AT LEAST 70 new jobs will be created as an insurance firm expands its office in Southend town centre. 

Insure and Go, a travel insurance firm based in Warrior Square, has announced an expansion as the business begins to grow following the pandemic. 

The company has been providing insurance and ensuring safe travel for more than 20 years and has covered more than 25million travellers in that time. 

The announcement is a welcome boost to the travel industry in Southend, after Southend Airport confirmed the loss of one in five jobs as a result of Covid.

Councillor Daniel Cowan, who represents the St Laurence Ward, said: “It is fantastic that Insure and Go, a local employer, are growing so significantly and providing 70 much needed jobs here in Southend.

“Having so many new jobs so close to the High Street as well, will have a positive effect on the Covid recovery of local retailers and businesses.

“Southend is a great place to live, study, and work, and it’s encouraging to see the continued investment of Southend-based businesses and I hope to see more companies investing in Southend and seeing Southend as a great place to locate their business.”

The news follows AllClear Group’s recent acquisition of Insure and Go from the global insurance company MAPFRE Asistencia.

AllClear are looking to invest in the growth of Insure and Go and will broaden its customer base.

Chris Rolland, CEO of AllClear Group, said: “Despite a very challenging 18-months for the travel industry, the AllClear Group is gearing up for the bounce-back in the travel sector as British families start planning overseas holidays for 2022.

“Out latest market research suggests the sector could be set for a boom early in the New Year.

“InsureandGo has a long history in Southend, and we are keen to continue to build on that, ensuring the brand plays a leading role in the city, making a meaningful contribution to the prosperity of the region.”