YORK-BASED mutual healthcare society Benenden Health has reported a busy year for its team of almost 250 staff with acquisitions, new division launches and financial growth.

A new era of growth for the organisation, which is entering Large Business of the Year, began with the appointment of a new chief executive in the form of Marc Bell, who took the post in March 2013.

Since then Holgate-based Benenden has launched its Benenden Wellbeing division, which has overseen the launch of an independent living product, a health assessment product and travel insurance, as well as acquiring Edinburgh-based insurance brokers, Keegan & Pennykid.

The organisation has also won planning approval and got groundwork underway on a £45 million development at our hospital, Benenden Hospital.

National TV advertising has seen Benenden firmly established, promoting a York-based business to a UK-wide audience, while the business has also signed up to continue sponsoring York City Football Club in a two-year deal.

Neil Barnes, media relations manager at Benenden, said: “The financial environment continues to be challenging as Benenden Health’s products are a discretionary part of household budgets.

“However, a key aspect of our strategy is diversification, evidenced with the launch of a wellbeing division.”

Benenden highlights its community partnership with York City Football Club as part of its entry for the Best Business and Community Link award.

Beneden has also been the main sponsor of the City of York Athletic Club, helping to fund their development of disability athletics and a schools activity programme.

It was the main sponsor of York LGBT Pride in June 2014, supporting its largest event yet, and was also main sponsor of Active York, the York sports partnership.