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Norwich Union, the leading UK life and pensions business, haspledged its support for the new Raising Standards Quality MarkScheme, an ABI initiative designed to raise standards for consumersthroughout the industry.

A new independent body - the Pensions, Protection andInvestments Accreditation Board (PPIAB), along with the newstandards and the Quality Mark, are being launched today at a majorevent in central London.

Graham Berville, Director of Marketing Operations at NorwichUnion commented, "As the largest life and pensions provider,Norwich Union has always been fully supportive of this initiativeand the benefits to consumers of standards being raised in theindustry.

"This initiative will mean that consumers will be even moreconfident investing in the excellent products that Norwich Unionoffers and, in so doing, take greater control over their future. Weare delighted to announce our commitment to achieving accreditationat the earliest possible stage and hope this view is sharedthroughout the industry."

Notes to Editors

1. Norwich Union is the UK life and general insurance tradingbrand of holding company CGNU plc, which was created from themerger between CGU and Norwich Union on 30 May 2000.
2. Following the merger of CGU and Norwich Union, a singlemarketing group for the Life business was formed on 2nd Octobervia a major product range and branding launch. Prior to themerger, both CGU and Norwich Union were strong supporters of theSALTR initiative - now the Raising Standards Quality MarkScheme.

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