News articles

Target secures funding to support growth & service delivery

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 06:42:01 GMT

Target's business remains focused on the financial services sector, providing loan and structured savings outsourcing solutions, and hosted and licenced software solutions. The additional capital invested in the business will facilitate continued growth through systems and service development.

Grant Hawkins, previously executive chairman, takes a new role as a non-executive director and retains a material shareholding in the business.

In recent years Target Group has deepened its product and service capability and broadened its customer base significantly. This was endorsed recently with an improved servicer rating of 'Above Average' by Standard & Poor's.

"This investment marks the start of another exciting chapter for Target which will benefit both existing and new customers" said James Rudolf, group managing director, Target Group.

Lindsey McMurray, head of the Equity Finance division of RBS Asset Management Limited said "We are delighted to be investing in Target. Its track record of delivery and first class client base are an excellent launch pad for further growth. We believe that the financial services outsourcing and software markets have great potential. This investment fits our strategy of backing high quality, growth focussed businesses."

FST Media Future of Insurance Conference 2012

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 01:35:52 GMT

Target Harlosh was a Support Sponsor and Exhibitor at this event.

With more than 400 insurance executives in attendance, the conference organised by FST Media focused on technology and innovation for the insurance industry and included sessions on: data intelligence, the consumerisation of technology, service-oriented architecture (SOA), virtualisation, customer-led design, digital channel innovations and risk management in response to natural disasters.

At the conference we showcased new innovations with our IF Channel solution - including new mobile channel capabilities - and also our IF FullCycle, end to end policy administration solution.

IF Channel rapidly enables the addition of new channels to your business; providing the underwriting, rating and white labelling flexibility that you have come to expect from a next generation solution - without the need to replace your existing policy administration system.

We also ran a prize draw at our stand, for the chance to win the New iPad (3rd Generation). The winner selected from a draw of over one hundred was Melanie Kneale of nib Health Funds.

Talent and capital need for Australian insurance industry

Sun, 11 Mar 2012 21:26:59 GMT

Target Harlosh was Principal Sponsor of this event.

At the event, guest speaker Robert Scott, Managing Director, Wesfarmers shared his views on the latest economic and business outlook for the insurance sector, and the challenges and opportunities Australia faces in 2012 and beyond.

John Heath, Editor, InsuranceNewsAustralia.com covered the session in his recent newsletter article; Talent And Capital Need For Insurance:

"Attracting talented people and capital are two of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Australia's insurance industry. These factors are added to the requirement for the industry to do better at engaging and educating the public and at working with governments to set program and spending priorities."

To read more click here

About Robert Scott
Robert Scott is the Managing Director of Wesfarmers Insurance and on the Executive Committee of Wesfarmers Limited. He is also Chairman of Lumley General New Zealand.

Rob joined Wesfarmers Insurance in May 2006 in the role of Executive General Manager - Strategic Development. Prior to this, he was involved in M&A and Business Development at Wesfarmers Limited.

Rob worked for Wesfarmers in 1993/94. Before rejoining the company in 2004, he held senior positions in the investment banking division of Deutshe Bank AG in Hong Kong and Sydney including Co-Head of the Corporate Advisory Group and coverage of the transportation and infrastructure sector in Asia. These roles involved cross border mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt capital markets, financing and restructuring.

Target Harlosh is proud to sponsor the ANZIIF Executive Breakfast series of events throughout 2012. See us next at the CEO Panel, taking place on June 1, where we will again be Principal Sponsor.

Target Harlosh Christmas eCard winner 2011

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 03:47:42 GMT

Frank Averes, pictured above, being presented with his prize by Aylene Morales, Target Harlosh Project Manager.

Frank persevered with much patience, pushing his memory skill in the retro 'Simon Says' game to the max. His incredible 49 high score took out the competition prize, a $100 Reading Cinema gift card.

A true analytical 'bod', Frank attributes his impressive high score to a sensible ordered approach. With movie going a regular family pursuit, he plans to share his movie card with his daughter.

Money saved from adopting a greener, eCard approach was donated to our chosen charity in Australia and New Zealand, The Salvation Army.

Many thanks to everyone who took the time out to take the challenge.

ANZIIF 3rd VIC Executive Breakfast - A Global Economic & Market Outlook

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 23:36:29 GMT

The global economic recovery continues to present challenges for the insurance industry. The threat of a double dip in the US seems to be looping and Euro zone debt continues to present a serious issue.

The final event in the Series explored the important issues the Australian economy now faces in the wake of these catastrophes.

Dr Chris Caton, Chief Economist, BT Financial Group presented his economic overview and market outlook on the Australian economy and the affects it will have on the insurance and finance industry now and into the future.

John Heath, Editor, InsuranceNewsAustralia.com covered the event in his recent newsletter article; "ECONOMY - No double dip for US: Caton": Double dip recession in the US is highly unlikely to happen there and here, according to Dr Chris Caton, Chief Economist of BT Finance Group.

To read more click here.

Many thanks again to ANZIIF for a great event. We look forward to a busy 2012 and our continued support of the ANZIIF Executive Series, commencing in February.

Paul Rose joins Target as Chief Operating Officer, Delivery

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:59:34 GMT

Paul joins Target with more than 30 years' industry experience, including roles at director and senior management level with companies including SITA, Raytheon and Iron Mountain.

