Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 26th Feb 2021 • 2 min read time NIG Coronavirus Update This week we have seen the Prime Minister outlining his road map plan for England as well as the First Minister explaining the plan for Scotland in exiting the current national lockdown restrictions, both can be found at www.gov.uk and www.gov.scot. The devolved administrations in Wales and Northern Ireland will be making their positions clear […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 25th Feb 2021 • 2 min read time Key Person Insurance – Overview If an employee that is crucial to the function of your business becomes disabled or dies, would day-to-day activity continue as usual or would disorder and uncertainty ensue? Would you be able to maintain the same level of business expectations and revenue stream? How will you cover for the financial loss of the employee or […]
Darren Beckinsale • Risk Insights • 25th Feb 2021 • 3 min read time Directors’ and Officers’ Risks to Understand in 2021 While senior leaders play key roles in the success and improvement of an organisation, these employees also carry a considerable amount of risk. Directors and officers can be major liabilities. Misconduct or negligence that may be committed by these leaders can result in subordinates taking legal action, government-issued penalties and irreparable damage to an organisation’s […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19, Regulatory Updates, Risk Insights • 25th Feb 2021 • 4 min read time Government Announces Plans for Reopening England Quick Facts Plans for England to reopen following its latest coronavirus lockdown will be implemented in four stages that will each last at least five weeks. The earliest date when all pandemic-related restrictions could end would be 21st June. Specific goals that will be monitored by the government in order to lessen pandemic-related restrictions include […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data • 26th Jan 2021 • 3 min read time Tips for Preventing Malware Attacks Malware is malicious software that poses a serious threat to the cyber-security of organisations. This type of software can not only help hackers steal sensitive data, but it can also take control of devices and use them to attack others. This video includes a number of precautions that can be taken to prevent malware attacks, […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 7th Apr 2020 • 1 min read time 6 Hand-washing Mistakes That Help COVID-19 Spread This short video outlines common hand-washing mistakes that help contagious diseases like coronavirus (COVID-19) spread.
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 2nd Apr 2020 • 3 min read time Aviva Coronavirus Update Aviva Insurance plc wanted to share with you how they have been supporting it’s personal home and motor policyholders by getting behind the Association of British Insurer’s 5 step insurance pledge should anything go wrong during the current COVID-19 pandemic. This includes supporting any of our policyholders by extending cover for those who are: office […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19, Fleet Management • 2nd Apr 2020 • 2 min read time Ageas Fleet Customers – Coronavirus FAQs We advise that you contact us to check your policy for the full detail of the levels of cover included or call us on 01273 789 979 for further advice.. 1. I want to offer my vehicles for use by the NHS, is that possible? Yes. Our Commercial Motor policies provide cover for voluntary work […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 2nd Apr 2020 • 4 min read time NIG Coronavirus Update At NIG, we are working hard in these extraordinary times to ensure our brokers and customers receive the service they need. We want to keep you up to date so you can respond to your clients’ queries about our cover. Please find below the answers to some of our most recent enquiries. Is Business Interruption […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 2nd Apr 2020 • 5 min read time AXA Coronavirus Update Unoccupied premises, due to COVID-19 restrictions Temporary business closures have increased the number of buildings which are unoccupied. These are normally at much higher risk of damage/loss than when occupied, from water damage, arson, theft etc. The standard AXA policies would define a building as unoccupied if empty, or not being fully utilised for business […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19, Employee Benefits & Wellbeing, Human Resources (HR) • 2nd Apr 2020 • 1 min read time 8 Tips for Staying Healthy During the COVID-19 Lockdown This short video provides tips for maintaining your physical and mental well-being during the COVID-19 lockdown. For more government information regarding COVID-19, click here. Contact us today for the latest COVID-19 updates and resources on 01273 789979.
