Suncorp subsidiary Vero is closing its SME underwriting facility in Adelaide and centralising its operations in Brisbane.

Spokesman Rob White says the move involves “only a handful of people”, some of whom may move to Brisbane.

“It’s a slow transition. It’s been deliberately staggered,” he said.

The SME centre was established under Royal & SunAlliance in 2002 and covered SA, Victoria and Tasmania.

A former employee told insuranceNEWS.com.au the Adelaide centre was considered ground-breaking at the time and took up to 500 calls a day from brokers around the country.