top international brands including Facebook, Orange, Ubisoft, Renault and Galeries Lafayette, amongst others, attendees will also be able to find out how they can grow their business through innovative marketing and CRM initiatives.

Dave Fletcher, Head of Sales, LaSer UK, commented "we're committed to helping our partners drive sales and customer loyalty through developing innovative new products. This event is a great opportunity to find out more about consumer trends and real life case studies as well as network with European experts".

The event will be held at:

Espace Pierre Cardin
3 avenue Gabriel
75008 Paris

Agenda for the day:

Staff at LaSer UK, a leading provider of credit and loyalty services, celebrated a partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust as all 740 staff across LaSer UK’s two sites in Solihull and Belfast were encouraged to wear a wig to work. 

In celebration of currently having 1,000 apprentices in learning, Solihull College invited David Way, Chief Operating Officer of the National Apprenticeship Service (NAS), to meet the 1,000^th apprentice, Nabeel Hussain.

Electronic signatures, paperless processing and instant credit decisions grow online sales for e-tailers.  An award-winning system for converting online browsing into online sales has revolutionised the way that e-tailers can deliver finance facilities to their customers, processing over 80,000 finance applications since it was launched 12 months ago.

E@sicredit, developed by leading credit and loyalty provider LaSer UK, was the first solution of its kind in the UK market when it was launched with a world leading online computer and electronics retailer in March 2010.

Now a proven solution to grow web sales, the point of sale online finance facility removes the need for customers to post paper proofs of identity or a signed paper agreement, creating an electronic process and delivering a completed credit agreement within ten minutes, compared to the traditional paper based solution that could take up to ten days.

For customers who buy online it offers a much more affordable finance option and better purchasing experience, delivering the convenience and speed they expect when purchasing on line. For the retailer it builds profit through increased speed of decision, reduces drop-outs and reduces administration costs compared to paper agreements.

E@sicredit, which offers customers all of the credit facilities they would see on the high street such as ‘interest free credit’ and ‘buy now pay later’, was developed by LaSer UK using its in house development teams, incorporating the latest digital and security technology. With online spend increasing dramatically and expected to reach 50p in every pound by 2015, the company is now actively in discussion with several of the world’s biggest e-commerce brands and as the regulations change across Europe it is also working with other members of the Laser Group to introduce the solution into other European markets.

Stephen Hunt, CEO, at LaSer UK commented: “The e-signature solution was a major development for e-customers and e-tailers, increasing average order values and converting online sales. It also offers access to fast and secure point of sale credit and reduces credit application timescales from approximately ten days down to ten minutes. 

“Our e@sicredit system is the only proven point of sale online solution of its kind on the market, and has revolutionised the way this business completes online finance applications over the last 12 months. Now we are in talks with more e-tailers who recognise the benefits of this robust, proven system.

“Our strength is our ability to challenge and leverage the fantastic development skills within our business. We challenged ourselves to re-engineer the complete process of advancing credit and deliver a solution that was built specifically with e-tailers and e-customers needs in mind - and we delivered it in March 2010 with over 80,000 agreements now processed. This solution demonstrates how LaSer UK thinks differently and how we respond to the issues our partners are facing.”

Dave Fletcher, Director of Sales at LaSer UK, commented: “Before this point of sale online solution was introduced the e-tailing sector had been hamstrung by the lack of a paperless fixed term credit facility which has often resulted in void transactions. It is not uncommon for customers to go part way through a fixed term credit application online only for them to fail to complete the application, known as a ‘not taken up’. 

“Unfortunately, the e-tailers will often have to pay price comparison websites for the initial click-through lead regardless of whether a sale has actually been generated. This e-signature solution has provided a world leading online business with an easy hassle-free solution for their customers, which has resulted in fewer ‘not taken up’ applications, and we are genuinely excited by the opportunities now that it has been proven with such a major retailer.”

ENDS

Organisers of Solihull Carnival feared that the Carnival would not happen this year due to potential sponsors being thin on the ground but were delighted to be saved at the 11^th hour after two local companies came to the rescue.

