HAMPSHIRE based health plan provider HAS has announced record results - with premium income up 32 per cent on last year.

Its premium income increased from £165m to £218m, with £27.5m profit after tax.

The company, which employs 450 people in Hampshire out of 650 nationwide, now serves more than 1.1 million policyholders, covering about two million customers in Britain.

The year saw Andover based HSA, formerly the Hospital Saving Association, become the second biggest brand in the market after Bupa. The company's profile has been heightened by a sponsorship deal with Blackburn Rovers FC, and television advertising.

HSA also boasts a new look following a rebranding exercise emphasising simplicity, fairness, openness and accessibility.

Chief executive Des Benjamin said the company's success meant there was no reason to consider switching from HSA's cherished mutual status.

He said: "2003/04 has been another successful year for the HAS Group, reflecting the success of our business strategy and demonstrating there is strength in mutuality.

"As the health system changes and greater self-reliance emerges on health issues, HAS is extremely well placed to serve customers with new product ideas. I see our status as a mutual as fundamental to this, because it really does mean we can put our customers' interests first."