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 2nd Apr 2020 • 2 min read time Multiple Members of UK Government Test Positive for COVID-19 Just days after the government issued a UK lockdown to help limit the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Health Secretary Matt Hancock revealed that they have both tested positive for COVID-19. Boris Johnson’s Announcement Boris Johnson announced that he tested positive for COVID-19 via Twitter on the […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 3 min read time Chemist – Commercial Risk Summary Description of operations Chemists can range from the small pharmacy that fills prescriptions to retail stores that offer a pharmacy service and also sell sundries, to huge super or discount chemists that sell all varieties of general merchandise and drugs. Chemists can be attached to and related to doctors’ offices, clinics, or hospitals, or they […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 3 min read time Commercial Property Insurance – Overview Your property is subject to many risks, including social and catastrophe perils, structural issues and even disputes with tenants. By purchasing a commercial property insurance policy, you can make sure that you are protected against these risks. Insurable Perils Basic commercial property insurance policies provide one of two basic levels of cover: all risks, and […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 31st Mar 2020 • 4 min read time How COVID-19 Could Impact Your Business’ Insurance The new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak continues to be a top-of-mind concern for organisations and individuals across the globe. As COVID-19 becomes increasingly widespread, it’s not only raising fears about the well-being of the general public, but it’s also disrupting business operations and creating insurance exposures. In fact, COVID-19 has already led to business […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 2 min read time Employers’ Liability Insurance – Overview Employers’ liability insurance protects employers from claims of negligence made by employees who suffer injury or ill health due to their work. Unlike most other types of insurance, employers’ liability insurance is compulsory. If you employ workers based in England, Scotland or Wales (including offshore installations or associated structures), your company must carry employers’ liability […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Fleet Management • 31st Mar 2020 • 3 min read time Hauliers’ Insurance – Overview Whether you are an owner operator or managing an entire fleet, your haulage business is at risk whenever your vehicles are off the road. Stagnancy is alarming for the transport industry—every second that any of your vehicles are sidelined threatens your earning potential. To ensure maximum profit and efficiency, your employees and vehicles need to […]
Darren Beckinsale • Construction, Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 4 min read time Tradesman Insurance – Overview As a tradesman, you belong to a group of workers skilled in a variety of highly specialised trades and crafts. The term ‘tradesmen’ refers to builders, plumbers, electricians, carpenters, roofers and more. Because the definition of tradesmen is so broad, it can be difficult to choose the cover that best protects against the specific risks […]
Darren Beckinsale • Charity & Not for Profit, Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 4 min read time Charity Insurance – Overview Charities throughout the United Kingdom face many risks that can result in loss, damage or liability for trustees—and for the charity as a whole. Risks include a loss of charity assets or resources, damage to a charity’s property and third party liability for professional indemnity or public liability. Part of mitigating these risks is having […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 2 min read time Hotel Insurance – Overview Business in the hotel industry can be precarious. Local events for out-of-towners, currency fluctuations, inclement weather, the health of the economy and the affordability of travel all influence hotel occupancy rates. Despite everything you do, a certain degree of fickleness remains. You face a challenging, inconsistent industry. Do not crumble in the face of instability—fortify […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 4 min read time Domiciliary Care Insurance – Overview For adults that have age-related impairments or physical, mental or visual disabilities, it may be difficult for them to live independently in their own familiar surroundings. Domiciliary care organisations are able to provide these adults with specialised assistance which allows them to obtain a beneficial sense of self-reliance. Personal assistants, care agency staff members or […]
Darren Beckinsale • Construction, Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 5 min read time Contract Works Insurance – Overview Construction projects can be complicated undertakings, and if any problems were to arise before the project is completed, things can become difficult to resolve. Imagine you are working on the framework of a two-storey detached home. One night, a devastating summer storm rolls in and relentlessly batters the building site, effectively undoing several weeks of […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 31st Mar 2020 • 3 min read time Pub Insurance – What Cover Do I Need? When running a pub, you face a variety of risks that can endanger the viability of your business. Due to the nature of your clientele and manner of operation—long hours, late closing times, crowded premises and drunken customers—a number of risks you’re exposed to are unique to the pub industry. Purchasing appropriate cover for your […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Professional Indemnity (PI) • 31st Mar 2020 • 3 min read time Professional