National Friendly, the award-winning Bristol-based health and protection insurer has announced it is extending its partnership with Spark Data Systems Limited, who will continue to deliver and support their policy administration and customer services platform, Odyssey, which National Friendly uses across its range of insurance products.

Spark, an independent software development company, will help National Friendly to become more flexible in its core business by enabling the rapid deployment of product changes and enhancements, which ultimately feed in to the Society’s desire to become more competitive by being more responsive to market needs. The system also brings important benefits to IFA partners through more accurate and faster data reporting, and more rapid payment of commissions.

Graham Singleton, CEO at National Friendly, said:

“We are very pleased to extend the partnership with Spark as a part of our core insurance business. The strategic goal is to combine our industry expertise and growth plans with the support of Spark’s platform development capabilities. We have already successfully launched two new income protection products and will be looking to grow into other areas with the support of Spark. It is also good to continue using Spark, as a business which is local to us.”

Lee Fedder, Co-founder & Director at Spark, said:

“This partnership is a positive step forward for both our organisations, Spark has a clear focus and history of delivering critical solutions in the protection market and we are delighted to cement our long-term relationship for the future. By leveraging National Friendly’s desire to grow their own market share, this new partnership will also allow us to better support the needs of the end consumer.”