Hansard today announced the launch of its client Internet functionality, following a successful pilot and a glowing reception from international brokers at its recent Florence sales convention. Hansard clients can access detailed policy information online from wherever they are in the world.

George Petch, principal of one of the premier international financial services groups attending the convention, was part of the client site pilot group: “We introduced client sites as an additional service to our clients and without exception the facility had a great reception. What makes it a great bonus to our clients is the range of information that can be obtained in the form of reports or graphs, it really is thorough”.

“The pilot has been an unqualified success”, said Paul Harwood, Chief Executive of Hansard’s e-commerce arm. “We expected response rates to the pilot of between 10% and 20%, not the enthusiastic 80% that we’ve seen. Incredibly, on some days three-quarters of communications have been client-site related. It’s clear that high-net-worth individuals dealing with international companies expect Internet services along these lines. We now expect to have all eligible clients online by the end of the year”.

Hansard’s client sites are broker driven, ensuring that the financial advisor remains at the centre of the relationship between client and provider. The information available is wide ranging, including graphs of policy growth over time and historic statements as at any time since policy inception. “We were concerned about possible conflicts with existing web sites and aggregation services” said Harwood, “although the three prime characteristics – security, hourly updates, easy access – and the tailored broker package seem to have most convinced that the business model here presents a real route for client and commercial value.”

Hansard continues its trial of the Manx Telecom’s 3G technology, with results due shortly.

For further information please contact David Findlay, Product Support Manager (+44 1624 688227 or david.findlay@hansard.com) or Paul Harwood, Managing Director, Hansard Administration Services Limited (+44 1624 688047 or paul.harwood@hansard.com