Sugababes to wow top firm’s staff

Mar 20 2008 by Abby Alford, South Wales Echo

THEY have already pocketed thousands in free shares – and now staff at one Cardiff company are getting the UK’s top all-female pop group.

The Sugababes (right) are to entertain Admiral Group employees at a party to mark the insurer’s 15th anniversary.

The chart-topping trio, who have had six UK number one singles, have been booked to perform at the celebration at the Cardiff International Arena next month.

The announcement comes just two weeks after the company gifted its 2,400 staff – of which 1,200 are based in the capital – £3,000-worth of shares each after pre-tax profits shot up by almost a quarter to £182m.

That windfall was the latest in a series of bonus payments for staff, including an average cash and shares payout of £39,000 when Admiral floated on the stock exchange in 2004 and a further £3,000 worth of shares in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

The company, crowned Wales’ best workplace this month, also has a Ministry of Fun that organises entertainment, including the provision of Wii games consoles for use during breaks and cakes and desk decorations when members of staff celebrate their birthday.

April’s pirate-themed party is set to be attended by 2,300 people.

Chief executive officer Henry Engelhardt said: “The party is a thank you to our staff for all their efforts and hard work. We’ve had a tremendous first 15 years, here’s to 15 more!

“It feels fantastic to reach the 15-year milestone. I’m immensely proud of everything we have achieved, especially as a homegrown Welsh company.”

Admiral entered the FTSE-100 index of leading companies in December and continues to grow, recruiting a further 150 staff members in the first two months of this year.

Marketing manager Paula Jones is one of the 15 original staff members who will be attending the party.

She said: “As a fast-growing company there have always been lots of opportunities over the years. I’ve been constantly challenged and it’s never been just about insurance.”

The Sugababes – Keisha Buchanan, Heidi Range and Amelle Berrabah – whose new single Denial is climbing the charts, formed in 1998 and have enjoyed worldwide success.

abby.alford@mediawales.co.uk