Indemnity Insurance in a Down Economy Professional indemnity insurance offers protection from damages arising from the rendering of or failure to render professional services. With claims increasing during this economic downturn, the need for professional indemnity insurance cover is even greater. Professional indemnity insurance, also referred to as errors and omissions insurance, protects professional personnel against negligence claims made by a […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19, Newsletters • 31st Mar 2020 • 2 min read time Government Issues UK Lockdown to Combat COVID-19 Pandemic As the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic continues to spread, Boris Johnson announced on 23rd March 2020 that the UK will go into ‘lockdown’ for at least the next three weeks, effective immediately. The lockdown—which will be similar to that of the current protocols being enforced in European countries severely impacted by COVID-19, such as […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19, Risk Insights • 19th Mar 2020 • 2 min read time Video: Business Continuity Management DOES YOUR BUSINESS HAVE A PLAN IN PLACE TO RECOVER FROM A DISASTER? Business continuity planning can be the difference between successfully recovering from a disaster and going out of business. Using our professionally written and designed resources, you will discover the importance of business continuity planning. ARE YOU LOOKING TO IMPROVE YOUR SECURITY AND […]
Darren Beckinsale • Risk Insights • 19th Mar 2020 • 1 min read time Video: 6 Tips to Keep Your Business from Being Underinsured Many businesses risk their own survival by remaining underinsured year after year. Follow these tips to ensure your business has adequate cover to defend against disaster. If you would like advice on how to protect your business, employees or have questions about your cover – please contact us on 01273 789 979
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 19th Mar 2020 • 5 min read time Protecting Employees From Coronavirus As global concerns about the 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continue to rise, it’s important for employers like you to understand what you can do to protect your workforce. Review this guidance for an outline of what coronavirus is, how it spreads and key steps that you can take to keep employees healthy. What Is Coronavirus? […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 19th Mar 2020 • 2 min read time Coronavirus Insurer Update – 19th March We wanted to provide an update as the situation has evolved. As before this is the position as it currently stands and may be subject to change. Government Comments and Assistance One of the most asked questions following their statements, particularly from the leisure industry, has been “Do I have business interruption cover if the […]
Darren Beckinsale • COVID-19 • 19th Mar 2020 • 2 min read time Further information about COVID-19 prevention and best practices. What is COVID-19? According to the NHS, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by a type of coronavirus that can spread from person to person and cause respiratory illness. What are the symptoms of COVID-19? The majority of patients with COVID-19 experience mild to moderate respiratory illness with the following symptoms: Fever Cough Shortness of […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data, Risk Insights • 13th Nov 2019 • 2 min read time Client cyber threat advisory from CFC Underwriting Outdated Windows systems vulnerable to BlueKeep exploit Security researchers have recently seen a mass exploitation attempt targeting devices vulnerable to the BlueKeep exploit, also known as CVE-2019-0708. This advisory urges our policyholders to ensure all systems are updated to avoid potential attacks as a result of this, or any other, vulnerability. BlueKeep is a critical […]
Darren Beckinsale • Fleet Management, Regulatory Updates • 19th Mar 2019 • 2 min read time Green Cards, Trailer Registration and International Driver’s Permit As we are sure you are all aware by now, on the result of a no deal Brexit, Green Cards will be required when driving in the EU, EEA, Andorra, Serbia and Switzerland as proof of insurance. This follows guidance published by the ABI. Some insurers are requiring advice 4 weeks before travel, others it […]
Darren Beckinsale • Professional Indemnity (PI), Regulatory Updates • 6th Nov 2018 • 1 min read time AXA offers Management Liability Policy with Brexit Cover AXA Insurance plc are restless in their pursuit of new and better ways to do business. That’s why they’ve strengthened their Management Liability Policy so they’re offering their best cover yet. Standard cover already included: All areas of Regulatory investigation and with no restrictions Employment claims Pension claims Pollution claims clean-up costs – £25,000 Cyber […]
Darren Beckinsale • Risk Insights • 6th Nov 2018 • 2 min read time Taking the risk out of renting for landlords and their tenants Barbon Insurance – Taking the risk out of renting for landlords and their tenants. ‘De-risking the Future’ is a news and current affairs-style programme exploring the vital role of insurance brokers as an essential interface between insurers and clients, at a time when customers’ buying habits are changing. With the insurance broker role changing, this […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data • 19th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Cyber criminals are smart, cyber cover from Aviva is smarter Businesses may not realise that something as simple as sending and receiving emails or speaking on the phone puts them at risk of a cyber breach. 