LaSer UK and Village Hotel, Solihull joined together to sponsor the event after hearing of the plight of Shirley Round Table and Ladies Circle who jointly organise the event and will provide much needed money to ensure that all the money raised on the day will go to charitable causes.

LaSer UK’s CEO, Stephen Hunt, said, “We were more than happy to get involved in this community event for a second year.  Last year, the Carnival was raising money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, which was our charity of the year, so we were delighted to help. As one of the leading employers in the local area, we are committed to supporting charities and our local community through our Make A Difference programme. We’re proud to be sponsoring this fantastic event again.”

Village Hotel’s, Tony Elvin, said, “Last year the Village Hotel was new to the area and it was great to get involved in community as soon as possible. It felt great to have contributed to such a successful event and we’re looking forward to another wonderful year.”

Carnival Chairman, Steve Graham, said, “Both LaSer UK and Village Hotel are major local companies who are keen to continue putting something back into their community. We approached them for help for the second year running and they were very keen to help. We’re delighted that they will be helping bring Solihull Carnival alive for its 56^th year.”

The Carnival will take place on June 11^th in Tudor Grange Park and will see the return of Bob Wilson’s funfair as well as a varied programme of events in the main arena. There is still time for local groups to take part and they should contact the organisers for more information.

Last year, the carnival raised a whopping £10,000 for local charities and was enjoyed by thousands of people – they hope to repeat the same feat again this year.

                                                                                                                                                ENDS

Notes for the editor

Solihull Carnival is jointly organised by Shirley Ladies Circle and Round Table.

Both organisations organised regular social and fundraising activities and welcome new members aged between 18-45.

Every year Solihull Carnival raises about £10,000 for local charities.

This year the two main charities for this year are still to be announced.

This year’s Carnival is sponsored this year by Laser UK and The Village Hotel. Further details can be obtained from Tony.Elvin@Village-Hotels.com and jayne.licari@laseruk.com

The carnival website is at www.solihullcarnival.co.uk.

Solihull played host to some of the group’s most senior figures as the LaSer management broadcast (Les Rendez-Vous) was recorded in the UK for the first time.

LaSer UK held its first annual Shining Stars Awards this month, recognising the individual and team achievements in the business throughout 2010.

Solihull-based LaSer UK is celebrating a hat-trick of award successes, including coming ahead of American Express, MBNA and Santander to win a prestigious national Cards & Payments Award.

The leading provider of credit and loyalty services, which is one of the biggest employers in Solihull town centre, scooped the coveted award for Best CRM Programme ahead of the international card providers.

LaSer UK was recognised for its VIP customer campaign for retailer M&Co;  an integrated loyalty campaign which identified key customers and offered specific rewards without excluding others.

On the same night, LaSer UK was highly commended in the Midlands Excellence Awards for its revolutionary electronic finance facility, e@sicredit, which offers completed credit agreements in ten minutes instead of ten days. It was also named as a finalist in the Learning & Development category at the same ceremony.

The awards capped a fantastic 2010 for the company, which has doubled in size since 2008 and smashed through its billion pound lending milestone ahead of target in September.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of LaSer UK, said: “We are delighted to be recognised in this way and it shows how far we have come as a company in recent years. Three years ago, with the acquisition of a new business, we were two businesses in two locations with two very different cultures.

“We have worked hard to improve communication within the company and to implement a strong CSR programme which is engrained in the culture of our business – resulting in strong growth of the business and fantastic results. These awards, recognising every part of our business from HR and product development to loyalty and marketing, are a very well deserved reward for everybody involved.”

Dedicated staff at LaSer UK have raised more than £31,000 for Marie Curie Cancer Care’s new Solihull Hospice in a packed year of fundraising activities.

The leading provider of credit and loyalty services, which is one of the biggest employers in Solihull town centre, smashed its target for 2010, focusing on departmental fundraising initiatives as part of its ‘Make a Difference’ CSR programme.

Staff planned and organised a series of events throughout the year including a charity fashion show, team triathlon and seasonal activities around Halloween and Christmas. Three employees even took part in a gruelling trek to climb North Africa’s highest peak, Mount Toubkal in Morocco.

