DEALING with an insurance claim led to a new career for a sales professional in the waste management industry.

Karl Utley, from Weardale, has been awarded the area franchise for the North-East by national insurance claims specialist Concept Building Solutions Limited.

Concept manages property insurance claims, getting quotes from tradesmen and arranging site visits to prepare estimates.

Mr Utley said: "I decided to join the Concept network when I realised just what a task it can become for the homeowner to make an insurance claim."