CPU Group Ltd CPU enters Australian warranty insurance market

UK - Based warranty, insurance and finance provider CPU has opened offices in Sydney Australia. Central Processing Unit (Australia) Pty Limited

Central Processing Unit and the trading name CPU Direct was established in Sydney (Australia) in May 2002 with the intention of introducing to Australia the successful business that is CPU Insurance Services Limited in the UK and powered by CPU's GENIE system Global Engineering Network Insurance Engine.

Managed by Stuart Turner, Stuart has worked in the warranty & creditor industry for 10 years, working for both administrators, insurers and national retailers, and therefore has developed a strong understanding of what each type of customer requires from their respective programmes.

"CPU(UK) and Central Processing Unit have an obvious close working relationship and as such, CPU (UK) is an important shareholder within the Australian business" said Stuart Turner.

"In the UK, CPU specialises in computer warranty programmes and has developed the world’s most advance web-based administration system. This system has now been developed further to cover the areas of electrical appliance, furniture and jewellery warranty".

With Stuart’s extensive background in designing and managing computer, electrical warranty, furniture and jewellery warranty programmes and the ability to use the CPU (UK) Genie administration system, ensures total satisfaction for clients in Australia and any CPU UK manufacturer requiring support and representation by CPU in Australia or outside the United Kingdom.

CPU will shortly be represented in the Asia Pacific rim and Plans are afoot for CPU to offer Pan European warranty and insurance programs with maintenance and repairer networks in each of those countries for any of it's clients.

Notes for Editors

CPU(UK) was incorporated in November 1994 with its principal activity being the provision of sales-aid leasing facilities to computer manufacturers and resellers this lead CPU naturally into providing warranty and insurance covers.

Providing easily accessible support

The management of the company determined that its growth and the support it provides continually would not be dependent on an ever increasing number of staff. Accordingly it has, and continues to, invest significantly in computer systems to ensure that, wherever possible, processes and communications are automated ... making the time it takes you to deal with us efficient and effective.

Care and attention to customers and suppliers.

Quality customer service is always recognised as one of the most important attributes of the company. This is apparent in the care and attention given to each supplier and customer, not only at the inception of the relationship, but on an ongoing basis, day in and day out.

The management ensures that, not only does it fully understand the products that it is offering to suppliers, but that it also understands the business of those suppliers. This ensures that the products are tailored to meet the needs of suppliers and their customer's. CPU is determined that customers buying computers will have the peace of mind they demand and that those suppliers who use CPU products will see their businesses develop and flourish.

Further information

Greg Gregory, CPU Group Ltd greg@cpu.co.uk

Stuart Turner, Central Processing Unit (Australia) Pty Ltd stuart.turner@cpu.com.au

www.cpu.co.uk

www.cpu.com.au

Genie Support Services Launched
CPU and Burnetts have joined forces to cater for the industry as a whole by forming Genie Support Services Ltd. CPU have provided the infamous Genie Administration System. All Burnetts' and CPU's administration and sales are now handled centrally in Southampton. This pulling together of resources will ensure that the computer industries growing insurance and maintenance requirements will be catered for.

Boxed Warranties and Accidental Damage and Theft Insurance for Laptops and Desktops Launched
The Boxed Warranty is a new scheme aimed primarily at smaller retailers and system builders, who are now able to sell something tangible to their customers.

Greg Gregory, CPU's MD reported in the PCA Newsletter:

"Our boxed warranties are selling like hot cakes, as all the benefits of insured warranty for desktops and laptops are packaged up in a very attractive way for the customer to purchase in addition to their computer, from any retailer. Options are available both for insured warranty and accidental damage and theft insurance for both laptops and desktops. All that needs to be done is for the customer to complete their details on the pre-numbered insurance policy inside the box and send it to us in the prepaid envelope. If and when the machine breaks down or is stolen, the customer calls the number in the packaging and all their details will be on the Genie Administration System for us to activate an engineer to attend, or to arrange a replacement machine. Retailers love it because their up-front commitment levels are low, and they have a very effective point of sale item."

Please click here for details of each of the boxed warranties.

For more information suppliers should contact Greg Gregory or Garry Moore on 0870 240 8248 or fax their order for stocks of Boxed warranties on 02380 442 210 or use their online account on the Supplier's Gateway https://www.cpu.co.uk/supplier to purchase the Boxed Warranties.

Previous News

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CPU launches iStudent with Apple
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New technology
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In keeping with government plans to provide schools and universities in the UK with computers for all students, CPU have arranged an insurance cover for Apple Finance to cover all Apple desktops and laptops provided to universities in the UK. The cover is for theft and accidental damage of any students’ laptop or desktop computer for up to three years.

New faces bring a wealth of experience to CPU
Greg Parker has joined CPU as IT director having worked with CPU for the past four years as consultant. His new position involves full responsibility for systems development and maintenance, plus website support and generating policy documentation. Greg Parker has managed Oxford University's participation in major Eurpoean Union projects, and has developed complete IT systems for many other organisations including the Territorial Army and Royal Free Hospital.

New companies
First Financial is the latest company to see the benefits of CPU's insurance warranties to end users for first year manufacturers and extended warranties and is recommending CPU to its computer resellers and manufacturers.

Breakthrough with Argos
CPU have secured a deal with Argos Stores to provide warranty insurance for any of their customers who buy a PC. Full details are available in any of their 16 million catalogues!

Mesh Computers plc come on board
Mesh Computers plc is the latest PC manufacturer to insure their first year manufacturer's and extended warranties with CPU. Edward Percival, Mesh's Marketing Manager, recognises the reassurance that an insured warranty scheme offers customers.

Thumbs up from First National
"This is to confirm that First National Tricity Finance has been working through 1999 with CPU as a broker to source blue chip warranty products for our clients, such that First National Tricity Finance's section 75 risk through extended warranties is minimal, compared to retailer's own warranties. We have now started to implement such facilities."
- Marketing Director