Key to the programme has been the development of a single IT platform using best-in-class technology to support customer service for HBOS group pensions products. Its successful completion, by a joint HBOS Financial Services and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young UK team, means that customer service can now, for the first time, be based on standardised processes and uniform IT support, to the benefit of service standards and cost efficiency.

The development is seen as an important 'first' for the UK financial services industry, since it will be the first example of multiple products and brands being supported by a single customer service system. HBOS was formed by the merger of Halifax and Bank of Scotland and its products are sold under a variety of brand names such as Clerical Medical and Halifax Financial Services. Until now, different products have been supported by different customer service teams using different processes and a variety of incompatible legacy IT systems.

Nick Waugh, IT Director of HBOS Financial Services comments, "CGE&Y has given us the necessary drive and programme expertise to complete this critical phase on schedule, with a strong focus on cost and benefit management. I look forward to working together on other areas of our transformation programme and driving out further benefits."

The completed solution will also support the marketing of the full range of HBOS products through a variety of channels, including direct marketing and independent financial advisors.

One immediate result of HBOS and Cap Gemini Ernst & Young UK's successful completion of this key programme phase will be the growth of HBOS within the important group pensions market, with the launch of new products under the Clerical Medical brand, which could not have taken place without the first-class customer service that the new platform enables and supports.