LaSer UK employees chose Marie Curie Cancer Care Solihull as their charity of the year in a vote; a popular initiative to further encourage employee engagement which has been repeated for 2011. The ‘Make a Difference’ programme was launched in 2008 and has generated over £48,000 to support local charities.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of LaSer UK, said: “Everybody is fully engaged in our ‘Make a Difference’ programme; not only as a way to raise valuable funds for local charities but also to increase teamwork and social interaction in the workplace.

 “2011 will see us develop our activities further creating greater opportunities for employees to engage with the local community. We look forward to another great fundraising year after LaSer UK staff voted to support Cancer Research UK as well as continue to support Marie Curie Cancer Care in local fundraising.”

Lynn Wood, Area Fundraising Manager for Marie Curie Cancer Care, said: “We are delighted with the marvellous fundraising efforts of all at LaSer UK. They have been a pleasure to work with and we will use the money raised to continue to provide high quality nursing care to our patients, as well as providing vital support to their families.”

Dedicated staff at LaSer UK have raised more than £5,000 for Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice in a packed year of fundraising activities.

The leading provider of credit and loyalty services, which employs more than 150 people in Belfast city centre, smashed its target for 2010, focusing on departmental fundraising initiatives as part of its ‘Make a Difference’ CSR programme.

Staff planned and organised a series of events throughout the year including a quiz night, karaoke event and seasonal activities around Halloween and Christmas. Members of the team also took part in the Belfast Half Marathon to raise funds.

LaSer UK employees chose Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice as their charity of the year in a vote; a popular initiative to further encourage employee engagement which has been repeated for 2011.  The ‘Make a Difference’ programme was launched in 2008 and has generated over £48,000 to support local charities.

Stephen Hunt, CEO of LaSer UK, said: “Everybody is fully engaged in our ‘Make a Difference’ programme; not only as a way to raise valuable funds for local charities but also to increase teamwork and social interaction in the workplace.

“2011 will see us develop our activities further creating greater opportunities for employees to engage with the local community. We look forward to another great fundraising year after LaSer UK staff voted to support the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children.”

Laura Thomson, Regional Fundraiser for Northern Ireland Hospice, said: “We are delighted to have been nominated as LaSer UK's charity of the year for 2010 and are thrilled to accept this very generous donation to the Northern Ireland Hospice. As a local charity we depend on the generosity of our community and the LaSer UK team has certainly come out in force to support us. 

"It costs approximately £100 for a nurse to provide overnight care for one of our patients in their own home so it really is incredible that LaSer UK has been able to provide 50 nights of hospice care to the adults and children in our community who need it the most. Thank you to everyone at LaSer UK for their tremendous support over the past 12 months and we hope to work with the team again in the future."

The Christmas party season began in earnest for a good cause at a Solihull fashion show which raised over £2,700 for Marie Curie Hospice Solihull.

Solihull-based provider of credit and loyalty services, LaSer UK, has partnered  with Maximiles UK to launch a new rewards earning credit card.  Customers can now earn Maximiles points through online and offline card purchases, as well as still earning points when shopping online through a range of retailers via the Maximiles website.

Stephen Hunt, CEO for LaSer UK, said: “This new partnership demonstrates our flexibility and expertise in creating a partnership programme which really delivers on its objectives. It also goes some way to show our strong capability working with data and loyalty services.

“We’re delighted to welcome Maximiles as a new partner and look forward to working closely with them going forward to provide the best possible solutions for their existing members as well as new members.”

Guy Keeling, Managing Director of Maximiles UK, said: “LaSer UK is our card partner of choice due to their vast experience launching and managing partnership programmes.

Organisers and sponsors of the Solihull Carnival have handed more than £5,500 to local charities from this year's event.

Marie Curie Cancer Care Solihull and HAVING Fun Together each received £2,850 after all donations were collected. Representatives from Shirley Round Table and Shirley Ladies Club joined sponsors LaSer UK and Village Hotel Solihull to deliver the cheques at Marie Curie's Solihull Hospice.

Lisa Simcox, Sales & Marketing Director for LaSer UK, which is one of the biggest employers in Solihull town centre, said: "We were delighted to be able to support the Solihull Carnival this year and it was a fantastically rewarding experience to be able to donate such an impressive sum of money to the charities.

