A RAPIDLY expanding business has taken on extra offices – in case we get hit by some extreme weather.

Claims Consortium Group, which employs more than 250 staff at its HQ in Culmhead, is leasing Nightingale House, a former nurses’ home in East Reach, Taunton.

Initially the firm, which provides claims handling and workflow technology solutions to the insurance industry, will base 70 staff in the 9,000sq ft of office space.

Chief executive Jeremy Hyams said Claims Consortium Group has experienced “phenomenal growth in the last year”, leading to scores of new jobs, with more than 80% of employees from within Somerset.

Mr Hyams added: “The new premises provide the ideal solution to our requirement - beautiful offices in a central position with the potential to house more employees when necessary.

“We are in the business of insurance and the group needs to be prepared to deal with a sudden increase in business due to surge events caused by extreme weather, and the additional space will serve to meet such contingency needs.”

Andrew Maynard from property agent Alder King said: “The building has been refurbished to a high level and provides a superb central location with excellent transport links.

“We are pleased to see it will be utilised by such a dynamic company that will add to the growing vibrancy of the Taunton business community.”