An Andover based insurance broker has announced a reorganisation programme that will result in job losses at the company.

Be Wiser employs 280 staff across sites in Andover and Swindon, and connects customers to insurers that suit their needs. A month-long restructuring process has been announced, which will see mostly back office and support staff affected.

A spokesperson for the company said it was not yet known how many jobs in Andover would be at risk. The company added that it would do everything it can to support those affected, including redeployment where possible.

The company has been affected by the pandemic, especially by hits to its motor insurance brokering as individuals stay at home during multiple lockdowns and tier restrictions.

Be Wiser CEO, Jeff Brinley, said that the pandemic had been “challenging” for Be Wiser and for UK broking in general.

“This has encouraged us to accelerate our transformation plans,” he said. “Our top priority is to maintain our reputation for exceptional customer service, and my aim is to strengthen our customer operation for the future.

“The motor insurance market has been badly hit by this most recent series of restrictions. Our renewals business is holding up well, but new business across the market has been impacted by the fact that fewer people are driving.

“Re-configuring our business operation will enable us to protect ourselves today in order to grow and prosper tomorrow.”

As a result, it is looking to restructure itself, which it says will allow it to be in “the best possible position to benefit from the anticipated economic upswing later in the year.”

A full staff consultation process will begin shortly and will last a month. The number of roles at risk won’t be finalised until the end of the month-long staff consultation process, with those affected working mainly in the back office and support functions.

Jeff Brinley said: “We need to reconfigure Be Wiser now so that we are ahead of the game and ready to make the most of market conditions when the market bounces back,” he said.

“It’s never easy to take these difficult decisions that impact on our people, especially in such uncertain economic times.

“We will do everything we can to support those affected, including redeployment where that’s possible.”