"Employees from LaSer UK and our fellow sponsors, Village Hotel Solihull, really got on board with the event and the organisers did a great job in making the event such a success. We're already looking forward to next year's carnival."

Solihull-based LaSer UK has smashed through its target to lend £1 billion pounds, doubling the size of its business in three years.

The company, which operates a range of credit and loyalty schemes including credit cards, store cards, gift cards, loyalty programmes and point of sale loans to major national brands including DSGi, Flybe, DELL, Dreams and DFS, has enjoyed an outstanding summer of activity - topping £100 million in sales for the second month in a row and resulting in a 40% growth on last year.

LaSer UK employs over 450 people in Solihull and 150 in Belfast, operating under the consumer trading names Creation Consumer Finance, Creation Financial Services and Sygma Bank UK. It has benefited from a succession of new business wins, including the appointment as sole supplier of fixed term credit to DSGi, the international electrical retailer whose portfolio of 670 stores includes Dixons.co.uk, Currys and PC World.

Stephen Hunt, chief executive at LaSer UK, commented: "We forecasted that we would go through the £1 billion milestone towards the end of 2010, but the outstanding summer of new business wins and product launches has enabled us to beat our own forecasts a full four months ahead of schedule.

"We are now reaping the benefits of the hard work of the last three years, which have seen us develop industry-leading solutions and an outstanding team of people across all areas of our business - attracting the strong backing of UK retailers. Most importantly our success will enable us to create 120 new jobs in the West Midlands this year and the momentum we have generated will see us develop our products and services even faster with the aim of doubling the size of our business once more."

Three colleagues from a Solihull firm are geared up for a gruelling Morocco trek after a charity ball held in the borough helped them smash their fundraising targets.

Nichola Rider, Laura Thornton and Leanne Morgan all work at LaSer UK, a leading provider of credit and loyalty services, based in Solihull. They will fly out to Morocco on 23rd September for the High Atlas Mountain Challenge in support of Marie Curie Cancer Care.

The girls will be among 12 trekkers taking up the challenge to raise funds for a Marie Curie Hospice in Solihull, climbing North Africa's highest peak, Mount Toubkal.

They reached their fundraising target of £6,000 after a series of activities including cake, samosa and book sales, dress down days and direct sponsorship from family, friends and colleagues. The charity ball, which attracted 72 people to the Corus Hotel Shirley, raised £1,067 alone and included a raffle which raised over £600.

Nichola said: We have worked hard to reach our fundraising targets and we're now really excited to get out there and start the trek. We've been lucky enough to pull on the support of our family, friends and colleagues and it would not have been possible without all the help weve received. LaSer UK gives all its employees the power to support local charities and communities - and they've supported us all the way.

Solihull-based LaSer UK has recruited 80 new employees after securing a major four year contract to provide point-of-sale finance for leading electrical retailer DSG international (DSGi), owners of Currys, PC World and Dixons.co.uk in the UK.

The leading provider of credit and loyalty programmes, which employs more than 600 staff and finances over £1 billion in credit per year, will provide fixed term credit at all 670 of DSGi's UK stores, including Currys, Currys Digital and PC World, with immediate effect.

The new recruits will join LaSer UK's customer service, marketing, sales, risk and finance teams based in Solihull. LaSer UK will offer fixed term credit to DSGi's customers under its consumer trading name, Creation Consumer Finance, at all 670 DSGi stores. The deal also follows recent contract wins to supply similar consumer finance options for furniture stores Dreams and DFS.

Stephen Hunt, Group Managing Director at LaSer UK, said: "This fantastic win continues the exceptional growth that we have been experiencing over the past two years. Our innovative solutions, strong backing and the determination of my team to succeed has created a business that will lend over £1 billion in 2010, creating over 120 new jobs in the region. "DSGi is the UK's leading electrical retailer and the confidence they have shown in introducing our products into 670 of their stores demonstrates the strength of our offer."

