Category: News & Blogs

 

 

 

 

Flooding is almost impossible to prevent and usually difficult to predict. With the recent flooding following Storm Bert and the risk of more flooding predicted, there is time to prepare.

We have continued to see news reports from across England and Wales following Storm Bert, sharing accounts of flooding and the damage that’s been caused in local communities over the past weekend – to homes and businesses.

Stay Informed

We urge everyone to stay safe and listen to updates and weather warnings for your local area. However, many people have reported they didn’t receive appropriate warnings, so if there’s any possibility you may be affected by flooding it’s worth being vigilant. Some will have experienced flooding before, but flash flooding can impact new areas so it’s a good idea to think about what actions you can take to be prepared.

You can check for flood warnings England using this Government website, and in Wales using this website. For advice on how to support elderly residents during a flood event, check this page from Age UK’s website.

Be Prepared

It’s important to be prepared and have a plan in place if there’s any possibility of flooding.

• Familiarise yourself with the government’s alert systems
• Make an evacuation plan – for your family and your pets. Plan what you’ll need to take with you and ensure you have medication and any medical equipment, phone charger and other essentials with you. Put some blankets in your vehicle – and plan your route out!
• Prepare an emergency kit – in case you need to leave quickly. Use the Red Cross guide to prepare your emergency kit which could include a mobile phone charger, medication, drinking water, emergency contact and support numbers, your insurance documents, something to wear, and waterproof clothing.
• Let your neighbours know – especially those that are elderly or vulnerable, and help them to prepare too.

• Take photographs around your home – this may help with insurance claim.
• Move sentimental, valuable and important items/documents upstairs. Ensure photographs and treasured posessions are out of reach of flood water.

During a Flood

• If the flood is posing a threat to your safety, call the emergency services immediately.
• Don’t walk, swim, or drive through floodwater. Six inches of fast-flowing water can knock you over. Two feet of water can float a car.
• Avoid contact with floodwater. It may be contaminated with sewage. If you’re exposed, wash your hands and clothes thoroughly in clean water.

More advice about what to do during a flood and how to stay safe can be found on the National Flood Forum (covering England, Wales and Northern Ireland) or Scottish Flood Forum websites.

Your Insurance Documents

Always have your policy documents in a safe place with your precious items and medications. Go online and download PDF versions to your phone, or call your account handler and ask for these to be emailed to you if you no longer have the original email. Add the relevant claim numbers to your phone in case you need them, together with your policy number. And don’t forget your phone charger!

Have you experienced flooding?

If you have been flooded already, check our article on how to stay safe when the flood waters have retreated and you can access your property again. The danger isn’t over and you still need to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.

Our Claims Team are available to support our clients if they have been affected by the flooding, just contact your usual Account Handler or if you don’t have their details to hand, just contact the office on 0115 942 0111 or email [email protected]

Stay Safe following Flooding!

 

 

 

Flooding is almost impossible to prevent and usually difficult to predict. With the recent flooding following Storm Bert and more rain forecast, if you haven’t already experienced flooding and may be at risk, there is time to prepare so check our article on the steps to take.

If you have experienced flooding, you still need to stay safe when you can access your property again, the dangers aren’t over when the water retreats.

Floodwater may be contaminated, especially by untreated sewage. Contamination remains after the floodwater has gone and can be hazardous unless simple procedures are followed:

• Wear rubber boots and gloves in and around the affected property
• Wash all cuts and cover with waterproof plasters. Anyone receiving a puncture wound during flood recovery should have a doctor determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary
• Small children, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid floodwater and flooded areas until the clean-up is complete – and try to keep pets safe too
• However, if you do feel unwell or if you accidentally ingest (swallow) mud or contaminated water and you become ill, you should consult your doctor and telling them that your house was flooded

Floodwater can damage buildings severely, particularly if it has been flowing quickly, is over 1m deep or has been in a property for a long time.

• Before entering property that has been flooded, the building should be checked for signs of damage
• Be careful when moving any debris that may have been carried onto your property or the surrounding area. Avoid heavy objects (e.g. trees) that may be unstable and could suddenly move and trap or crush you. Do not attempt to move anything yourself that cannot be lifted comfortably
• Be careful when moving in and around property that has been flooded. Standing water and mud can hide holes, damage to structures and sharp objects. This could include uncovered manholes and drains or roads and paths, as well as broken bottles or glass. Be aware of cuts from standing or falling onto hidden hazards and slippery sediment

Always have your policy documents in a safe place with your precious items and medications. Go online and download PDF versions to your phone, or call your Wilsons contact and ask for these to be emailed to you if you no longer have the original email. Add the relevant claim numbers to your phone in case you need them, together with your policy number.

We’re here for our clients!

Our Claims Team are available to support our clients if they have been affected by the flooding, just call your usual contact or if you don’t have their details to hand, just contact the office on 0115 942 0111 or email [email protected]

 

 

 

 

 

We are still growing our team! We are seeking a Commercial & Broking Handler to join our Commercial Insurance Team, playing a vital role in broking and managing insurance programmes for our commercial clients.

This unique role blends client account management with hands-on experience in broking across our diverse client portfolio, including private client. You’ll work on commercial client accounts while supporting our experienced broking team, enhancing your expertise in commercial insurance broking.

If you believe you can deliver with the highest level of client service, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients while adhering to industry regulations and company policies, we’d love to hear from you!

Core Responsibilities

• Carry out all aspects of internal underwriting administration and renewals for designated clients
• Support the Account Directors and clients, keep them fully up to date within service levels whilst maintaining complete, compliant records
• Develop relationships with preferred insurers, broking new business and existing cases as and when required.
• Broking new business enquiries and existing cases including motor fleet in line with the broking strategy, ensuring the business process and all aspects of internal underwriting administration is followed.
• Develop relationships with preferred insurers and contribute to the progression of the broking strategy.

 Desired Attributes

• Strong communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain relationships with clients and key stakeholders.
• Self-motivated and proactive with a results-oriented mindset; excellent organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and meet deadlines, working independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; knowledge of Acturis is preferred but not essential as full training will be provided.

Benefits include…

• 24 days holiday entitlement plus all public bank holidays
• Membership of our Group Personal Pension, Death in Service scheme and Employee Assistance Programme.
• Virtual Medical Care – Unlimited access to GPs for consultations, second opinions and medical advice available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for you, your partner and children (up to the age of 23). This can be via a website or over the phone.
• Membership of our company Private Health Scheme requires a 1% of salary contribution.

Training

We will provide on the job training and any other training we identify you may require. We will discuss this with you when you join us and review your training needs regularly through our appraisal system.

Get in touch!

If you are enthusiastic, hardworking and friendly you could be a fantastic fit. We’d love to hear from you if you think you’re the right person to join our team. Get in touch and submit your CV to [email protected].

 

 

 

 

As the Autumn Budget 2024 approaches, many are speculating on what Chancellor Rachel Reeves will announce.

We understand the concerns many individuals and businesses are facing; our team at Wilsons have cleared their diaries to ensure they’re available for personal discussions with clients who want to talk through the potential impacts and find the best solutions moving forward.

Your priorities are our priorities, and as always we’re here to provide clarity and guidance during these crucial times.

If you have any questions or concerns about how the budget could affect your financial future, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re ready to help.

Just email or call your adviser, or contact the office on 0115 942 0111 or [email protected] to arrange your appointment.

 

 

 

 

We’re thrilled to welcome Charlie Ross to Wilsons’ Financial Services team!

Joining us as in his role of Client Support, Charlie will also play a vital role in delivering service excellence and support our team in delivering financial solutions, bringing fresh ideas that will benefit our clients and enhance the way we work.

Charlie says:
“The reason I wanted to join the Harold Wilson Financial Services team was to gain a deeper understanding of the financial services world and all it entails. So far, I have thoroughly enjoyed myself as I’ve had the opportunity to experience new things — meeting clients and participating in team activities. I look forward to what the future holds for me here at Wilsons.”

We’re excited to be working with Charlie and look forward to supporting him on his journey in the world of financial services.

Welcome to the team!

 

 

 

In recent months, the press has referred to ‘stealth taxes’, whereby tax thresholds are frozen. As earnings and wealth grow, more people are being pushed into the next threshold up and without noticing, they are paying more tax.  

One such ‘stealth tax’, is the 45p a mile fuel allowance, which hasn’t changed since 2011. Not many people are talking about yet, but is affecting our working population who travel for their job, more than you might realise.  

Comparing the Annual Cost of Motoring in 2011 vs 2024 

The UK government introduced the 45p per mile mileage allowance (or Approved Mileage Allowance Payment, AMAP) in 2011 to help cover the cost of running a vehicle for work-related journeys. However, with the cost of motoring increasing significantly over the years, some drivers are questioning whether this allowance remains adequate in 2024. This article examines how the 45p per mile rate compares to the actual cost of motoring in 2011 and 2024. 

The 45p Per Mile Mileage Allowance in 2011 

When the 45p mileage rate was set in 2011, it covered the basic expenses involved in running a car, including fuel, insurance, maintenance, depreciation, and road tax. 

