A BRADFORD based health care cash plan provider has announced its highest ever income in its fifth consecutive year of increases.

Sovereign Health Care, based at Royal Standard House in Manningham Lane, made £11.3 million in 2016, while also paying out £7.1 million in claims to customers.

It has also recently expanded its services, now delving into the income protection market through a partnership with PG Mutual, and overhauling its brand identity and website.

Sovereign record a pre-tax surplus of £8m last year, with income up £300,000, and it’s reserves continued to exceed solvency capital requirements.

Its investment portfolio and cash deposits are also up £7.4 million to £63.2 million.

Sovereign also donated more than £500,000 to good causes in Bradford and the surrounding area in the form of 184 grants in 2016.

Dr Bob Dugdale, Sovereign chairman, said: “I am delighted to report that, once again, the business has had a very successful year helping thousands of our customers with the cost of their everyday health care.

“Sovereign’s performance allowed it to make a substantial donation to worthy causes that touch people’s lives within our community in a positive and meaningful way.

“Overall, 2016 was a year of both consolidation and investment. That investment is already providing a return and, with a refreshed brand and new website, we look ahead to the rest of 2017 with confidence.”

Russ Piper, chief executive, added: “We are very pleased to have such a high claims pay out figure as it demonstrates both the demand for, and relevance of, our cash plan products.

“Charitable donations are hugely important to us, so it is imperative that we are able to continue to make significant contributions to good causes every year, which is gratifying for all of us at Sovereign.

“Following ongoing investment in our people, processes and technology, we are ideally placed to further communicate our powerful offering within new and existing markets.”

For more information on Sovereign Health Care, visit sovereignhealthcare.co.uk.