Insurance companies will be able to stay on the cutting edge of technology thanks to software development and IT consulting firm Nova.

The company, which was only formed in the middle of 2006 and is based in the Armoury Building on Reid Street, provides IT solutions, develops software and integrates systems for a range of businesses, with specific expertise in data and infrastructure development and integration with risk modelling software such as RMSand AIR.

And it is now looking to expand and grow the business in the future

Nova, which was started by managing director and senior developer Sandra De Silva, is run by five staff members including three developers, one risk analysis consultant and one designer.

Ms De Silva, who has more than 10 years' experience in development and system architecture, including seven specialising in the insurance industry, works alongside Danette Pengelly, who is an experienced property underwriter with a background in catastrophe modelling management and has more than 12 years' experience in insurance, having worked for the likes of Ace, XL, Arch and PartnerRe.

The rest of the team is made up of Jim Israel, a developer with specific insurance business process analysis experience, Michael Fitzpatrick, a senior developer and architect boasting 10 years of experience in the insurance sector, and graphic and web designer Kevin De Silva

"We are relatively new and we have some good folks that work for the company that have got insurance experience and that is one of the most important things we are able to offer," said Ms De Silva

."We are able to assist with bringing the whole package together or add one specific need.

"We help out companies' ITsupport groups with the tools which will help them manage their system's infrastructure and reduce the number of technical support call and can assist in helping systems to be self-reliant. We have growth plans to hopefully double in size by the end of 2009."

One of Nova's big clients is Anemos, a start-up managing general agency set up in conjunction with Thomas Miller.

Nova has developed an underwriting system for Anemos, supplied an expert to set up a catastrophe modelling department, and created business processes and procedures.

John Jenks, CEO of Anemos, said: "I would fully endorse Nova. My experience has been that they have been extremely professional and everything has been provided on time and it is a first-class service."

Among other companies Nova lists as its clients are insurance brokers Aon, insurers Endurance, Ironshore and Argus, as well as estate agents Rego Realtors and the Corporation of Hamilton, in addition to helping a number of retail companies establish themselves in business.

Nova, which offers everything from underwriting to accounting solutions, will now focus on developing in-house products for the insurance and reinsurance industry and getting business from new companies starting up on the Island.

"We are looking at start-ups and existing established companies," Ms De Silva said. "We feel we can add some value to some of the start-up companies in the planning and implementation of their IT strategies."To find out more about Nova and the services it offers visit the website at www.nova.bm