Paul commented: "This was a great opportunity for me to join a dynamic business, which is continuing to display positive signs of expansion and development. I look forward to supporting the team as we look to implement strategic growth plans over the course of the next few years."

James Rudolf, Managing Director of Target Group, said: "I am delighted that Paul has joined the Group as we continue to realise our growth plans. With responsibility for software development, project delivery and IT across the group, Paul's extensive experience and track record will help to enhance our client experience and continue to drive new solutions to our markets."

Target Group now employs 440 people across the UK, Australia and New Zealand.

The Telegraph identifies Target as one of Britain’s brightest and fastest growing companies in the UK

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:40:39 GMT

Target has grown its turnover by 43% between 2008 and 2010 during challenging economic conditions. This has been achieved through consistent investment in the development and delivery of innovative lending, investment and insurance software solutions and business process outsourcing services for the UK and Australasia financial services industry.

Target is confident that its sales will increase by 40-50% over the next few years.

Commenting on this achievement, Target Group Executive Chairman Grant Hawkins said: "Target are benefiting from the growing wave of customer services being repatriated to the UK from abroad and the need for existing banks and insurers, as well as new entrants to the lending market, to upgrade loan processing platforms to manage these non-core assets, from mortgages to motor loans, more effectively.

Target has worked incredibly hard over the past year to secure our position as a leading service and software provider, not only on the domestic, but the global stage. This commitment puts us on track to double our sales over the next few years and further grow our business both home and abroad" he added.

FST Media Future of Banking & Financial Services, Auckland

Wed, 07 Sep 2011 00:56:38 GMT

With over 250 executives and IT decision makers from New Zealand's leading banking, insurance and wealth management companies in attendance, the conference organised by FST Media focused on technology and innovation. Topics for discussion included evolving channel and payment technologies, cloud computing, IT security, core IT modernisation, social media, online and mobile banking innovation.

At the event we showcased our origination and servicing channel solution, IF Channel, for both insurance and banking.

Insurance - IF Channel provides the underwriting, rating and white labelling flexibility that you have come to expect from a next generation solution but without requiring the replacement of your existing policy administration system.

Banking - IF Channel provides the ability to deliver a variety of channels including insurance, loan processing, mortgage, and credit card - delivering a consistent experience, reducing training with rapid market deployment.

Target Harlosh is part of Target Group. Target Group specialises in business process outsourcing and software for banks, insurance companies and finance brokers. With 450 staff globally and with over 30 years experience, Target Harlosh builds upon proven financial and technical expertise.

We also ran a prize draw at our stand, for the chance to win Gold Medal Award Reds Gift Pack, a trio of trophy-calibre red wines. The winner selected from a draw of over one hundred was Debbie Paul of BNZ, based in Wellington. Simon Burgoyne, Business Development Manager, presented Debbie, pictured above, with the prize at the conference.

ANZIIF 2nd VIC Executive Breakfast - CEO Panel Discussion

Tue, 31 May 2011 03:50:52 GMT

Target Harlosh was Principal Sponsor of this event.

Executive CEO Panel:

Damien Coates - Managing Director - Dual Australia & Chairman - Underwriting Agencies Council (UAC)
Robert Kelly - CEO & Executive Chairman - Steadfast Group Ltd
Keith McIvor - CEO OAMPS Insurance Brokers
Adrian Humphries - Lloyd's Representative in Australia
Mark Searles - GM Retail Insurances - CGU Insurance
Anthony Day - CEO Commercial Insurances - Suncorp

At the event, the panellists provided their views on the market for the new financial year, based on the significant events of the past twelve months.

Chaired by Gary Seymour, CEO Macquarie Premium Funding, they considered who the big winners and losers might be, what is going to happen to premiums, what has happened to the industry's reputation and standing in the community, what is happening with operating platforms and, do we need a disaster" pool?

John Heath, Editor, InsuranceNewsAustralia.com covered the panellist discussion in his recent newsletter article; Leaders' Roles: Industry Urged To Be More Open:

"The Australian general insurance industry needs to be less reticent in communicating its value to customers. This was the proposition that Keith McIvor CEO of OAMPS Insurances threw at industry leaders in discussing industry survival."

To read more click here

Target Harlosh is proud to sponsor a series of ANZIIF events throughout 2011. See us next at the final CEO Panel for the year, taking place in October, where we will again be Principal Sponsor.

Target Group debuts at no. 30 in league table of international sales stars

Tue, 10 May 2011 10:33:28 GMT

Headquartered in UK with offices in Australia and New Zealend, this ambitious company specialises in business process outsourcing and software for banks, insurance companies and finance brokers worldwide. Target employs 374 people and generates sales of £26m for clients including Tower Limited and Medical Assurance Society.

James Snow, CEO of Target Group commented:

"To be recognised as one of the UK's fastest-growing international sales stars by one of the industry's most prestigious league tables is a great reward for our business and the teams that support it. We have worked incredibly hard over the past year to secure our position as a leading service and software provider, not only on the domestic, but the global stage. A commitment that we will continue to focus on throughout 2011 and beyond."

* The Sunday Times HSBC International Track 100 is compiled by Fast Track and published each year in The Sunday Times with the awards taking place each November. It ranks the UK's top 100 private companies on their compound annual growth rate in international sales over two years. To qualify, total sales had to be at least £5m and international sales at least £1m in the latest financial year.