• Fuel Costs: In 2011, the average price of petrol was around £1.30 per litre, and cars typically achieved around 35 miles per gallon (mpg), translating to a fuel cost of approximately 17p per mile (RAC Foundation). 

• Insurance: The average annual insurance premium was £500-£600, adding roughly 4p-5p per mile for the average driver covering 12,000 miles annually (RAC Foundation). 

• Total Cost of Motoring: The overall annual cost of running a car was estimated to be between £4,750 and £6,300, which meant the cost per mile was 40p-52p. Thus, the 45p allowance was generally sufficient to cover the running costs, particularly for fuel, with some margin for insurance and maintenance (RAC Foundation). 

At the time, this allowance allowed most drivers to cover their motoring expenses, especially for short to medium journeys. 

The Cost of Motoring in 2024 

By 2024, however, the motoring landscape has changed drastically, with increased fuel prices, insurance premiums, and higher repair and maintenance costs driving up the cost of running a vehicle. 

• Fuel Costs: Petrol prices have risen to £1.60-£1.80 per litre, with the cost of fuel per mile now sitting at 20p-23p, even for more fuel-efficient vehicles averaging 40 mpg (NimbleFins). 

• Insurance: Insurance premiums have surged, with the average cost now between £700-£900, adding 6p-8p per mile for drivers covering 12,000 miles per year (NimbleFins). 

• Total Cost of Motoring: The average annual cost of motoring for petrol and diesel cars has risen to between £6,600 and £8,300, which means the per-mile cost for petrol or diesel vehicles is now approximately 55p-69p. For electric vehicles, the overall cost is somewhat lower at 33p-45p per mile, largely due to reduced fuel (electricity) and maintenance costs (RAC) (NimbleFins). 

Does the 45p Mileage Allowance Cover 2024 Costs? 

In 2024, the 45p per mile rate no longer adequately covers the cost of motoring, particularly for petrol or diesel vehicles, where the cost per mile has risen well beyond the allowance. There is a shortfall of 10p to 24p per mile, meaning drivers are covering a significant portion of their vehicle expenses out of pocket when using their cars for work-related journeys. 

For those driving electric vehicles (EVs), the allowance is closer to the actual cost per mile, but even here, rising electricity prices and high depreciation rates mean that the 45p allowance only just covers expenses. 

Key Cost Increases Driving the Shortfall 

• Fuel Prices: The volatility of global fuel markets, especially following events like the Ukraine crisis, has caused spikes in petrol and diesel prices over the last few years, which have only moderately stabilized by 2024 (RAC). 

• Insurance Costs: A 63% increase in insurance premiums since 2020 reflects both inflation and rising repair costs for modern vehicles (NimbleFins). 

• Maintenance and Depreciation: Cars have become more technologically advanced, leading to more expensive parts and labor. Maintenance costs have increased by 31%, and depreciation rates have jumped 25%, adding significantly to the cost of car ownership (NimbleFins). 

Conclusion: A Call for Adjustment 

While the 45p mileage allowance was appropriate for the cost of motoring in 2011, the sharp rise in motoring costs over the last decade means that it no longer reflects the reality of 2024. Drivers, particularly those using petrol or diesel cars, are effectively subsidizing their own work-related journeys, covering a growing gap between the allowance and actual expenses. 

The growing disparity between the mileage allowance and the real cost of motoring suggests that it may be time for the UK government to revisit and adjust the mileage rate to better reflect today’s costs. Doing so would relieve financial pressure on employees who rely on personal vehicles for work and ensure that the system remains fair and workable in the modern motoring environment. 

Contact

This article has been drafted by Lucy Field-Richards. If you’d like to review your future financial plans, contact Lucy at [email protected]

 

References: 

1. NimbleFins: (NimbleFins)ps://www.nimblef (NimbleFins)2. NimbleFins: How Motoring Costs Have Changed from 2020 to 2024 

1. ONS Data on Fuel Prices and Cost of Living Adjustments (2020-2024)

 

 

 

 

 

We are thrilled to welcome Sally Lowther to the Wilsons team as our new Business Excellence Lead, working with our Insurance and Financial Services teams.

Sally brings a wealth of experience and a passion for driving business change and service excellence. Her expertise will be key in helping us continue to innovate and deliver exceptional client experience.

Join us in giving Sally a warm welcome and wishing her all the best in her new role at Wilsons!

 

 

In today’s complex world of insurance, making the right choice can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in – a trusted adviser that takes the time to understand you, your business, the risks you face and what you need to protect.

Here’s why working with a broker is the smartest choice:

Insurer Relationships – We have access the whole insurance market, allowing us to find the best cover that suits your unique needs and budget.

Tailored Solutions – Every individual and business is different; so are your insurance needs. We take the time to understand your situation in detail, designing bespoke solutions that offer the right protection.

Time Savings – Shopping around for insurance can be time-consuming and confusing. We will do the legwork for you comparing quotes, terms, and benefits from multiple insurers, allowing you to make an informed decision.

Claims Support – In the unfortunate event of a claim, having a broker on your side can make a world of difference. Wilsons’ Claims team can guide you through the process, advocating on your behalf to ensure a fair and timely resolution.

Expertise & Knowledge – The insurance landscape is constantly changing. As Brokers we stay up-to-date with the latest industry trends, regulations, and products, so you always have the most current and relevant advice.

Working in Partnership – Choosing an insurance policy is one of the most important financial decisions you’ll make. By working with us, you’re not just buying insurance – you’re gaining a partner dedicated to safeguarding your assets and securing your future.

Trusted Adviser – We’re really proud of our ‘Exceptional’ Feefo ranking and our Platinum Trusted Service Award. You can check out our verified reviews at Feefo.

Ready to explore your options? Get in touch at [email protected] and we’ll find the best insurance solutions tailored just for you.

We are shocked by the scenes of violence and destruction that we are seeing in towns and cities across the UK, affecting families, homeowners and businesses.

We’re aware that some of our clients may have suffered property damage or had business operations disrupted by the violence, and we want to do everything we can to help.

Riot Compensation Act 2016

Most property policies will include standard cover for physical damage to property. All comprehensive policies will come with riot cover. However, some policies may contain an exclusion for losses caused by, or in consequences of riot. There are additional reporting circumstances surrounding these types of claim as defined under Riot Compensation Act 2016 (RCA).

The RCA was introduced to help communities recover more quickly from the impact of rioting, where the affected individuals are either inadequately insured their claim may be declined by their insurer.

Essentially the government has to declare the incident which caused damage to your property a riot; and the RCA will compensate people for the damage incurred. One of the provisos is you have to claim for the damage initially from your Insurance company, the Insurers will then issue a claim under the Act. It is therefore extremely important that clients report any damage within the required timescales – Insurers will reject claims if they are unable to claim the monies back from the government.

You can claim directly form the government but this would be a drawn out process to reclaim your losses, and you would initially incur the cost. Full claims guidance can be found here.

We would recommend all our clients contact their usual Wilsons Account Handler as soon as possible if any damage or loss has occurred – whether the result of a riot or not.

In today’s interconnected world, businesses are more reliant on technology than ever before and the recent global IT outages have highlighted the critical importance of robust cyber security measures. However, even the most sophisticated security systems can be compromised, making cyber insurance an indispensable safeguard for businesses of all sizes.

The Growing Cyber Threat Landscape

Cyber threats are constantly evolving, becoming more sophisticated and damaging. The recent spate of global IT outages has highlighted how vulnerable businesses can be to cyber attacks. These incidents not only disrupt operations but also lead to significant financial losses, damage to reputation and loss of customer trust. As companies continue to move to digital or online operations, the risk of cyber attacks increases, making it imperative to have a comprehensive risk management strategy that includes cyber insurance.

What is Cyber Insurance?

Cyber insurance, also known as cyber liability insurance, is designed to help businesses mitigate the financial impact of cyber incidents. This type of insurance covers a range of risks, including data breaches, network damage, business interruption and legal fees. By transferring some of the financial risks associated with cyber attacks to an insurance provider, businesses can better manage the potential fallout from such incidents.

Benefits of Cyber Insurance

1. Financial Protection: Cyber insurance provides coverage for the financial losses that result from a cyber attack. This can include costs associated with data restoration, system repairs, lost revenue – even ransom payments in the case of ransomware attacks.
2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Following a cyber incident, businesses often face legal and regulatory challenges. Cyber insurance can cover legal fees and fines, ensuring that companies remain compliant with data protection laws and regulations.
3. Crisis Management Support: Many cyber insurance policies offer access to crisis management and public relations experts who can help businesses manage their response to an incident, minimising damage to their reputation.
4. Enhanced Security Posture: Insurers often provide policyholders with access to cybersecurity resources and risk management tools. This support can help businesses improve their overall security posture, making them less vulnerable to future attacks.

The Role of Cyber Insurance in Business Continuity

The recent global IT outages have demonstrated that no organization is immune to cyber threats. Cyber insurance plays a critical role in business continuity planning by providing a safety net that allows companies to recover more quickly from cyber incidents. With the right coverage in place, businesses can focus on restoring normal operations without the crippling financial burden that often accompanies a cyberattack.

