Youi are welcome

Mayor Bob Abbot today officially opened the new national head office of Youi Insurance on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast.

South African company, First Rand Limited, located its Australian insurance subsidiary in Maroochydore following almost three years of development and research in the local market. Sunshine Coast Regional Council’s economic development branch worked closely with the company in the early stages of their site selection to highlight the merits of the region.

Mayor Bob Abbot said that Youi’s decision to base their head office on the Sunshine Coast was proof that we can deliver the goods.

“The Sunshine Coast is definitely open for business and Youi is a perfect fit for our region," Cr Abbot said.

“It’s located in the principal activity centre of Maroochydore and is a low impact business that offers career opportunities outside our more traditional industries.”

Youi chief executive officer, Mr Hugo Schreuder, said he expects the business to create around 200 new jobs by the end of the year—including senior management and information technology positions.

Division 8 Councillor Debbie Blumel said that Youi was helping to diversify the region.

“Council has been working with Youi for three years, so today’s official opening is a great milestone,” Cr Blumel said.

“The Sunshine Coast, like other regions, is currently experiencing some economic challenges however council is working with a number of companies like Youi in an effort to drive local high value employment opportunities.

“Cultivating these relationships can be a long and involved process, which makes days like today a real reason to celebrate.”

Sunshine Coast Council’s economic development branch has ongoing activities for developing the right environment for businesses to start up, grow and expand.