Wednesday, 24th October 2001
Contact: Mike Salthouse / John Owen +3010 4283038
The North of England P&I Association celebrated the first anniversary of its Piraeus office with a cocktail reception for members and friends at the Athens Golf Club in Glyfada on 18 October 2001. The event was attended by representatives from most of the club's Greek members - which currently number over 80.
Speaking at the event, office manager Mike Salthouse said: 'The support we have had from our members since we opened in Greece a year ago has been incredible and I am delighted to see so many of our friends here tonight. There is no doubt that the office will continue to develop and move from strength to strength.'
Deputy office manager John Owen said: 'We have always been able to offer our members in the Mediterranean a first-class service. However, the Greek office has enabled us to enhance that service and enjoy more face-to-face contact with members, particularly where complex issues are involved.'
Rodney Eccleston, the North of England's joint managing director, welcomed the guests to the reception and George Procopiou, the Association's current vice chairman, responded on their behalf, thanking the club for the support provided to the Greek membership in particular.
The North of England is one of the longest established P&I clubs, being founded in 1860 in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne in England. Selective underwriting and dynamic management has enabled the club to grow steadily over the past 15 years such that the membership now stands at 35 million GT, a quarter of which is managed from Greece. The club is rated A- by Standard and Poor's on an interactive basis, confirming its status as one of the world's most financially strong marine mutual insurers.
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