Choosing the Right Cyber Insurance Policy

Selecting the right cyber insurance policy involves understanding your business’s unique risks and coverage needs. Consider factors such as the size of your company, the industry you operate in and the type of data you handle. It’s also important to work with a reputable insurance provider who can offer tailored solutions and expert advice.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the recent global IT outages have highlighted the importance of cyber insurance as a crucial component of any comprehensive cyber security strategy. By providing financial protection, legal support and crisis management resources, cyber insurance helps businesses navigate the complex and ever-changing cyber threat landscape. Investing in cyber insurance is not just a precautionary measure; it is a strategic decision that can safeguard your business’ future.

Let’s continue the conversation on how we can better protect our enterprises from the ever-evolving cyber threats – speak to your usual Wilsons contact.

Finalists in the Midlands Family Business Awards, the not-for-profit initiative created and organised by Wilsons, are now able to secure their tickets to join us, our Sponsors and Judges at the 2024 Awards Ceremony & Dinner on Thursday 3 October. This year we’ll be back to our usual format – and back at family-owned Athena in Leicester!

We’ll enjoy a drinks reception prior to taking our seats for Dinner. Following the welcome from Annabel and Charlotte, founders of the Awards, we’ll announce the Winners and Highly Commended in each of our categories throughout the evening.

 The formal Ceremony & Dinner concludes by 11pm, but for those that would like to continue the celebrations the bar will be open until midnight and we’ll finally close the doors on the 2024 Celebration at 12.30am.

6:00pm – Drinks Reception
7:00pm – Dinner & Awards Ceremony
11:00pm – After Party
12:30am – Close

Dress Code: Evening Glamour & Black Tie!
Venue: Athena, Queen Street, Leicester LE1 1QD
Ticket Price: £95 plus VAT

Finalists can book their tickets through the Family Business Futures website and if you have any queries, please contact Ped Briggs on 0115 942 7506 or email [email protected]

We look forward to celebrating with everyone on 3 October!

We’ve understandably seen renewed interest in cyber insurance since news the recent NHS ransomware attack.

According to a recent report, the UK cyber insurance market has become increasingly buyer-friendly, with increased capacity as insurers compete for a share of the market. This change is also partly due to increased cyber risk management as businesses reduce their cyber risk with effective strategies, data-driven controls and improved training of their users – still one of the most challenging areas for businesses.

Cyber threats remain as significant as ever, with many organisations experiencing large ransomware and privacy losses. A UK Government survey published in April 2024 indicated that half of all businesses and 84% of large businesses reported some form of cybersecurity breach or attack in the past 12 months.

Major retailers and fast-food chains across the UK experienced IT issues during March and whilst there was no evidence of cyber attacks, the disruptions highlighted the heavy reliance on technology in today’s business operations – whatever sector you operate in.

It’s not just public sector organisations, global enterprises or large organisations that are targeted – cyber security is a very real threat for SMEs, – and only a tiny percentage have cyber insurance in place, or the skills to deal with a cyber attack.

Many SME’s will look at their business and see the tangible risks such as fire, flood or theft, and may have made claims for these incidents in the past. Thankfully, most have never experienced a cyber attack and are unaware of the devastating impact this can have on a small business.

We have supported clients the sharp end of a cyber claim so we understand the impact this has on a business and the true value of cyber insurance – not only to compensate financially, but the incredible level of incident response they receive to deal with the attack, restore systems and mitigate against future threat.

If you don’t currently have a cyber policy in place and would like to understand the risks to your business, and the cover available to you, just get in touch with Charlotte Perkins.

We are excited to be working in collaboration with Nottingham Trent University, who’ve been working with businesses since 1843 – decades before we were established in 1914!

We’re working on a Financial Services Marketing project through their student consultancy project; working to a realistic consultancy brief gives their students experience of working with a business client, we gain fresh thinking and research insights from an amazing group of individuals with passion and excitement for their chosen field.

It’s an amazing project we’re very proud to be part of – and we hope the team we’re working with are enjoying it as much as we are!

We receive so many queries from professionals and creatives that are planning their future as a freelancer. Most believe Professional Indemnity is the only insurance cover they need, but that’s not usually the case.

Self-employment continues to rise in popularity, with research showing there were more than 4.25 million self-employed people working in the UK as of March 2024 – and almost half of them were freelancers.

Becoming a freelancer may bring more freedom, but you still have responsibilities, not only for the day-to-day running of your business, but ultimately for any liability too. You’ll need to understand the insurances you require so you and your business are protected.

Professional Indemnity, or PI as it’s commonly referred to, is the most common type of insurance freelancers enquire about. If you’re an architect or solicitor you’d see this as a core cover – but what about freelancers in other sectors? There is an ever increasing group classed by insurers as ‘miscellaneous’ -anyone who offers advice or consultancy for a fee is deemed to be a professional and therefore has an exposure to a professional negligence claim.

In addition to the ‘miscellaneous’ businesses there are those who may perceive they have no professional negligence exposure, but who have a contractual liability requiring them to have a PI policy in place. These businesses often have a ‘contingent liability’ as although they do not provide professional advice or consultancy directly, they sub-contract this activity and remain the first port of call in the event of a problem or claim.

You may feel confident in the quality of your work, and the advice or service you provide, but anyone is vulnerable to a claim if they fail to meet a client’s expectations.

A PI policy will offer cover compensation you may need to pay to correct a mistake, or any legal costs due to negligence, such as giving incorrect advice or making a mistake in your work. It can also cover the legal defence costs and expenses incurred in defending your position against an alleged claim/claims for financial loss.

Areas where you or your business could be exposed may include:
– Professional negligence
– Breach of confidentiality
– Loss of documents
– Infringement of copyright

Dependent on your type of work, who you work with and where, there may be other insurances you require in addition to any trade specific insurances. To ensure you’re fully protected, always speak to a specialist that takes the time to understand you and your business.

Wilsons have helped countless professionals and freelancers rectify ineffective insurance cover and set up comprehensive and cost effective programmes with a top quality consultative approach.

If you’re thinking of becoming a freelancer, or you’d like to ensure you have the right cover in place, just get in touch with Charlotte Perkins

The gender pensions gap is estimated to be more than twice the size of the gender pay gap. Figures from the National Retirement Forecast show that the gap in pension savings between men and women at retirement is 39% compared to the 14.3% gender pay gap. But there’s another shocking statistic – related to divorce.

Only 30% of divorcing couples include pensions in their settlement, according to figures recently released by the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries (IFoA) and Scottish Widows.

Divorce is an incredibly difficult time for all involved, so pensions may be overlooked or are simply not considered to be a marital asset. However, the family court considers pensions as an asset capable of division, in the same way as a property or savings, meaning between £2billion and £4billion per year in pension savings are not considered in divorce settlements.

A survey conducted by The Standard and Stowe Family Law revealed that women significantly underestimate the value of their spouse’s pension – a quarter didn’t know whether their spouse had a pension, and 77% did not know the value of it. 60% of divorced women did not talk about pensions in their divorce, and almost 28% stated they weren’t aware it should have been considered, according to Scottish Widows’ 2023 Women and Retirement Report.

Of course, this doesn’t only affect women. There are undoubtedly many cases in which the woman is the party with the higher pension – and pension sharing on divorce works both ways. We found there were no statistics readily available to reflect this scenario but as we hope the pay gap and pensions gap will narrow in future, this would be an interesting aspect to revisit.

There are a number of ways that pensions can be dealt with as part of a divorce settlement – including a pension sharing order where part of the pension-holder’s fund is transferred into the recipient’s sole name, or by an approach known as offsetting, where one of the parties will retain a greater share of another asset such as property.

Pensions may be boring and complicated, and yet another element to be included in divorce proceedings, but they should be considered as part of your financial future.

Building an early relationship with a financial adviser who understand you, and your vision for your financial future, can be incredibly beneficial. We spend the time to understands your lifestyle and aspirations – your short, medium and long-term financial goals and be there for you through the highs and lows of life’s journey.

To discuss how you can reach your short, medium and long-term financial goals, just get in touch with Lucy Field-Richards.

The office was a little quiet this week, with the Broking Team heading to Manchester for the BIBA Annual Conference – Europe’s largest insurance broking exhibition.

It’s always a great social event, an opportunity to catch up with our Insurance contacts to build on existing relationships and make new connections too. But it also helps ensure we’re at the forefront of industry trends and developments, with ‘What’s next?’ the big topic of the 2024 event.

For the first time some of our team attended on the ‘Young Broker Day’ designed for those in the early stages of their career – with career stories from insurance legends, celebrity speakers and sessions on personal development, they loved it!

 

 

 

 

 

Due to continued success in providing advice to HNW clients and corporate clients, we are seeking a professional and proactive Financial Services Administrator to provide holistic support to our Financial Advisers.

The successful candidate will have in depth knowledge and understanding of the Financial Planning process; have experience using industry software, ideally gained within an IFA or financial services practice.

Duties for this role will include:

• Client Servicing: including collating plan information, requesting quotes, processing authority letters, assisting advisors with general queries and ensuring relevant documents are uploaded.