46% of SMEs have been affected by a cyber breach in the last year* – yet only 13.7% have cyber insurance to protect their businesses**. Somewhat an underestimated threat. […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Risk Insights • 17th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time The bespoke nursery insurance product keeping children safe whilst they play and learn ‘De-risking the Future’ is a news and current affairs-style programme exploring the vital role of insurance brokers as an essential interface between insurers and clients, at a time when customers’ buying habits are changing. With the insurance broker role changing, this programme brings to life how the sector is embracing professionalism and diversification, and striving […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Regulation impacting productivity The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) has worked with ITN Productions to create an exciting news and current affairs style programme exploring the vital role of insurance brokers. In this second part how regulation impacted productivity is discussed. The British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA) is the UK’s leading general insurance intermediary organisation representing the interests […]
Darren Beckinsale • Regulatory Updates • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) Increase In the Summer Budget, announced 8 July 2015, the Chancellor confirmed an increase of 3.5% in the standard rate of IPT. This increase will see the standard rate move from its current 6% to 9.5%. The new 9.5% rate will be effective from 1 November 2015. Our approach to the IPT charges is based upon […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Regulatory Updates • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time No more paper licences From 8 June 2015, as part of the Government’s Red Tape Challenge initiative to remove unnecessary burden on drivers, DVLA will no longer issue the paper counterpart to the photocard driving licence. From 8 June 2015, existing paper counterparts will no longer have any legal status. Further details in the video – please see our […]
Darren Beckinsale • Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Protect yourself from floods Flood Weather Alert 2015 The UK’s Met Office has issued weather warnings for heavy rainfall and strong winds for much of the country. In light of this, we’d encourage you and your customers to assess flood risks now and prepare plans to follow in the event of a flood emergency. Planning for floods Click here […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Manufacturers & Engineering • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Machinery Business Interruption When machinery is damaged or breaks down it can take time for a business to return to normal operations, often resulting in a loss of income and, more often than not, considerable additional expenditure. Our Machinery Business Interruption policy protects your clients against the potential impact of machinery downtime and operates as a companion to […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time How safe are your networks? Sophisticated cyber-attacks are on the rise. Research published this year reported that there was a malware attack every five seconds. That’s 18,000 events every single hour. Cyber-attacks are a big and expensive problem. How big? Well Lloyds of London this year estimated that cyber-attacks cost businesses some $400bn every year, that’s 1% of global income. […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Flood Protection – How do we work to help you? With the economic costs of Storm Desmond approaching £500m it is worth checking that your commercial insurance covers you in the event of such an occurrence. If the worst happens what should you do to help your insurer look after you? In the immediate aftermath contacting your insurer may not be the thing foremost in […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time The Sharing Economy and Insurance playing catching. You may or may not have heard of the sharing economy but if you haven’t, you certainly will in the future. Two of the fastest growing services in this space are UBER, the taxi hire firm which sees its drivers using their own cars and Airbnb, a peer to peer rental business which has so […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Insuring Your Deal – The rise in Mergers & Acquisitions Insurance Whether you’re a small manufacturer, you own a chain of shops or you run a FTSE 100 company, merger and acquisition activity can be a risky business. Research just released by large global insurer AIG shows just how risky. In situations where cover was in place, nearly 15% of takeover deals resulted in an insurance […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Allianz SME: far from average From 1st February 2016, we will no longer be applying Average to our SME products to make it even easier for you to do business with us and secure the right cover for you. Following the FCA’s Thematic Review, which revealed 40% of SMEs could be underinsured; we are taking the customer focussed step of […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Supporting Paralympic sport on Channel 4 You may have recently heard that Allianz has become a key partner of the Rio 2016 Paralympic Games on Channel 4. This follows our exciting new sponsorship of the British Paralympic Association and ParalympicsGB team. What does this mean? This means we’re sponsoring a range of programmes across Channel 4 leading up to the Rio […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Manufacturers & Engineering • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time A simple guide to engineering insurance There are many different engineering covers out there. So we want to make your job a little easier when it comes to identifying which engineering insurance products and services your you might benefit from. We’ve included trades within our guide which align with our sector-specific mid-corporate propositions to help ensure that your businesess have all […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Regulatory Updates • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Insurance Tax Rise (IPT) – Again…. BIBA, on behalf of our members and their customers, is astonished that the Chancellor decided that a further increase in IPT is required to strengthen the nations flood defences. Today’s announced increase in IPT means that, year on year, insurance buyers face an increase in tax of 66.6% since March 2015. Previous research by BIBA […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Property View for Property Owners Welcome to the fourth instalment of Property View, the magazine which aims to keep property owners and brokers abreast of developments from across the property owners’ sector. Take a walk down any high street in the UK and you’re reminded of the extent to which the recession is taking its toll. But with one in […]
