Read about some of the success stories of the Welsh financial services sector, and get an in depth understanding of the kind of benefits companies in the sector have received from their location in Wales and their relationship with the WDA.

Atradius - a global reach from a Cardiff base

Atradius is a global leader in insurance and credit management - protecting customers against the risk of non-payment. It provides credit management services to clients of all sizes and employs around 3, 600 people in 40 countries world-wide. The company's UK headquarters is based in an award-winning building in Cardiff Bay where 580 people are employed.

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Black Horse - a runaway success in Cardiff

Black Horse, provider of consumer lending products, was set up in Cardiff in 2001. The company was created to consolidate 2 of Lloyds TSB Group’s personal finance operations under one unified brand. In just three years Black Horse has gone from success to success delivering over £150 million profit this year, in which the Cardiff operation has played a vital role.

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Composite Legal Expenses: developing a centre of excellence in Cardiff

Established in Cardiff in 1996, Composite Legal Expenses is one of the UK's leading providers of legal expenses insurance. The award-winning company celebrated a turnover in 2003 of £14 million and was fourth in the 2003 Wales Fast Growth 50 list with an increase in turnover between 2000 and 2003 of 1234.8%.

Cox Claims Management: benefiting from a stable environment

Cox Claims Management (CCM) is a claims handling operation that serves the underwriting division of Cox insurance Holdings. Since its acquisition by Cox Insurance Holdings in 1995, Swansea-based CCM has experienced considerable growth and now employs 250 people. The company is currently liaising with the WDA with regard to accessing support for the future growth of the company.

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Creditsafe.com credits its success to Wales

Dutch credit information company Creditsafe.com is one of the real success stories of the Welsh financial services sector. Since setting up in Caerphilly the company has found that the area is an excellent recruiting base for high quality employees. It believes that moving to Wales: "Has been the best strategic move Creditsafe.com has ever made."

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FIRSTPLUS - a success story from a booming region

FIRSTPLUS, provider of personal loans to homeowners, set up in Cardiff in 1997 with the help of the WDA. The company now has over 92, 000 customers and has made over £2.9 billion of loans in six years. It's pre-tax profit has almost trebled in three years, form £26 milliom in 2000 to £68 million in 2003.

Legal and General - maximising Welsh potential

A leading financial services company, Legal and General has more than five million customers and is listed on the FTSE top 50. In 1996 the company expanded from its south east England base to purpose built offices in central Cardiff. The move was motivated by Cardiff's international reputation for a high quality talent pool as well as the practical assistance provided by the WDA.

Principality - a home grown financial giant

Founded in 1860, the Principality Building Society is Wales’ largest independent financial institution. Set up to help Welsh people buy their own homes, the company retains its strong roots in the local community. The Principality has a close working relationship with the WDA and has regular meetings to discuss business opportunities.

Thomas, Carroll Group: Expanding and developing in a growing sector

The Caerphilly-based Thomas, Carroll Group is Wales' largest independent insurance broker. Set up in 1972 the company has experienced continued growth, with premium income figures, between 2001 and 2003 increasing by more than 50% from £12 million to £18.5 million.

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Thomson Financial - informing the financial services industry

Thomson Financial, an operating unit of The Thomson Corporation is a leading provider of information and technology solutions to the worldwide financial community.
Utilizing research reports from over 980 of the world's leading firms and covering more than 30,000 companies worldwide, Thomson Financial delivers in-depth financial sector forecasts and analysis to a global market. Established in 1992 the Cardiff office has expanded several times and employs 90 analysts. Thomson Financial benefits from on-going support and advice from its WDA Account Manager.

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Cardiff gets thumbs up from Yes Loans & Mortgages

Just three years after its formation in Cardiff, rapidly expanding Yes Loans & Mortgages is carving a substantial niche for itself in the growing consumer finance market. The company offers a range of financial services including secured personal loans and re-mortgages for customers across the UK, and has increased its turnover from £300,000 to more than £3-million. Yes now plans to move into new premises and increase its staff four-fold to 120 with assistance from the WDA.

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