Award joy for Open + Direct’s Jennifer

THE Coleraine based area manager for leading high street insurance retailer Open + Direct has been rewarded for her “outstanding contribution” to the company at a recent gala awards ceremony.

The event, held at the luxurious Galgorm Resort, recognised the achievements of Open + Direct staff across Northern Ireland and made special mention of Jennifer Crossan’s commitment to her staff at the two Coleraine branches.

Jennifer is Open + Direct’s longest serving staff member having worked with the company for 33 years most recently at the Abbey Street branch in Coleraine.

She has made a significant contribution to the Coleraine area through expanding the local team from 30 to more than 80 staff. Jennifer also championed the town as the base for Open + Direct’s central contact centre and home of their new online “Quote and Buy” service.

Jennifer said: “I’m so honoured to be awarded the first ever ‘Catherine McCloskey Award for Outstanding Contribution.’

“I’ve dedicated all of my career to Open + Direct – mostly because I love the people I work with but also because Open + Direct really invest in their staff and the training is always at a really high standard.

“The company and the industry have changed massively but the training has always kept me engaged with what I’m doing – and this is something we aim for with all of our staff.”

Colin McEvoy, Director of Operations said, “We can’t think of anyone more deserving of this recognition than Jennifer. She plays a vital role within the company, always welcomes a new challenge and I know she is well known and respected in the Coleraine area.”

The Outstanding Contribution Award is named after Catherine McCloskey, the Derry based area manager for Open + Direct who tragically passed away late last year after an unexpected illness.

Mr McEvoy commented, “Catherine was a hugely important part of our business and it’s lovely to be able to honour her as we approach the first anniversary of her tragic passing.

“Jennifer was in fact one of Catherine’s best friends so it seems especially fitting that the first ‘Catherine McCloskey Award for Outstanding Contribution’ goes to her.”

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