Darren Beckinsale • Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Doing it yourself? Do it safely Longer days, lighter evenings and a sudden urge to tend to those things that have been waiting all winter to be fixed often cause us to get the DIY bug at this time of year. Some of us find DIY relaxing. Others find it frustrating. And, unfortunately, more than a few of us find it […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Newsletters, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Serving up the right cover for your business needs At Business Insurance Service we understand the challenges of working in the hospitality industry. Ensuring the products and services you supply are covered, and your revenue protected, is key. That’s why we work with Aviva to provide flexible cover that serves your needs. The Aviva touch Business Insurance Service and Aviva work together to give […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time BIBA Conference in Manchester Look what happened when Director, Darren Beckinsale met up with Aviva during the BIBA conference in Manchester. Find out how we can cover your needs If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help protect you, please give us a call on 01273 789 979 or at hello@businessinsuranceservice.co.uk
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time From theatres to science centres, get great insurance without the drama At Business Insurance Service we understand that the arts and culture sector encompasses a broad variety of businesses and insurance needs. That’s why we work with Aviva to offer you flexible, relevant and essential covers to protect what’s important to you. The Aviva difference Business Insurance Service and Aviva give you the best of both […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 3 min read time UK: Aviva launches customer guide on the Insurance Act Insurance Act applies to all business insurance taken out, renewed or amended from 12 August 2016. Aviva, the UK’s largest commercial insurer, has launched a guide to help business owners understand more about the upcoming changes to the law regarding their business insurance, and outline what the introduction of the Insurance Act will mean to […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data, Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Allianz launches free cyber risk assessment tool Allianz Insurance plc has partnered with leading global cyber security consultancy, IT Governance Ltd, to offer its commercial customers a free online cyber risk assessment. The Allianz Cyber Risk Assessment tool is designed to help businesses protect themselves against a potential cyber-attack. It provides policyholders with an online questionnaire based on the Government’s ‘Cyber Essentials’ […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time 10 ‘safer driver’ occupations revealed by Aviva Drive app Nurses, construction workers and social workers are amongst the safest drivers on UK roads, according to data released today by Aviva. The information was compiled using data from the Aviva Drive app to support Aviva’s new campaign which is striving to make Britain’s roads safer. The campaign is the first initiative to be launched under […]
Darren Beckinsale • Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Volcanic Ash, what it means for your cover Mount Eyjafjallajökull in Iceland, erupted back in 2010. Though considered unremarkable at the time of eruption, it was to have big consequences for the traveller and insurance industry alike. It’s combination of volcanic heat and glacially cold water, broke the lava into tiny fragments that caused the largest air traffic shut down in Europe since […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Business Contents Insurance As your business grows, chances are it could accumulate very significant levels of physical contents. These will obviously be quite different from business to business. For example, if you’re a workshop, your machines may be expensive to replace. In an office based environment, computer equipment may form the bulk of the contents. If you’re a […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time What’s Flood Re? Flood Re featured heavily in the press earlier in the year. It was created in April 2016 to help homeowners in areas susceptible to flooding obtain affordable home and contents insurance. In simple terms, Flood Re is a new reinsurer set up to take personal home related flood risks from other insurance companies. So far […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Insurance to help you keep on trading Practicing comprehensive risk management is crucial when it comes to successfully managing a company. Risks, like companies themselves, come in many different shapes and sizes. Most companies have near the top of their list of risks, the threat posed to their physical items. Buildings, stock, furniture and so on, are all taken care of by […]