• New Business Submission: including submitting business online and via post, adding plans to our database, chasing providers once business is submitted and checking plan documentation.
• Compliance: performing relevant anti-money laundering checks and checking compliance documentation is completed

• Data Entry: Adding client information to our database and ensuring documents are uploaded correctly

The candidate

• An excellent understanding of the financial planning process

• Good knowledge of financial services software systems, Excel and Word

• Excellent communication skills and telephone manner

• Good IT skills, good spreadsheet and database knowledge

• Effective organisational skills

Training
We will provide on the job training and any other training we identify you may require. We will discuss this with you when you join us and review your training needs regularly through our appraisal system.

Disabled Persons
If you become disabled the company will endeavour to allow you to continue in post within the physical constraints that may present themselves. If you are disabled on commencement of this post the company will have necessary support for you in place.

Discrimination
It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone under various acts of parliament. You will be expected to comply with these requirements.

If you are a motivated individual with a passion for finance and administration, we invite you to apply for the Financial Administrator position.

Join our team and contribute to our success through your expertise in financial management and administrative support. Just email your CV to [email protected]

 

 

The entry deadline for the 2024 Midlands Family Business Awards, organised by Wilsons, has been extended to midnight on Friday 19 April!

“We received so many requests for more time due to Easter and school holidays, we have pushed back our final entry deadline by two weeks,” explains Charlotte Perkins, Wilsons’ Group MD. “We want to ensure that family businesses don’t miss the chance to showcase their achievements, so we’ve to given them a little more time to finalise their entries.

The entry process is really easy – simply head to www.familybusinessawards.co.uk and click on the ‘enter now’ link, register and start the online submission in up to two categories. Entries can be saved and revisited at any time before making the final submission by the new deadline of midnight on Friday 19 April.

“Guidance on what the judges are looking for and the entry criteria can also be found on our website, and the Awards team are always on hand to answer any queries and support entrants throughout the process.” she adds.

With 10 free-to-enter categories including Family Business of the Year, Best Digital Tech Innovation, Best Small Family Business, Employer of the Year, Fastest Growing Family Businesses, Marketing Campaign of the Year, Property & Construction Excellence, Service Excellence, Sustainability and Young Director of the Year, there is a category suitable for every family business.

You can view the full line-up of categories and entry criteria on the website, to choose the most suitable for your family business. All our finalists will be entered into the People’s Choice Award – sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants and decided purely by public vote.

Main sponsor for the 2024 Awards is current Family Business of the Year titleholder MHR. Category sponsors are Buckles, Family Business Futures, Premier Community, PwC, Shakespeare Martineau, STENCIL, Streets Chartered Accountants, The Handy Family Company and Ward Recycling.

“We are so grateful for the support of all our sponsors, some of which have been with us from the start and some are previous winners, so they understand the process and support the deadline extension. We all hope that with the extra two weeks to complete their free online entries, even more family businesses from across the region will take the opportunity to shout about their work and enter this year’s Awards.”

Six finalists in each category will be chosen to go forward and meet the judging panel, with informal interviews taking place in June. The Ceremony & Dinner attracts over 300 guests – attended by awards finalists, independent judges and sponsors, but due to demand tickets are not placed on general sale. So if you want to attend, you need to enter!

 

 

 

Wilsons has joined the Business Circle of Nottingham Contemporary, one of the largest contemporary art galleries in the UK, presenting free exhibitions, special events, and family activities.

Nottingham Contemporary, in the heart of Nottingham, is one of the largest and leading centres for international contemporary art in the UK. It is well known for hosting internationally acclaimed exhibitions,  and renowned for innovative research and learning programmes. Importantly, it’s free to visit and is one of the UK’s most family friendly museums. Charlotte Perkins commented:

“We are really excited to be supporting Nottingham Contemporary and joining the Business Circle. I believe in the power of art to inspire, provoke thought, and bring communities together. As a family business celebrating 110 years in Nottingham we have incredibly strong ties to the city, its people and the business community. Contributing to making Nottingham a great place to live and work is so important as it attracts amazing people, businesses and investment to our city, as well as fostering creativity and cultural exchange.”

Supporting the local and regional business community is important to Charlotte and Annabel, in 2010 they created the Midlands Family Business Awards, a not-for-profit initiative to celebrate and showcase family businesses in our region and highlight the vital role they play in our communities and our local economy.

The 2024 Midlands Family Business Awards launched on 21 February at the new Nottingham Central Library, introducing guests to the fantastic new facility that opened earlier this year. The Awards, which are free to enter, are currently open and entries close on 6 April 2024.

You can find out more about the Midlands Family Business Awards at its dedicated website www.familybusinessawards.co.uk where you can also start your entry!

 

 

Our not-for-profit Midlands Family Business Awards are back for the 12^th year, celebrating family businesses across the Midlands.

Organised by us and supported by a range of high-profile sponsors, the Midlands Family Business Awards gives family businesses of all sizes, from all sectors, the opportunity to recognised for the huge contribution they make to our region.

Charlotte Perkins, our Group MD said: “As a family business ourselves, we understand that these businesses operate in a unique way. According to the Family Business Research Foundation 2023 report, the sector is estimated to have contributed £225 billion to UK public finances in 2021. That’s a huge contribution to our public purse, as well as the local communities that they play a vital role in through employment and social value. We want to recognise, acknowledge and celebrate these accomplishments through our awards.”

Across 10 categories, family businesses can submit entries for free, which are judged by an independent panel throughout June.   All the shortlisted businesses are then eligible for the People’s Choice’ award which is determined by a public vote in September.

Categories are sector and topic based including Sustainability, Property & Construction Excellence, Digital Tech Innovation and Service Excellence, while others focus on Marketing and Sustainability successes. People are at the core of the categories with Young Director and Employer of the Year being coveted awards. The big ones are always the Fastest Growing Family Business, Best Small Family Business and the Family Business of the Year, as these recognise the whole team and celebrate sustainable economic success.

The sponsor line-up is led by main sponsor specialist providers of HR, payroll and finance software, MHR, winners of the Family Business of the Year in 2023. It also includes creative agency Stencil; Buckles Solicitors; professional services firm PwC; property maintenance business, The Handy Family Company; legal advisers Shakespeare Martineau; home care and mobility services provider, Premier Community and Streets Chartered Accountants.

Jessica Mills, Chairman at MHR comments: “To be recognised as Midlands Family Business of the Year 2023 was an incredibly proud moment for myself, my father and everyone who works at MHR. It is a testament to our incredible employees and their unrivalled dedication to support our customers and each other. We’re incredibly proud to be a family business, and as we enter our 40th anniversary we look forward to working with The Wilson Organisation to launch this year’s awards.”

This year’s sponsor of the Small Family Business of the Year, Donald Ward of metal recycling and waste management specialist, Ward, added: “We’re passionate about championing family business, so we’re really proud to lend our support again this year. As previous winners we appreciate the opportunities that the awards offer to become part of this unique network of family run businesses.”

The awards launched on Wednesday 21^st February at Nottingham’s brand-new Central Library and entries are now open, closing on 6 April. Finalists will be announced at the end of April and overall winners revealed in an Award Ceremony on Thursday 3 October 2024.

As in previous years, all proceeds from the Awards will go to charities in our region supporting our communities and young enterprise.

More information can be found at the dedicated Awards website: www.familybusinessawards.co.uk where you can also follow the link to enter.

 

We are seeking a Commercial Claims Handler to play a pivotal role in managing and facilitating the claims process for our commercial clients. You will be responsible for handling claims efficiently and professionally, ensuring a seamless experience for our clients while adhering to industry regulations and company policies.

If you are enthusiastic, hardworking and friendly you could be a fantastic fit for our team. We’d love to hear from you if you think you’re the right person to join our team. Get in touch and submit your CV to [email protected].

Key Responsibilities:

 Claims Processing

• Receive and assess commercial insurance claims from clients.
• Investigate claims, gathering relevant information and documentation.
• Collaborate with clients, insurers, and third-party service providers to expedite the claims process.
• Evaluate policy coverage and determine liability and settlement options.

Client Communication

• Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout the claims process.
• Provide clear and timely updates on the status of claims.
• Address client inquiries and concerns with professionalism and empathy.
• Ensure exceptional customer service to build and maintain strong client relationships.

Policy Knowledge

• Stay updated on insurance policies and industry regulations relevant to commercial claims.
• Interpret policy terms and conditions to accurately assess coverage.
• Advise clients on the claims process, potential outcomes, and any required actions.

Documentation and Record Keeping

• Maintain accurate and organised claim files.
• Document all communication, decisions, and actions taken during the claims handling process.
• Prepare and submit necessary documentation to insurers and regulatory bodies.

Collaboration

• Work closely with internal teams, including underwriters and risk management, to facilitate efficient claims resolution.
• Collaborate with external partners, such as loss adjusters and legal experts, to gather information and support claim investigations.

Compliance

• Ensure compliance with industry regulations, company policies, and ethical standards.
• Stay informed about changes in insurance laws and regulations affecting claims handling.

Qualifications and Skills

Previous experience in commercial claims handling within the insurance industry.
Knowledge of commercial insurance policies and claim procedures.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
Detail-oriented with a focus on accuracy in documentation.
Ability to handle multiple tasks and prioritize workload effectively.
Proficiency in Acturis software and MS Office.
Professional qualifications in insurance (e.g., CII) would be advantageous.

