Talbot completes XLRAS implementation

20 October 2006

Talbot Underwriting’s Managed Syndicate 1183 at Lloyd’s has successfully implemented XLRAS, the established reinsurance administration system, developed and supplied by Blem Information Management Ltd. This replaces a legacy in-house system and ensures a more rapid and efficient processing of excess of loss reinsurance recoveries. The new system also provides Talbot with swifter and more in-depth analysis of its reinsurance portfolio.

The process for selecting XLRAS comprised a full tender and evaluation exercise and successful implementation was achieved on budget as a result of close co-operation between the Talbot and Blem teams. Modifications to XLRAS to support Talbot’s particular service level requirements were delivered in order to provide Talbot with the substantial functionality that is required in the specialised field of excess of loss reinsurance.

Gill Langford, Claims Director of Talbot said:

“Having conducted a comprehensive review of our reinsurance requirements , we felt that the Blem product was best suited to our needs and those of our clients. We spoke to other XLRAS users and the references we received were excellent, both in terms of the solution itself and Blem’s support of it We are delighted with our new capabilities and we have already received positive feedback from our clients on the improved service and information quality we are delivering.”

Gavin Blem, Managing Director of Blem said:

“Credit must go to Talbot’s reinsurance team for knowing very clearly what the challenges are in this complex arena and recognising how effectively they could be met by XLRAS. This focus enabled them to commit the necessary time and effort to achieving an excellent implementation. They also raised the bar in a couple of areas, specifying new facilities in an already comprehensive toolset. We are always pleased to oblige and Talbot will continue driving XLRAS enhancements to maintain their top quartile competitive advantage.”

Notes to Editors

Talbot Underwriting Ltd (Talbot) is a wholly owned subsidiary of Talbot Holdings Ltd, which was established in November 2001 by Chief Executive Michael Carpenter and Director of Underwriting Rupert Atkin. Talbot manages Syndicate 1183 at Lloyd’s, with a capacity in 2006 of £307 million.

Talbot focuses on underwriting specialty classes of business in the Lloyd’s insurance market, with strong franchises in marine and energy lines, war, political violence and political risks, direct property, financial institutions, contingency and treaty underwriting.

Talbot Underwriting Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Blem Information Management Ltd (Blem) is an independent and privately owned software house, established in 1987 that specialises in London market reinsurance systems. Gavin Blem, Managing Director and founder of Blem, is the chief architect of XLRAS, their Excess of Loss Reinsurance Administration System.

XLRAS is utilised by companies, syndicates and service providers on more than a dozen businesses, both live and run-off. It has been in daily production use since 1995 and it continues to evolve, meeting ever changing client and market wide requirements. Clients select XLRAS for the depth of its tried and tested functionality, plus its efficiency and intuitive ease of use.