In this feature, we turn the spotlight onto some of the key companies within our industry. In this edition, we look at Rapid Solutions, the specialist insurance and training provider.
Rapid Solutions: Quick Facts
Overview: Insurance and training provider for pest control and related industries.
Company size: Head office in Newcastle, NSW. 15 employees nationwide.
Specialisation: Offers accredited and non-accredited training programs and specialist insurance products.
For more than 30 years, Rapid Solutions has stood as a trusted name in insurance and training for pest management and related industries. It stands apart from other companies due to its strong commitment to community, education, and innovation.
A gap in the market
Rapid Solutions was established over three decades ago by founders Graham and Marilyn Hellier. They started the company to fill a gap in the market for specialist insurance and training services. Beginning in 1993, the Helliers created the Rapid Solutions group of companies – which includes Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd and Rapid Training – to provide the property, pest management and building inspection sectors with appropriate insurance and training services and products.
After 25 years at the helm, the Helliers retired in 2018, selling the business group to Badger International, a group operating multiple insurance companies across the globe, including Australia and New Zealand. Although part of a wider global business, Rapid continues to stay focused on serving the needs of Australian pest, building and agribusiness professionals.
From the very beginning, the company’s vision has been to move away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach by providing tailored products and services that evolve alongside the industry’s needs. Rapid Solutions does this by specialising in two core areas: insurance and training. These pillars underpin the company’s mission to support the growth, safety, and professionalism of Australia’s pest control sector.
Helping people understand insurance
Insurance can be complex, and many business owners struggle to fully understand their obligations under policy terms. “Our primary advice is simple: ask questions,” said Belinda Wellings, CEO of Rapid Solutions. “Whether it’s through your insurer or broker, open communication is key to understanding coverage.
“At Rapid, we actively encourage clients to engage with us about what is covered, what limitations may apply, and what considerations are needed before accepting new contracts. Proactive conversations can help prevent misunderstandings and potential claims issues later.”
For pest managers and inspectors, it is crucial to maintain awareness of required qualifications, Australian Standards, and policy conditions. Rapid often assists clients seeking clarity on their coverage and provides an extensive library of FAQs and blog resources to help bridge knowledge gaps and strengthen understanding.
This was also the reason for creating the Termite Inspection Bootcamp training series. Starting in September 2025 and running through 2026, the one-day bootcamp shows timber pest inspectors how to understand and apply the Australian Standards more effectively and recognise their duty of care under Australian Consumer Law. The aim is to help inspectors conduct thorough, risk-based termite inspections and write clear, specific reports with strong recommendations. The course shares the details of real claims made against others in the industry to highlight the important learning points.
Rapid’s insurance products are available only to Australian pest control companies. Unlike larger insurers, Rapid Solutions focuses solely on supporting locally owned and operated pest management businesses within Australia only.
Rapid Training
When it comes to training, many pest managers will be familiar with Rapids’ accredited and non-accredited programs. The accredited units provide the essential qualifications required to become a licensed pest management technician, while the non-accredited programs cater to professional development needs. These include refresher courses – such as termite inspection programs using real-life case studies drawn from industry complaints and insurance claims – which ensure technicians remain up to date and benefit from shared knowledge across the profession.
Working with communities
Community is central to Rapid’s mission of providing what it calls “soft landings” for its professional and local communities. This means the company actively supports industry initiatives led by the Australian Environmental Pest Managers Association (AEPMA) and Professional Pest Manager (PPM), promoting education, training, and industry standards.
Rapid’s leadership team also dedicates hundreds of hours each year to working groups, think tanks, and training programs that contribute to the broader industry. Beyond its sector involvement, Rapid supports non-profit organisations assisting vulnerable individuals – including women affected by domestic violence, people experiencing homelessness, and children living with terminal illness.
The role of AI in insurance
AI is being adopted to some degree across most industries, and the insurance sector is no different.The rise of AI is having an interesting effect on the insurance market. Consumers today are far more informed about their rights, often using AI tools such as ChatGPT to identify potential breaches of Australian Consumer Law – tasks that once required legal expertise. This increased access to information can lead to a rise in consumer complaints and claims.
However, Rapid Solutions believes that AI also offers significant opportunities for the pest management industry. Firstly, for pest managers, it can streamline workflows, improve accuracy, and free up valuable time for customer engagement and training. Pest managers who learn to use it responsibly and effectively will gain a competitive advantage. Secondly, for insurers, AI technology can help to serve customers better and help reduce the potential for claims being made against them.
“Rapid is actively investing in digital transformation initiatives, including the integration of AI technologies across various business functions,” said Ms Wellings. “The company is currently developing prototype tools to assist insurance clients in managing risk and reducing claim exposure. In parallel, Rapid is creating AI-driven tools exclusively for its clients to enhance operational efficiency and risk management. These projects reflect Rapid’s forward-thinking approach and its commitment to staying ahead of industry change.”
Over the next 12 months, Rapid Solutions will introduce a series of new training programs developed in direct response to industry needs, particularly around professional development and advanced skills training, including the Termite Inspection Bootcamps.
Looking further ahead, a national roadshow is planned for 2026, which will be an opportunity to meet customers face to face and strengthen relationships within communities. The long-term goal is for Rapid Solutions to be a fundamental part in building a culture of excellence within the pest management industry.