Darren Beckinsale • Fleet Management, Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Driverless cars – what will they mean for insurance!? Driverless cars are closing in on becoming a reality on our roads. Certainly, some estimates suggest that they’ll be on our roads by 2020 and this may yet prove conservative. It’s hard to resist some of the logic for their introduction. In the UK there are around 1,700 deaths and 180,000 other injuries from motor […]
Darren Beckinsale • Regulatory Updates • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Brexit insurance cover? Well, the news has certainly been dominated by the UK’s decision to leave the European Union, so we suppose it was only a matter of time before Brexit found its way into insurance circles. AIG has become the first insurer to launch a specific Brexit related cover by making available a new add-on to its […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Switching insurer to save money Apathy can be very expensive. This applies not only to our personal dealings but also in the commercial world too. Increasingly as consumers, we’re realising that taking on apathy can save us quite considerable amounts of money. Switching car insurance can save hundreds of pounds and even contents insurance switching can save decent money too. […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Newsletters, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Terrorism – Make sure your business is protected It’s an unfortunate but undeniable fact that our businesses today face an unprecedented threat from global terrorism. While the human tragedy of these appalling events rightly dominate the headlines, for some businesses the consequences of an attack can also be devastating. It’s important to reassess the threat your business faces from terrorism and ensure that […]
Darren Beckinsale • Construction, Cover Overviews • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Essential tools insurance In many different trades such as building, plumbing or landscape gardening for example, tools are an essential part of the business. Protecting those vital tools with proper tool insurance should be an essential part of any insurance policy. Not only could losing or damaging tools be expensive due to the cost of having to replace […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Start Up Insurance – What is Risk Management? Understanding the various types of insurance on offer, let alone deciding on a supplier can be a daunting business for small companies. The Business Insurance Service can help you navigate through this process, providing a one-stop shop for all your risk management and insurance needs. What is Risk Management? Put simply, risk management is the […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Why do I need Employers Liability insurance? Employers Liability (EL) insurance covers you in the event that an employee becomes sick, injures themselves or dies as a result of your employment. As mentioned previously, EL insurance is a legal requisite if you employ any staff. This includes temporary or holiday labour as well as salaried staff and you must obtain cover with […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Temporary incapacity may be considered a ‘long-term’ disability Employees who are disabled are protected from discrimination under employment law. Disability is usually permanent and long term. The European Court of Justice (ECJ) was asked to consider whether short-term (temporary) incapacity of uncertain length could be considered long-term incapacity and, therefore, protected from disability discrimination under EU Equal Treatment law. Case: Daouidi (D) v […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 4 min read time Do not disturb – the risks and safety considerations of driver distraction As advances in technology accelerate by the minute, so do the numerous forms of driver distraction. Our lives are busier than ever and it’s becoming increasingly difficult to focus on any one thing. Multi-tasking is rife – even when driving. With 78% of crashes involving the person behind the wheel being preoccupied with other activities […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Regulatory Updates • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Minimum wage and statutory payments to rise from April 2017 Statutory weekly payments for parents and sick pay will go up from April 2017, as shown below. The increase of 1% reflects the annual increase in the consumer price index in the year to September 2016. This is the first increase since April 2015. These payments didn’t change in April 2016 because the index fell […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 5 min read time Phishing for small fish: why SMEs need cyber insurance Justin Clarke, Director of Underwriting and Pricing at NIG, explores the threat of cybercrime to small and medium-sized businesses, and explains why comprehensive cyber insurance coverage is essential. Cyber criminals don’t go after small fish, right? Actually, nearly three-quarters of small and medium-sized businesses have suffered a security breach (SC1), and a report from the […]
Darren Beckinsale • Employee Benefits & Wellbeing • 10th Oct 2018 • 3 min read time Salary Increase or Employee Benefits? A survey conducted by Glassdoor in late 2015 showed that 79% of employees would prefer new or additional benefits rather than a pay rise. 37% would prefer more holiday/leave and 32% wanted paid sick days. Interestingly the most in demand benefit was healthcare insurance (40%). The Investors in People’s Job Exodus Trends poll in 2016 […]