Training

We will provide on the job training and any other training we identify you may require. We will discuss this with you when you join us and review your training needs regularly through our appraisal system.

Disabled Persons

If you become disabled the company will endeavour to allow you to continue in post within the physical constraints that may present themselves. If you are disabled on commencement of this post the company will have necessary support for you in place.

Discrimination

It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone under various acts of parliament. You will be expected to comply with these requirements.

 

We are thrilled to have won the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, an independent seal of excellence, which recognises businesses that consistently deliver a world-class customer experience.

Feefo established the Trusted Service Awards in 2014 to recognise brands that use the platform to collect verified reviews and receive exceptional feedback from their customers. The awards are unique because they truly reflect a business’s dedication to providing outstanding customer service by analysing feedback from real customers.

Charlotte Perkins, Group Managing Director at Wilsons, commented: “We’re delighted to receive the Platinum Trusted Service Award and I’m so proud of our team who consistently deliver amazing service to our clients. The fact this award is based on feedback from real customers, who are verified clients of Wilsons, is really important to us. It gives our clients and others that we work with the confidence we don’t just promise an exceptional level of service, we deliver it too.

We always share the reviews our clients take the time to provide – so a huge thanks to them too for providing that feedback to us and our team. This award reflects the commitment of our team to understand our clients, listen to their needs and deliver solutions that work for them. It’s a great start to 2024!”

This award celebrates brands that are delivering standards that go above and beyond.  Feefo has presented Platinum Trusted Service Awards to businesses that have achieved Gold standard for three consecutive years. To receive a Gold Trusted Service Award, businesses must have collected at least 50 reviews with a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 4.9 between 1 January 2023 and 31 December 2023.

 

We are seeking a motivated and experienced Company Accountant to join our team. The Company Accountant will be responsible for managing the financial operations of the company, including payroll, accounts payable and receivable. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in accounting, excellent analytical skills, and a deep understanding of financial regulations and best practices.

We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to our clients, this is achieved by recruiting and developing amazing people and we are always looking for talented individuals to join the team.

If you are enthusiastic, hardworking and friendly you could be a fantastic fit for our team. We’d love to hear from you if you think you’re the right person to join our team. Get in touch and submit your CV to [email protected].

We like the personal approach, so only get in touch if you want to join our team – no agencies please!

Responsibilities:

• Oversee all aspects of the company’s financial operations, including accounts payable, accounts receivable and payroll.
• Develop and maintain internal controls to ensure accuracy and integrity of financial data.
• Collaborate with external auditors and tax advisors as necessary.
• Provide financial analysis and recommendations to senior management to support strategic decision-making.
• Research and implement best practices in financial accounting and reporting.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or related field preferred.
• Proven work experience as a Company Accountant or in a similar role, with at least 5 years of progressive experience in accounting and financial management.
• Thorough knowledge of accounting principles and procedures.
• Proficiency in accounting software and MS Office, especially Excel.
  Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with all levels of the organisation.
• Attention to detail and a high level of accuracy in all work.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

Training
We will provide on the job training and any other training we identify you may require. We will discuss this with you when you join us and review your training needs regularly through our appraisal system.

Disabled Persons:
If you become disabled the company will endeavour to allow you to continue in post within the physical constraints that may present themselves. If you are disabled on commencement of this post the company will have necessary support for you in place.

Discrimination:
It is unlawful to discriminate against anyone under various acts of parliament. You will be expected to comply with these requirements.

 

Season’s Greetings to all our clients, contacts, friends and their families

Our offices will close for Christmas at 5.15pm on Friday 22 December 2023, opening again at 9am on Thursday 28 December. We will then be close at 5.15pm on Friday 29 December for the new year and return to business as usual at 9am on Tuesday 2 January 2024.

As usual our Account Executives are available 24/7. Should you experience an emergency over the festive period, simply email or call your Account Executive on their mobile. The [email protected] email account will also be monitored over the holidays.

We’d like to thank you for your support during 2023 and wish you, and your family, health and happiness over the festive period.

We look forward to working with you in 2024!

Very best wishes

The Wilsons Team

 

 

 

 

Professional Indemnity claims continue to rise across all sectors, but a new report has found that PI claims are on the rise for letting agent sector, now representing over a quarter (26%) of claims.

Over recent years the hard market of PI has been a challenge for many professionals, but the uncertain economic landscape combined with a surge in claims means this is also a critical challenge for letting agents now too.

Like other professionals within the Property & Construction sector, letting agents may be confident in the quality of their work, and the advice and services they provide to clients, but any business is vulnerable to a claim of negligence when professional advice or services fail to meet a client’s expectations.

Professional indemnity insurance, or PI, can help protect you if a client brought against you as a result of a problem with work you have done for them. A professional indemnity policy will offer cover for compensation you may need to pay to correct a mistake, or cover any legal costs due to negligence, such as giving incorrect advice or making a mistake in your work.

Do Letting Agents need Professional Indemnity Insurance?

As well as the traditional professions whose governing bodies require their members to have a professional indemnity policy in force, there is an ever-increasing group of professionals classed by insurers as ‘miscellaneous’ businesses.

Anyone who offers advice or consultancy for a fee is deemed to be a professional and therefore has an exposure to a professional negligence claim. In addition to the miscellaneous businesses there are those clients who may perceive they have no professional negligence exposure, but who have a contractual liability which requires them to have a professional indemnity policy in force.

These businesses often have a ‘contingent liability’ as although they do not provide professional advice or consultancy directly, they sub-contract this activity out and they remain the first port of call in the event of a problem or claim.

What will PI Cover?

A professional indemnity policy will provide cover to protect you against an alleged claim/claims for financial loss, arising from your negligence. The cover can be in respect of settlement and/or the legal defence costs and expenses incurred in defending your position.

Areas where you or your business could be exposed may include:

Professional negligence – such as neglecting to arrange the required Gas and Electrical Certificates, inadequate tenant referencing, or failing to carry out property management services and repairs
Breach of confidentiality – such as accidentally disclosing sensitive information to the wrong recipient, which could include personal data, development plans or planning permission details
Loss or damage of documents – such as ID’s, evidence of disrepair allegations, dispute documentation and property deeds or titles

PI cover is a crucial element of a business’ resilience strategy, helping you safeguard the lettings agency you have built, protecting your reputation and your finances. Working with a broker and PI insurer that understands your business and your sector will ensure you have the right cover in place – and any claims you face will be dealt with efficiently, minimising the impact on you and your business.

Wilsons have helped countless professionals and firms to rectify ineffective professional indemnity insurance and set up comprehensive and cost effective insurance cover. We have moulded our service to provide a top quality consultative approach to make sure every client gets exactly what they require.

Can we help?

If you would like to discuss how we can help you ensure your lettings agency is properly protected, or you need help with insurance for your properties, just get in touch with me at [email protected], call on 0115 942 0111 or connect on LinkedIn

 

 

 

We’ve seen three big storms hit the UK so far, with Storm Babet causing major flooding in our region, but we are only just starting to see the really cold weather start to bite. It’s important that businesses understand the problems winter can bring, and there are some common issues that can affect every one of us.

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Burst or frozen pipes

Ensure your key personnel know where your stopcock is and that it works. Should the worst happen and a pipe bursts, you will need to turn off the supply quickly at the stopcock to prevent flooding and further damage. Do not use any electrics if you think these may have been affected by escaping water. If you discover a frozen pipe, don’t wait for it to burst. Turn off the water supply and gently thaw it with a hairdryer, space heater or hot water bottle.

Check your roof and gutters

Loose tiles can easily become dislodged during storms and high winds. Apart from the damage caused by falling tiles, and the danger to those that may be walking beneath, it can lead to damage to the fabric of the building. Dealing with loose or missing tiles is far cheaper than replacing roof timbers. Ensure your gutters and drain pipes are clear of leaves and other debris. If it rains heavily and the gutters overflow this can lead to water getting into the masonry.

Keeping pathways clear

You have a duty of care to ensure that any staff, suppliers or visitors to your business are safe. Unfortunately slips and trips can happen, especially when there is ice and snow on the ground. You should take actions that are ’reasonable in the circumstances’. This can include ensuring that entry and exit routes are kept clear of anything that may cause a person to slip, taking preventative measures such as clearing and gritting paths. Ensure that there is at least one safe route available to access the business as a priority, with additional paths cleared as soon as possible —don’t forget fire exits. Be especially careful and grit as required in the morning, as pathways may refreeze overnight.

Beware temporary heaters!

Some offices and work spaces can be quite chilly in the winter, especially on a Monday morning, so it’s no surprise that at this time of year we see all types of heaters brought into service to ward off the winter chills. Even in an office that’s usually warm during winter should your main heating system fail, electric convertor or fan-assisted heaters may be required as a temporary measure.

Heaters with thermostatic cut-outs that operate in the event of overheating are the best option. Electric radiant heaters and paraffin/oil fired heaters should never be used, even as a temporary measure.

Whatever type of heater is used they should be situated well clear of combustible materials and, where possible, protected against the possibility of being knocked over. Heaters should never be moved when switched on and wherever they are placed or moved to, ensure that trailing cables do not become a trip hazard.

