FORTY new jobs will be created by an insurance company dedicated to finding customers the lowest quotes.

A high-quality staff base and good road links have prompted Insurancevillage to launch its headquarters in Worcester.

Forty new positions are in the pipeline for call centre operatives when the business opens in the autumn.

More could follow as the business grows, the company revealed today.

The firm is the brainchild of Evesham entrepreneur Steve Arthington who has 25 years' experience in the insurance industry.

Cash backing for the venture, which will search 50 insurance companies for the lowest quote, has come from the Edinburgh-based financial services company Murray Financial Corporation.

"I know I can recruit the right people here to run the call centre amidst the beautiful scenery of Worcestershire," said Mr Arthington.

"It's the right environment for a new business with good prospects, and it's going to be an important job creator for the local economy."

Recruits with working backgrounds in insurance, sales, administration and IT will be considered for the posts.

Insurancevillage, which has earmarked the former MetalBox site in Perrywood Walk, wants to hear from potential employees keen on branching out into web and telephone services.

"Clients will have access to 24 hour seven-day-a-week competitive quotes for their insurance needs," added Mr Arthington.

"We aim to be a major player.

"Those who join us will join a professional, well-managed company at the cutting edge of e-commerce insurance.

"The working environment will be fun, with everyone sharing in success through a bonus scheme."

Worcester MP Mike Foster welcomed the news.

"It's something that I've been saying for a long time," he said.

"Worcester is an incredibly attractive place to come and live and work.

"Companies like this making a commitment to the city, bringing extra jobs and improving everyone's wealth has got to be most welcome."