Corporate healthcare firm Healix Health Services is to expand its presence in Bristol just nine months after opening an office in the city, creating more than 50 jobs as it prepares for its most successful year to date.
The firm, which was launched in 1992, acts as a third-party medical claims administrator in the UK for domestic and international insurers as well as around a fifth of all UK self-insured corporate healthcare trusts.
It opened a base in Bristol as its first regional office last December with four staff, saying the move was in line with the growth in demand for its services.
With its turnover increasing by more than 80% in the past 18 months, it has now relocated the office from Broad Quay House in the city centre to 3 Temple Quay, pictured, which has capacity for more than 75 employees, as its growth gathers pace.
As a result, it plans to create 50-plus jobs over the next year.
Healix, which has its head office in Esher, Surrey, is a pioneer in developing corporate healthcare services for employees and their families.
Backed by clinical expertise, it operates a health trust model, an approach taken by more than 40% of FTSE 100 businesses. Its clients include DMGT, the media group and owner of the Daily Mail and MailOnline, oil giant BP and the bsi (formerly the British Standards Institution).
It said its growth was as a direct result of increasing pressure on the NHS post-pandemic and the need for a more cost-effective alternative to private medical insurance (PMI).
Its expanded Bristol-based team will include health claims assessors, who will be responsible for the delivery of a quick and effective claims management service for trust members.
Trust administration will continue to be managed on a wider level from the company headquarters.
When it opened in Bristol last December, Healix said it had chosen the city for its first satellite office due to its strong reputation for excellence in customer service as well as the opportunity to work with two respected universities that provided access to an extensive talent pool.
Announcing the office relocation this week Healix chief executive Ian Talbot, pictured, said: “We’re thrilled to have expanded into Bristol after experiencing record growth for our services.
“It’s currently a challenging period for both businesses and individuals as the cost of living crisis continues to bite.
“This means our services are becoming increasingly important for employers, who must ensure they are offering benefits that prioritise employees’ wellbeing.
“At the same time, NHS waiting lists have reached record levels, leading people to look to their employers for healthcare support.
“Bristol has a strong reputation for business and will give us access to two reputable universities, providing an unrivalled opportunity to work with top talent in the region.
“We’re looking forward to creating partnerships in the city that will ensure the teams’ continued success throughout 2023.”
Healix director of operations Sharon Burgess, pictured, added: “Our next recruitment drive is focused on a blend of technical proficiency, related experience and adaptability, coupled with a strong growth mindset and a solid culture fit.
“The move to new offices is important to us. We are new to the Bristol market and growing our presence rapidly.
“Starting with just four staff, we have quickly grown to over 30 and expect to reach a 120 head count by August next year.
“The new office marks a key point in our growth strategy and a commitment to the Bristol market.
“Our new offices have boosted the morale of the employees who appreciate having such great offices to work from each day.”
The new office includes an open plan meeting area complete with ergonomic workstations and employee break out rooms.
Healix, the UK’s largest medical Third Party Administrator (TPA), has won the Best Healthcare Trust Provider Award in the prestigious annual Health Insurance Awards seven times over the past eight years and holds ‘Best Companies’ and ISO27001 accreditation.