Temporary heaters should never be left unattended for long periods or used when the building is unoccupied. Check that heaters are switched off as part of the locking-up procedure.

For further advice and assistance with any aspect of your business insurance, contact your usual Wilsons’ contact.

 

 

 

 

‘Girl Math’! A few weeks back, I stumbled across something interesting while scrolling on TikTok. I came across some amusing concept of “Girl Math,” a humorous way women justify their spending. It highlights the personal nature of personal finance, challenging stereotypes about women and money.

In 2023, the trend reflects the ongoing struggle for women to justify and apologise for their purchases, emphasising the importance of balancing indulgence with financial responsibility.

Some of you guys are probably still confused on what Girl Math means. These are some examples of Girl Math:

1. if an item in the shop costs £100 and its on slae for £50, when you buy it you are saving £50.

2. When you have cash it means free money and whatever you buy is free. Finally,

3. If you go out with your friends and you pay for everyone’s food, when they send you the money back later you just made money. I am not saying to spoil yourself from time to time, but we need to be financially responsible.

I aim to expand on the concept of “Girl Math,” exploring how women discuss expenses that may be seen as extravagant. It goes beyond just this idea, delving into how individuals navigate the increasing costs of life. Inflation is impacting the joy people find in their lives as prices rise. Despite these challenges, many manage to strike a balance between indulgence and coping with the surging costs. “Girl Math” reflects that what seems financially sensible to one person might not make sense to others.

Women frequently encounter the burden of societal norms regarding expenditure, savings, and income. The ongoing pressure to adhere to these standards can result in feelings of guilt and self-questioning.

Establishing a welcoming environment is crucial, allowing individuals, irrespective of gender, to educate themselves about finances and make choices free from judgment. At nudge, our commitment is to offer a supportive and inclusive space for people to enhance their financial understanding, make informed decisions, and build the confidence to manage their financial destinies.

I’d like to offer some suggestions to help you strike a balance and tweak your financial approach:

• Mastering your budget: Evaluate your bill structure and consider negotiating some elements to achieve a more balanced financial state. If you’re not already adept, you will become so.
• Self-worth matters: Don’t let emotions overwhelm you. Instead, channel those emotions to elevate yourself to the person you aspire to become.
•  Embrace your investment prowess: Whether it’s £10 saved from a spontaneous purchase or a £1000 investment as advised by the news, recognize the significance of every contribution, big or small.
•  You’re on a financial journey: Acknowledge your progress in pursuing money goals, whether it’s debt reduction, increased earnings, or expanding your financial knowledge. Be kind to yourself and incorporate positive affirmations into your routine.
• Seek balance: Identify what a fulfilling life entails within your budget, and consistently align with it. This could be moments of silence, investing in services that fit your budget, or journaling to reflect on both life and your financial decisions.

Achieving financial wellness goes beyond prudent financial decisions; it involves dismantling stereotypes and enabling women to reshape the narrative surrounding their connection with money. Through the promotion of financial literacy, we can empower women to reclaim command over their finances, make informed choices, and contribute to a more promising and equitable future for everyone. Let’s stand together in this quest for financial empowerment, breaking free from the constraints of “girl math.” If you need help or more information get in touch with Wilson Organisation.

If you would like speak to one of our financial services team, contact Lucy Fields-Richards. You can find her details on our Team page.

 

 

 

Storm Safety

 

The word ‘storm’ may sound very vague, but it can encapsulate many types of severe weather. They can damage property and even potentially harm lives, especially in areas under the rare ‘Red Weather Warning’ in force for certain parts of the UK due to the approach of Storm Babet.

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How to prepare for a storm

• Sign up for severe weather warnings at metoffice.gov.uk or keep up-to-date with the latest weather news using local TV or radio stations
• Arrange for any bushes or trees that could damage windows in high winds to be trimmed back
• Ensure the property is properly maintained throughout the year. Particular attention should be paid to areas most likely to bear the brunt of any storm such as the roof
• Secure loose objects in the garden or grounds – such as ladders, furniture, benches or anything else that could be blown into windows and other glazing
• Close and securely fasten doors and windows, particularly those on the windward side of the building and especially large doors such as those on garages
• Park vehicles in a garage, if available; otherwise keep them clear of buildings, trees, walls and fences
• Close and secure loft trapdoors with bolts, particularly if roof pitch is less than 30°
• If your building is fitted with storm shutters over the windows then ensure that these are closed and fastened
  

What to do during a storm

• If you have to go into a building during a storm, enter and leave through doors in the sheltered side, closing them behind you
• Stay indoors as much as possible
• If you do go out, try not to walk or shelter close to buildings and trees
• Keep away from the sheltered side of boundary walls and fences — if these structures fail, they will collapse on this side
• Do not go outside or into a building to repair damage while the storm is in progress
• Open internal doors only as needed, and close them behind you
• Do not drive unless your journey is really necessary
• Take care when driving on exposed routes such as bridges, or high open roads, delay your journey or find alternative routes if possible
• Slow down and be aware of side winds, particular care should be taken if you are towing or if you’re driving a high sided vehicle
• Do not park cars near any seafront area as damage by waves and shingle blown from a beach can cause significant damage
• Do not stand too near any seafront areas – the large waves are a danger
  

After the storm

• Be careful not to touch any electrical/telephone cables that have been blown down or are still hanging
• Do not walk too close to walls, buildings and trees as they could have been weakened
• Contact reputable contractors to make safe items such as fallen trees and walls
• Do not try to move objects that have fallen or blown down, as they could dislodge other objects and cause further damage
• Do not climb onto any roofs to inspect damage, be sure to call an expert
• Be careful if you’re walking along flooded pavements – you probably can’t see the kerb drop!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We are thrilled to welcome Jasmin Sandhu to our General Insurance team as a Insurance Graduate Trainee!

Jasmin graduated with a First Class LLB Honors degree from Nottingham Trent University, just down the road from Wilson House. Her academic achievements are a great foundation on which to build her insurance career and our team are looking forward to supporting Jasmin as she progresses through her CII qualifications.

“I am looking forward to working at Wilsons and using my analytical skills to assist our clients in meeting their insurance needs. I would describe my legal training as a solid foundation to building a career in insurance. During my degree, I completed a placement with a legal 500 law firm, which provided me with the experience of working within the private client sector and with corporate clients, particularly in the property and construction sector.”

We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to our clients, this is achieved by recruiting and developing amazing people like Jasmin – we’re delighted to help her start her career in the insurance sector.

Welcome to the team Jasmin!

 

 

 

 

Some say Insurance is boring (not us!) – and it may be why our team always seem to do such exciting things at the weekend!

One of the team was a marshal at the Goodwood Revival and with everyone and everything from period outfits to period vehicles, was amused to see cutting edge drones being used by the TV crew.

With more and more of our construction, property and surveyor clients requesting drone insurance, it got us thinking – what are the most common insurance claims? Coverdrone, a specialist insurer, have analysed their claims history for 2022 and here are their Top 10 claims:

1. PILOT ERROR – First on the list is pilot error, the most common cause of drone-related incidents with nearly 50% of all claims reported in 2022 being a result of pilot error. Fatigue, poor communication, distraction and lack of teamwork can all contribute to pilot error.
2. LOSS OF DATA LINK – Loss of data link accounted for nearly one in every seven claims in 2022, typically caused by the drone losing GPS signal. There are a few ways to mitigate drone damage as a result of a loss of data link such as low altitude testing and ensuring the safety functions have been pre-set.
3. ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE – Unsurprisingly the third most common claim type was accidental damage. There are many factors that can cause accidental damage, from airborne moisture to insufficient GPS signal or losing power mid-flight.
4. MECHANICAL FAILURE – All drone manufacturers will have their own set of guidelines that pilots should adhere to in order to minimise the chances of mechanical failure during a flight. Clients should ensure they have carefully carried out all mechanical and safety checks before take-off and regularly update any software.
5. BIRD STRIKE – Birds have occupied our skies long before the invention of drones. Bird strikes are not uncommon, so it’s really important to understand the potential risks and the damage it can cause. Pilots must to stay vigilant and look at ways to mitigate the risk throughout the course of their flight.
6. LOSS OF POWER – A regular feature on the top 10 drone claims every year. It’s important pilots always ensure batteries are fully charged before take-off avoid flying with low or partially charged batteries. A semi-charged battery will always increase the risk of losing power mid-flight.
7. ACCIDENTAL LOSS – Another regular in the top 10 drone claims. If you own multiple drones and a lot of batteries and other equipment, it can be easy to leave something behind. It’s really important for pilots to properly check the area and gather all their kit before leaving.
8. FLYAWAY – The term ‘fly away’ is exactly as it sounds – the operator loses control of the drone and it flies away and cannot be retrieved. A number of factors can cause a fly away, including the operator flying the drone beyond their visual line of sight, compass interference and not setting (or updating) a designated Return To Home (RTH) point.
9. WEATHER – Drones have many intricate motors and sensitive electronics that need to be protected as best as they can against rain, fog and snow. Colder temperatures can also greatly reduce the chemical activity in lithium batteries, reducing flight times and causing batteries to become unstable, putting drones at risk of falling out of the sky without warning.
10. THEFT IN TRANSIT – Many drone operators now own multiple drones and an array of associated equipment which is very valuable and attractive to potential thieves. The portability of many drones also make them a very appealing target. It’s therefore reallly important that pilots remain vigilant, never leave equipment unattended in a public area and keep equipment locked away and out of sight when not in use.

