reinsurance broking arm of Sedgwick Group, has been implementing a new internal management and reporting structure across its European operations aimed at extending the value-added services delivered to its clients.

SERS includes the group's Bermuda operations, Sedgwick Management Services (Bermuda) Ltd., whose president, Denville Reed, said that the changes are having a wide-ranging effect at the customer end.

Mr. Reed said, "We have been restructuring in Bermuda, as well. We are solving clients' problems, rather than having structures that just reflect an insurance broker.

"The world is changing and we have been planning moves over a long time. But it is probably very timely in view of what's been going on with our competitors.'' The developments are the latest stage in a comprehensive review of the company's strategy and service delivery instigated with the creation of SERS some 18 months ago.

SERS chief executive, David Trezies said, "We recognised some years ago that our markets were facing dramatic change and that our future lay in adding consultancy and outsourcing skills to our recognised strengths in risk programme design and placement.

"We have been building that capability while also investing in the development of our European delivery network. Having analysed our businesses thoroughly and benchmarked the output against client feedback, we believe we have a clear opportunity to become the leading integrated risk solutions provider.

"To realise that goal, however, we are organising ourselves somewhat differently to ensure all of our expertise and specialties are focused with the utmost efficiency on creating and delivering the innovative solutions that our clients need.'' The new structure will be fully in place by November, subject to regulatory approval.

Apart from Bermuda, SERS includes all of continental Europe, Africa, Middle East, Latin America and India.