John Kaye, Group Payment Services Controller for DSGi, said: "Customers are at the heart of everything we do, and we want our credit offer to keep pace with all the other work we have been doing on improving the in-store shopping experience. We've been impressed with LaSer UK's collaborative style, flexibility, and enthusiasm for innovation, and we are really looking forward to working with the LaSer UK team."

Electronic signatures and paperless processing increases sales for retailers and a better experience for their customers.

LaSer UK has revolutionised the way that e-retailers can deliver finance facilities to their customers. By building on its leading in store credit system, LaSer UK has developed a new solution for the increasing number of retailers that are selling big ticket items on line.

The revolutionary new system, called e@sicredit, removes the need for customers to post paper proofs of identity or a signed paper agreement as this is all done electronically.

E@sicredit delivers a completed credit agreement within ten minutes, compared to the traditional paper based solution that could take up to ten days.

The impact to consumers is a much better purchasing experience delivering the convenience and speed they expect when purchasing on line.

For the retailer it builds profit through increased speed of decision, reduces drop-outs and reduces administration costs compared to paper agreements.

The e-signature solution went live in May with the world's leading computer specialists, offering customers all of the credit facilities they would see on the high street such as "interest free credit" and "buy now pay later".

The system has been developed by LaSer UK using its in house development teams, incorporating the latest digital and security technology.

Stephen Hunt, CEO, at LaSer UK commented: "The e-signature solution is a major development for e-customers and e-retailers, offering access to fast and secure fixed-term credit and reducing credit application timescales from approximately ten days down to ten minutes.

Sixteen teams of dedicated fundraisers from a local company plan to build on their association with charity activity by competing in a triathlon to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care in Solihull.

The participants, employees of Solihull-based LaSer UK a leading provider of credit and loyalty programmes, plan to tackle this event, which has been organised by the company's sales and marketing team, in teams of three as part of a year-long plan to encourage fundraising activities in the workplace.

The triathlon commences on Monday 7th June at Tudor Grange Cycle Track, and will continue with both swimming at Tudor Grange Leisure Centre and running at the Norman Green Athletics Track on Thursday 10th June.

Lisa Simcox, Sales & Marketing Director of LaSer UK said: "We are keen to raise as much money as possible for Marie Curie, which has been chosen by our staff to be our designated charity for 2010. Our 'Making a Difference' programme which encompasses our approach to community and social responsibility has really engaged employees from various departments across the business, who enjoy having fun for a great cause."

"It's pleasing that so many of our budding athletes signed up to take part. We hope that this event will play its part in a successful year of fundraising for Marie Curie."

Financial & Operational Highlights

• 35% increase in sales to £850m
• 31% increase in balances (level of outstanding credit)
• Strong growth in financing of large ticket items in consumer retail finance (up 54% on 2008)
• Significant growth in credit card sales (up 20% on 2008)
• On track to be a billion pound business in 2010
• New employment created for 50 in 2009 and plans for 120 more by end 2010

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based credit and loyalty business, has reported strong growth in 2009 and is confident of becoming a billion pound business in 2010.

The year to 31st December 2009 demonstrated a 35 per cent increase in sales and a 31 per cent increase in balances. In particular, the company reported strong growth in its consumer retail finance (up 54 per cent) and significant growth in affinity credit card (up 20% per cent) business lines.

Stephen Hunt, Group Managing Director for LaSer UK, commented: "Our success this year has come after a number of years of heavy investment in our business to make sure that we had the best infrastructure and products in the market. Despite the severity of the economic downturn we have continued to invest and grow our product range and our customer base.

"Being owned by BNP Paribas, ranked fourth in the Global Banking World and Galeries Lafayette, the largest department store group in France, we have been able to continue to invest and support our clients through very difficult times."

Recycled furniture from a major Belfast office refurbishment has been donated to needy children in the city and 2,000 miles away in Romania after being split between two worthy causes. LaSer UK, the leading provider of credit and loyalty programmes, has donated chairs and desks from its recently refurbished Belfast office to the Eschol Trust and Northern Ireland Children's Hospice, which has been nominated by employees as the company's charity of the year 2010.

The company operates a 'Making a Difference' programme, which encompasses community and social responsibility and encourages employees to get involved in charity initiatives in the workplace.The donations, part of LaSer UK's commitment to charitable causes, follows a significant investment in the new, state of the art office refurbishment.