Darren Beckinsale • Fleet Management, Motor Trade, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 3 min read time When should a business use telematics? Telematics is sometimes described as a ‘silver bullet’ for fleet risk management. With telematics technology constantly developing and costs decreasing, more and more vehicles are being fitted with telematics devices. However, many fleets are still choosing not to adopt telematics, and of those that already have, many are not seeing their collision and claim rates […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, GDPR, Cyber & Data • 10th Oct 2018 • 2 min read time Crime Insurance quotes added to our online offering This policy will provide you with much-needed peace of mind against a severe threat, and can be extended to protect against the growing danger of cyber fraud, in which firms are tricked into sending money by fake emails from fraudsters impersonating managers or suppliers. Regardless of size, territory and business sector, all organisations are vulnerable […]
Darren Beckinsale • Construction • 10th Oct 2018 • 3 min read time Construction : House Building in the UK House Building and Construction in the UK On Wednesday, Theresa May vowed to fix the housing problem in the UK. However, experts have cautioned that her mission to increase the construction of affordable households is not a perfect solution to the country’s housing crisis. According to the prime minister, the government would raise its budget […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data, Risk Insights • 10th Oct 2018 • 3 min read time Cybercrime in the UK on SMEs Technology no doubt has brought about a lot of positives. However, you cannot argue the fact that these positives have come at a cost. This cost is the prevalence of cybercrimes! Just recently, cybercrime hit the headlines in the UK once again; from the infamous WannaCry attack on the NHS to Barclays declaring war on […]
Darren Beckinsale • GDPR, Cyber & Data, Regulatory Updates • 10th Oct 2018 • 3 min read time GDPR is coming in May, But why buy Cyber Insurance? Cybercrime is fast increasing and with the European Union having concluded the legislation that has been forthcoming since the year 2012, whether companies will seek cyber insurance remains to be seen. This legislation is expected to seal some outlets that have enabled the escalation of cybercrime activities. In addition, it will diversify company obligations especially […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters • 10th Oct 2018 • 1 min read time Introduction to ‘De-Risking the Future’ The British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA) has worked with ITN Productions to create an exciting news and current affairs style programme exploring the vital role of insurance brokers. See the first video introduction here. New ‘De-risking the Future’ programme reveals how issues surrounding the burden of regulation are critical to those the Financial Conduct Authority […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, GDPR, Cyber & Data • 21st Mar 2017 • 1 min read time Introducing Aviva’s new cyber cover As digital technologies accelerate, so do cyber risks. From hacking and malicious attacks to stolen laptops and data, cyber criminals attack indiscriminately. But online attacks are only a part of it. System failure and employee negligence have an equally damaging impact on businesses too. Digital and data reliance is now normal for most businesses. Aviva […]
Darren Beckinsale • Human Resources (HR), Regulatory Updates, Risk Insights • 20th Mar 2017 • 2 min read time Who is a worker and who is self-employed in the ‘gig economy’? Many people now work in the ‘gig economy’ in the UK. The term generally describes a business model based on a flexible workforce – individuals are paid for each ‘gig’ or performance of a service that they provide (such as a courier delivery or taxi ride). Employment laws give different rights and protections to individuals […]
Darren Beckinsale • Construction, Newsletters • 17th Mar 2017 • 3 min read time Tradespeople face up to material price hikes Despite positive economic data, the weak pound could pose challenges for UK tradespeople this year. In particular, rising material costs might prove an issue … The UK economy has so far defied fears of a post-Brexit slowdown, with the Bank of England even raising its growth forecast for 2017 [SC1]. Despite concerns about the potential […]
Darren Beckinsale • Cover Overviews, Employee Benefits & Wellbeing • 15th Mar 2017 • 2 min read time Focus on International Private Medical Insurance (IPMI) from Aviva Clear, flexible private healthcare if you’re living or working overseas It’s all about making sure you have access to high quality healthcare while you’re living or working overseas. That, and having the support of an insurance provider you can trust, which matters just as much as having the right kind of cover in place. Aviva […]
Darren Beckinsale • Newsletters, Risk Insights • 9th Mar 2017 • 3 min read time Tribunal decides redundancy was not because of TUPE transfer Employees may be transferred to another employer when a business changes hands, or when the business stops providing a service that’s then done by someone else. (For example, in-house catering is replaced by an external business providing catering services.) The new employer takes the transferring employees on the same terms and conditions as the old […]
Darren Beckinsale • Human Resources (HR) • 7th Mar 2017 • 2 min read time Unfair dismissals and re-employing If an employee is dismissed for misconduct but later cleared at an employment tribunal, the tribunal can – though rarely does – make an order for the employee to be re-employed. The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) considered whether doing so was feasible in a case where the employer said that trust and confidence had broken […]
Darren Beckinsale • Motor Trade, Newsletters • 14th Nov 2016 • 3 min read time UK car dealerships face up to brexit uncertainties Productivity levels are rising in the UK car industry. But with the Brexit vote creating uncertainties around imports and exports, what are the potential implications for motor dealerships? The UK car industry has staged an impressive recovery in recent times, reversing the trends of the 1970s and 80s. But with the country voting to leave […]
