Homeserve
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Homeserve PLC is listed on the London Stock Exchange and is a constituent of the FTSE 250 Index. The company’s UK activities include the provision of home emergency insurance policies, “fixed price” emergency repair services and warranty services.
Homeserve’s emergency insurance policies include cover for plumbing and drains, electrical emergencies, gas central heating and gas and water supply pipes. The company also provides landlord’s plumbing and heating insurance for rental properties including the legally required landlord’s CP12 gas inspection and annual safety certificate.
Emergency repair services include gas boilers and central heating, plumbing and drains, electrical breakdown, glazing services, emergency locksmiths and furniture and kitchen appliances repairs.
Homeserve provides carpet cleaning and fire and flood restoration services for domestic and commercial premises through Chem-Dry UK. In 2001 the company launched Doméo, a joint venture in France, and in 2003 Home Service in the USA.
[edit] History
Homeserve was originally part of the South Staffordshire Group until it de-merged in 2004. Formed as a joint venture between Richard Harpin and South Staffordshire Water in 1993, the company was originally branded fastfix. The company first sold plumbing and drainage schemes under the Home Service Scheme brand.
The company also launched, in 2000 (originally as Inter-Partner Assistance, part of the Axa Group) their Home Hotline business, which later became Homeserve Claims Management, based in Preston, Lancashire.
The company has grown through organic expansion and through a series of major aquisitions between 2000 and 2004. It has since grown into a huge company, nearly beating British Gas in the general insurance market. Homeserve's head quarters are located on Cable Drive off Green Lane in Walsall. Homeserve are now one of the biggest employers in Walsall.