Employees marked the refurbishment with a ceremony at the office on Upper Queen Street, which employs more than 150 staff. Stephen Hunt, group managing director of LaSer UK, said: "This investment is a real demonstration of our commitment not only to our own staff, but to the community in which we operate. We have invested heavily in the last few years and we are delighted to be able to upgrade the Belfast office and help out two worthy charities in doing so. I'm confident it will be a fantastic environment for people to work in."

LaSer UK's Belfast operation was formerly known as Open and Direct Retail Services (ODRS) until an acquisition in 1996. The company, which offers consumer credit and fixed term loans under its consumer trading name, Creation Financial Services, currently finances over £800 million in credit per year.

The 2010 Solihull Carnival has been branded a "great success" by organizers and sponsors with nearly £11,000 raised for charity.

The Carnival, which took place in Tudor Grange Park with a procession down Solihull High Street, enjoyed excellent weather and huge crowds. Activities in Tudor Grange Park included dance acts, a family sports day and a host of stalls alongside Bob Wilson's Fun Fair.

The centerpiece of the day was Solihull's very own Carnival's Got Talent with a host of singing and dancing acts, which left the judges with a very difficult choice, before Emily White from Solihull eventually triumphed.

Early indications show that the Solihull Carnival has raised nearly £11,000 for charities in the Solihull area, including Marie Curie and HAVING Fun Together, a Solihull Hearing And Visually Impaired Needs Group.

Nicholas Waites, Carnival Chairman, commented: "I would like to thank all of the people who attended the Carnival and the main sponsors LaSer UK, Village Hotel Solihull and Bob Wilson's Funfair, who made it possible to raise this amazing amount. Thanks also go to the Carnival Committee who put in many months of hard work into the organisation of the Carnival to make it the success it was. I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as the organisers did and look forward to you attending next year."

Lisa Simcox, Sales & Marketing Director of LaSer UK commented: "It has been a wonderful experience to be involved in the Carnival and to see first-hand, as a judge on Carnival's Got Talent, the tremendous skill and enthusiasm of all the performers. As a local company we draw many employees from the Solihull area and believe it is important that we support local initiatives and events like the Carnival. I am very much looking forward to next year."

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based leading provider of credit and customer marketing programmes, has appointed Derek Pinches as its new Head of Collections to oversee the management and development of its recently in sourced Collections functions.

Derek joins on the back of back of £1million investment in collections centres at LaSer UK's Solihull and Belfast offices. He previously held a number of senior positions at The Royal Bank of Scotland Group, within call centres, collections and recovery operations and will be accountable for LaSer UK's collections operation, overseeing 96 staff at the company's Solihull offices.

Stephen Hunt, group managing director of LaSer UK, commented: "With the massive growth in our business and our plans for future growth it is exciting to have someone with Derek's background and experience to join our team."

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based leading provider of credit and loyalty programmes, has strengthened its marketing team with two senior appointments.

Lynn Montgomery joins as Head of Marketing after working for 20 years in the UK Credit Card industry and as a Management Consultant, while Emma Walkley joins from Santander UK (Alliance & Leicester) as Head of Product Development.

Lynn has held a variety of senior marketing positions in a number of the top five banks including Barclaycard and Lloyds Group, along with market entrants Egg. She has extensive experience in marketing strategies to increase customer engagement and product holding and will be responsible for developing our customer portfolio.

Emma, who has worked in marketing and product development with Santander UK, Alliance & Leicester and Barclays Bank, will lead the development of new innovative and creative products and propositions to further increase LaSer UK's portfolio of solutions.

Lisa Simcox, Sales and Marketing Director said: "We have ambitious plans for future growth and it is exciting to have Lynn and Emma join us with their outstanding backgrounds and experience. They will make a significant contribution to the continued development of our business and we are delighted to have them on board."

Solihull based consumer credit company LaSer UK has been appointed by major insurance provider ChoiceQuote to manage its premium finance facility.