Drone insurance is relatively cost effective and can cover equipment, full cover whilst in flight, aviation liability, data protection and invasion of privacy, along with many other options.

If you are moving your drone services in-house, or considering drones as part of your digital transformation, we can advise what insurance cover is right for you and your business. Just get in touch with Charlotte Perkins at [email protected], call on 0115 942 0111

 

 

 

 

Molly joined our Financial Services Team in April this year, she’s undertaking her apprenticeship to become a Financial Services Administrator.

The apprenticeship covers the skills needed to fulfil this vital support role for our Advisers and clients, but is also an ideal starting point for a career in the financial services sector as she’ll have the opportunity to obtain a professional qualification through the CII at the end of her training.

Not only has Molly been a great addition to the Wilsons team, she has already displayed the core skills needed to be a fantastic FS administrator – quality service delivery, client communication, team working and planning and prioritising skills.

Here’s what Molly has to say about her apprenticeship…

“I am currently doing an apprenticeship in financial services administration at Harold Wilson Financial Services Ltd. During my apprenticeship, everyone I have worked alongside has been supportive in my learning process; I have been given the time and resources to complete my college course as well as getting plenty of experience in hands-on work with the help and support of more experienced administrators.

The apprenticeship has helped me understand how the theory work applies to the real-life cases. As it is an apprenticeship, I am earning while learning, which has been very beneficial as it means I can devote my time to getting my qualifications and building my skills rather than having to split my time and attention between work and learning. Overall, I really enjoy working at Wilsons as it is a welcoming environment.”

If you’re thinking of starting an apprenticeship, or know womeone who’d like to, why not get in touch?

We currently have opportunities for a Digital Marketing Apprentice, an Insurance Apprentice – and as Molly is doing so well, another Financial Services Administrator too!

Just email [email protected] and we’ll share further details, if you think you’d be a great fit for our team you can then pop in for a chat.

 

 

 

 

Protecting what’s important to us is essential, and after our family members our home and its contents is top of the list. But it’s important to understand the policy you have taken out.

If you haven’t read the small print, you may not be aware of the terms and conditions that could leave you unable to claim is he unexpected should happen. Here are a few of the common areas we think you should consider, but as every policy is different, mane sure you check your own policy so you know what affects you.

Working from home

Figures from the ONS reveal that 16% of us worked solely from home between September 2022 and January 2023, and 28% are hybrid working, so splitting their time between working from home and the office. Some home insurance policies exclude all items used for business or professional purposes, so you might not be able to claim if your work device is damaged or stolen. If you work from home regularly, it’s essential to let your home insurance provider know. Your premiums may increase slightly – but not informing them could invalidate your policy altogether. If you work remotely and carry your personal laptop around, it could also be worth securing a contents insurance policy in case of damage outside the home.

Leaving your home unoccupied

Leaving your home unoccupied for a prolonged period could invalidate your policy. Most policies cover an unoccupied home for either 30 or 60 days, but longer than this could mean any claim you make may be rejected.  Should you need to leave your home unoccupied for longer than your policy states, talk to your insurer as they have various ways they can help keep you insured, dependent on your individual policy and circumstances.

Home renovations

Despite rising building and materials costs, many home owners are choosing to extend or refurbish their properties rather than move to add both space and value. However, major works of this kind are likely to impact your home insurance – failing to let your insurer know in advance could invalidate your policy. Ensure your insurer knows about your plans in the planning stages, they’ll be able to advise you on any changes needed on your policy to ensure you have the right level of cover in place, should you cause any damage whilst undertaking the project.

Pets

Installing a cat or dog flap technically provides easier access into your home, meaning some insurers may deem them as unsecure. This doesn’t mean you can’t install one, but it’s worth checking with your insurer– otherwise, you risk voiding your policy if someone were to gain entry via the cat or dog flap.

Installing a key-safe

A key safe is a convenient way to give trusted people access to your home, but if you install a poorly designed key safe and a burglar uses the key to enter your home, your house insurance claim will most likely be void. If you are choosing a key safe, ensure it’s police-approved and features the ‘Secured by Design’ label, as these can better withstand physical attack. You should also install the key safe away from your front door and remember to let your insurer know you’re using one.

Getting a lodger

Getting a lodger can be a savvy way to earn some extra cash to help combat rising interest rates and the ongoing cost of living crisis. But you must check the terms of your policy, as you could find your policy invalid should you need to make a claim. Insurers typically consider a lodger as an extra risk, so you’re likely to see an increase in your premium or a move to a different policy or even a different insurer.

Not maintaining your property

Your insurer will need evidence to ensure that any damage you claim for isn’t a result of poor maintenance. The only solution here is to keep up with the general wear and tear of your home – as well as well as keeping your property well maintained, it’ll also make it a much nicer place to live and could potentially save you thousands down the line.

If you have any questions or would like to discuss your Home Insurance please call us on 01159 420 111

 

Join our Insurance team!

26 July 2023

We have an amazing General Insurance team here at Wilsons, and we’re looking for a new person to join them. As well as being part of our amazing team, you’ll be trained in line with the CII framework to gain your qualifications.

To support your training you’ll work on our existing client accounts and help with new business too. As you’ll be working within all insurance areas, we’re looking for someone who’s enthusiastic, hardworking and friendly – just like our current team members, so we know you’ll be a great fit.

Your duties will include:

• Working with our teams to ensure that our clients received the best possible service
• Supporting the team with insurance administration for designated clients
• Acting on and replying to e-mails, post and telephone calls to assist clients with cover queries
• Helping the team prepare renewal reports and new business presentations
• Developing and maintaining a good working knowledge of Wilsons’ products and services, and specialist industry sectors
• Utilising the Acturis system to ensure all client data is up-to-date and communications and documents are filed correctly
• Attending training courses and studying for your CII qualifications

We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to our clients, this is achieved by recruiting and developing amazing people.

If you think you’d be a fantastic fit for our team and want to start your career in insurance, we’d love to hear from you. We offer a competitive benefits package, a great place to work and the support you need to progress to your career at Wilsons. Just email your interest to [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

PS We like the personal approach, so only get in touch if you want to join our team – no agencies please!

Join our Marketing team!

26 July 2023

We are expanding the team and looking for a Marketing Assistant – you’ll be part of a great team, develop your marketing and digital skills and be fully supported to progress your career with Wilsons.

We aren’t looking for someone that already has great marketing skills – we’ll help you develop those! We want someone who’s enthusiastic and hardworking, friendly and has great communication skills who will be a great addition to our team.

You’ll be involved in all our marketing campaigns and take responsibility for some of our social media accounts, as well as support the team with the organisation of our events including the Midlands Family Business Awards. 

If you think you’re the right person to join our team, we’d love to hear from you!

Your duties will include:

• Digital – creating content, managing social media accounts and compiling analytics
• Communications – creating e-communications, managing data and responses
• Campaigns – contributing ideas to marketing campaigns and support their successful delivery
• Events – creating presentations, managing delegate bookings and assisting with the delivery of Wilsons’ and Family Business Awards events
• Assist clients, both internal and external, with queries and updates

We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to our clients, this is achieved by recruiting and developing amazing people.

If you think you’d be a fantastic fit for our team and want to start your career in marketing, we’d love to hear from you. We offer a competitive benefits package, a great place to work and the support you need to progress to your career at Wilsons. Just email your interest to [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

PS We like the personal approach, so only get in touch if you want to join our team – no agencies please!

Family-owned HR, payroll and finance software development company, MHR, has scooped the headline Family Business of the Year award at the 2023 Midlands Family Business Awards, created and organised by The Wilson Organisation.

Specialising in customisable and compliant software solutions for businesses across a broad range of sectors, MHR was family-founded in 1984 and has since delivered integrated solutions to over 1,400 businesses globally, operating from its business headquarters in Ruddington, Nottingham.

Sponsored by the previous Family Business of the Year award winners, The Wilkins Group, the two Highly Commended positions for the headline category were taken by the deserving Derby-based estate agent Hannells and Alfreton-based family butcher – Owen Taylor & Sons.

Shining a light on over 300 years of family businesses in the region the Midlands Family Business Awards, organised by Nottingham insurance and financial services provider The Wilson Organisation, has recognised the success, achievements, and innovations of companies in the Midlands.

Now in its second decade, returning after a three-year break following the pandemic, judges selected 11 winners and 21 Highly Commended companies from all finalists at its summer awards ceremony on 29 June held at Kelham Hall in Newark. John Pye & Sons were sponsors of the Drinks Reception.

Winner of the brand-new Sustainability category, sponsored by Flame UK, which highlights the very best of the region’s environmentally-minded family businesses was Tyseley Energy Park – a Birmingham-based energy park committed to the delivery of zero carbon power, transport, heat, waste, and recycling solutions for a greener city.

