An insurance firm is creating new jobs in the region. Bexhill-on-Sea-based Hastings Direct insurance says it has defied the credit crunch by employing an additional 150 staff across the company, split between Bexhill and Newmarket, including in the marketing, finance and call centre departments.

An insurance firm is creating new jobs in Newmarket.

Bexhill-on-Sea-based Hastings Direct insurance says it has defied the credit crunch by employing an additional 150 staff across the company, split between Bexhill and Newmarket, including in the marketing, finance and call centre departments.

Hastings recently acquired Newmarket-based specialist insurance company Renew and announced its intention to pilot a scheme to introduce Hastings Direct branches onto high streets.

Chief executive officer Edward Fitzmaurice said: “2009 has started off as a great year for us, particularly in light of the difficult economic climate - the company is really heading in the right direction. Of course, our recent has meant that we need additional people to help grow the business and take Hastings Direct to the next level. As well as the 150 people employed at the start of this year we also expect to be recruiting for further team members throughout 2009.”