LaSer UK, which employs over 600 staff in Solihull and Belfast will support ChoiceQuote in offering customers the flexibility to pay in monthly instalments - making the process of spreading the cost of premium payment fast, efficient and error free. The contract was awarded after a competitive four-way tender process.

Stephen Hunt, Group Managing Director at Laser UK, said: "LaSer UK and ChoiceQuote both share a commitment to achieving the highest quality of customer service and we are looking forward to working closely with them, working together to provide a seamless premium finance facility for customers. We are excited to be part of the ChoiceQuote success story and look forward to supporting its continued growth."

Cathie Bruce, Managing Director of ChoiceQuote, said: "LaSer UK demonstrated expertise and professionalism throughout the tender process. They acted on the brief they were given, listened to what we wanted and then proved themselves to be flexible and agile in responding to our needs.

"We aim to offer all of our customers a smooth and efficient process when purchasing insurance and LaSer UK will support us in this whilst enhancing operational efficiencies."

Two teams of fundraisers from one local company went the extra mile by running the Belfast Marathon relay to raise money for the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.

The runners from LaSer UK, which employs 150 people in Belfast, raised a combined total more than £500 as part of the company's commitment to encourage charity activities in the workplace.

More fundraising activities will take place throughout the year as employees at the leading provider of credit and customer marketing programmes have nominated Northern Ireland Children's Hospice as their charity of the year for 2010.

Stephen Hunt, Group Managing Director at LaSer UK said: "It was fantastic to get so many people involved - particularly those who were new to running - and we are delighted with the amount raised.

"As a company we are firm believers in putting the 'fun' into fundraising and by giving employees the power to nominate their preferred charity and suggest their own fundraising activities, we find it makes a real difference to team morale."

A packed year of fundraising activities by dedicated staff at LaSer UK has raised more than £5,000 for Action Cancer.

Employees at the leading provider of credit and customer programmes, which employs 150 people in Belfast, organised a series of charitable initiatives throughout 2009 including games and themed events. The money raised will help the Belfast based charity continue to carry out their vital work across the country, helping to save lives and support people affected by cancer.

Conor Cubitt, Operations Director at LaSer UK, said: "Through our Making a Difference program we are committed to using our resources to support local charities and I am delighted at the support and enthusiasm our employees have shown for our charity activities - the final total is evidence of our commitment. We are thrilled with how much money we have raised and happy to know that it is all going towards a great cause."

Kerry McCrea, Corporate Fundraising Officer at Action Cancer said: "I would like to extend my thanks on behalf of Action Cancer for the funds raised by LaSer UK. Action Cancer is an entirely local cancer charity working to save lives and support people. 40,000 people in Northern Ireland are living with a cancer diagnosis and the funds raised help our charity to continue our detection, prevention and support services."

Through the Make a Difference programme, LaSer UK employees nominate a local charity every year. The 2010 LaSer UK charity is Northern Ireland Children's Hospice and similar fundraising activities will be taking place. In addition, each department is taking part in their own programme of events to raise money for the hospice.

Conor Cubitt is hoping for another successful year of fundraising. "Last year we set the standard with an impressive total and I have no doubts that we can reach that once again. The staff are already planning and everyone is very keen to get started."

LaSer UK, the Solihull-based leading provider of credit and customer marketing programmes, has appointed Lynda Brennan as its new Head of Human Resources.

Brennan joins LaSer UK, which is owned by global investment bank BNP Paribas and leading retailer Galeries Lafayette, from Sitel, the global leader in business process outsourcing for customer contact centres, where she was Vice President for Human Resources in the EMEA. Prior to this she was Human Resources Manager for Client Logic, which merged with Sitel in 2007.

Brennan has extensive experience in developing human resources strategies for complex, multi-site operations, organisational design, cultural change programmes and post-acquisition integration.

Stephen Hunt, Group Managing Director of LaSer UK commented on the appointment: "Our business has expanded massively over the last three years from 150 people based in a single site to a multi-site operation with over 650 people."

"Our investment in people is critical to our continued success and Lynda's appointment is an exciting development as she brings outstanding experience to her new role, particularly in the area of developing employee engagement and creating winning teams. It will prove vital in helping us to continue to build a business that creates a fantastic working environment."