In winning position for the Best Small Family Business was Belper-based nightwear company, Slenderella. Walsall-based water safety business – H20 Hygiene was crowned Fastest Growing Family Business and Midlands-based co-working space provider, Cubo, took the top spot in the Rising Stars category, for family businesses established since the Awards’ 10^th anniversary back in 2019.

The Director of the Year winning position went to Total Reclaims Demolition director, Melvyn Cross Jnr and Employer of the Year to Derbyshire golf and leisure venue, Morley Hayes.

Categories celebrating business excellence included the Construction and Property Excellence award, of which Alfreton-based S Brown Paving took the top spot, Burntwood-based Haywoods Contracts was crowned winner for the Manufacturing Excellence category and the Digital Excellence winning title was awarded to Premier Community – a provider of quality adult care services in Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire.

Judged by an independent panel led by a family business leader, industry expert and category sponsor, all finalists were entered into the People’s Choice Award, sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants – the only award voted for by the public.

Taking the category top spot was Hucknall-based professional demolition solutions provider, Total Reclaims Demolition and Highly Commended positions went to Staffordshire-based holiday park, Quarry Walk Park, and Heanor-based recruitment agency, Recruit 2 You.

Sponsors for the 2023 awards included The Wilkins Group, Buckles Solicitors, Family Business Futures, Flame UK, Human Alchemy, Recruit 2 You, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Shakespeare Martineau, Streets Chartered Accountants and Ward.

Organised by The Wilson Organisation – a third-generation Nottingham-based family business – the Awards are the Midlands’ only initiative dedicated to celebrating and recognising the success, achievements and innovations of the region’s family run and owned businesses.

Almost 300 guests attended the event including sponsors, finalists, and independent judges, celebrating and championing Midlands family businesses for the second decade.

Group managing director of The Wilson Organisation, Charlotte Perkins, said: “After a very long three-year break, we’re absolutely delighted to see everyone celebrating the exceptional family businesses in the region in what is now the second decade of our awards, and what better way to celebrate than in the height of this beautiful summer in the grounds of Kelham Hall.

“The calibre of businesses we’ve seen this year has been incredible and we’ve been so inspired and moved hearing all their success stories and their plans for the future. We’d like to say a huge congratulations to everyone who has been successful – to all winners and Highly Commended, and all businesses that entered, it’s been fantastic to celebrate achievements and meet the companies that are having a hugely positive impact on our region.

“We are incredibly grateful to the brilliant firms that have been involved and supported us this year, as a not-for-profit event, this all wouldn’t be possible without our generous sponsors. We hope they enjoyed the Awards celebration as much as we did.”

The Midlands Family Business Awards has raised over £30,000 to date over the last two decades and to mark the return of the awards for its 11^th year, all donations have gone to the award’s chosen charity: Move Against Cancer – a supportive community that inspires and empowers people impacted by cancer to live an active and fulfilling lifestyle.

The full list of winners and highly commended businesses for the 2023 Midlands Family Business awards are:

Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Wilkins Group)
Winner: MHR
HC: Hannells
HC: Owen Taylor & Sons

Best Small Family Business (sponsored by Ward)
Winner: Slenderella
HC: Flame UK
HC: Quarry Walk Park

Construction & Property Excellence (sponsored by Buckles Solicitors)
Winner: S Brown Paving
HC: Cubo
HC: Spenbeck

Digital Excellence (sponsored by Family Business Futures)
Winner: Premier Community
HC: Award Leisure
HC: Shuperb

Director of the Year (sponsored by Human Alchemy)
Winner: Total Reclaims Demolition – Melvyn Cross Jnr
HC: Ambitions Personnel – Amanda Watson
HC: Fashion UK – Gurdev Mattu

Employer of the Year (sponsored by Recruit 2 You)
Winner: Morley Hayes
HC: Flame UK
HC: Haywoods Contracts

Fastest Growing Family Business (Sponsored by PricewaterhouseCoopers)
Winner: H2O Hygiene
HC: Cook Recruitment Group
HC: SuperFOIL

Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by The Wilson Organisation)
Winner: Haywoods Contracts
HC: Cropwell Bishop Creamery
HC: Owen Taylor & Sons

Rising Stars (sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau)
Winner: Cubo
HC: Aben Interiors and Projects

Sustainability (sponsored by Flame UK)
Winner: Tyseley Energy Park
HC: HSG UK
HC: Mainline Mouldings
HC: Shredall

People’s Choice (sponsored by Streets Chartered Accountants)
Winner: Total Reclaims Demolition
HC: Quarry Walk Park
HC: Recruit 2 You

The public can now vote for their favourite business!

The People’s Choice category is all about giving the community an opportunity to choose their favourite businesses, who have made it into the final stages of the Family Business Awards. Every person will get one vote each and will have the chance to look over all the different finalists, who are automatically entered into People’s Choice.

Voting opens on 5 June and closes

at midnight on 23 June. You can vote via the Family Business Awards website or by going to the

Winners will be unveiled at the awards ceremony on 29 June at Kelham Hall and previous Family Business of the Year winner John Pye & Sons are sponsors of the Drinks Reception. All award profits and funds raised at the event will be donated to the award’s chosen charity for 2023 – Move Against Cancer.

Group managing director of The Wilson Organisation, Charlotte Perkins, said:

“The People’s Choice category is an incredible opportunity to reward family companies and individuals for all their hard work and progress. We encourage everyone to get involved and make their views count, their vote will help  ensure that hardworking individuals and family businesses are noticed and rewarded for their amazing success.  We can’t wait to welcome our finalists to

 

our first summer awards ceremony to celebrate in style. Our current Family Business of the Year, The Wilkins Group, is headline sponsor and will be handing over the crown to their successor, in what will be a very special moment to start our second awards decade.”

More information about the awards, can be found on the Midlands Family Business Awards website, visit: www.familybusinessawards.co.uk

The Wilson Organisation is sponsoring this years Rising Stars category and we wish the best of luck to this years finalists!

The final line up for the 2023 finalists is below:

Family Business of the Year (sponsored by Wilkins Group)

A.W. Lymn

Charles Bentley & Son

Hannells Estate Agents

MHR

Owen Taylor & Sons

Webb Hotel Group

Best Small Family Business (sponsored by Ward)

Allen Signs

Flame UK

Quarry Walk Park

Recruit 2 You

Slenderella Wholesale

The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company

Construction & Property Excellence (sponsored by Buckles Solicitors)

Cawarden

Cubo

Fairgrove

Hannells Estate Agents

S Brown Paving

Spenbeck

Digital Excellence (sponsored by Family Business Futures)

Award Leisure

Glitzy Bits Boutique

Go Cotswolds

KryptoKloud

Premier Community

Shuperb

Director of the Year (sponsored by Human Alchemy)

A.W. Lymn – Nigel Lymn Rose

Ambitions Personnel – Amanda Watson

CR Civil Engineering – Carl Roberts

Fashion UK – Gurdev Mattu

KryptoKloud – Allison Burrows

Total Reclaims Demolition – Melvyn Cross Jnr

Employer of the Year (sponsored by Recruit 2 You)

Cook Recruitment Group

CR Civil Engineering

Flame UK

Haywoods Contracts

Morley Hayes

The Midlands Training Company

Fastest Growing Family Business (sponsored by PwC)

Cook Recruitment Group

Fashion UK

H2O Hygiene

Premier Community

SuperFOIL

Webb Hotel Group

Manufacturing Excellence (sponsored by Shakespeare Martineau)

Charles Bentley & Son

Cropwell Bishop Creamery

Haywoods Contracts

Newark Cylinders

Owen Taylor & Sons

The Lincoln Tea & Coffee Company

Rising Stars (sponsored by The Wilson Organisation)

The Racing Room

Aben Interiors and Projects

Cubo

The Handy Family Company

Sustainability (sponsored by Flame UK)

HSG UK

Lyte Packaging

Mainline Mouldings

Shredall SDS Group

Tyseley Energy Park

Woolcool

 

Join the team – Financial Services Administrator Apprentice

9  March 2023

 

We are expanding the team and looking for a Financial Services Administrator Apprentice to support our Financial Services division. You’ll be part of a great team, develop your financial knowledge and be fully supported to gain a level 3 finance administrator qualification.

You’ll be involved in meeting preparation, setting up client files, assisting clients with enquiries, liaising with providers – and of course ensuring we comply with FCA regulations and the exemplary service standards our clients expect.

As an apprentice your duties will include:

• Supporting our financial advisers and account directors ensuring that documentation is accurately prepared in advance of meetings
• Carry out all aspects of internal administration ensuring that client files and records are set up within timescales and in accordance with data standards and compliance obligations
• Ensure that new business is dealt with promptly and liaising with cllients
• Assist clients with queries and updates
• Liaise with providers promptly and efficiently
• Act on and reply to emails, post and telephone calls within the appropriate timescales
• Carry out all system procedures and policies as directed
• Understand and gain knowledge of Financial Conduct Authority regulations and Wilsons’ rules and requirements, ensurng you comply with these when working

You will undertake a Level 3 Financial Services Administrator Apprenticeship, delivered via virtual learning platforms with virtual classrooms and 121 skills coach support. CF1 and LP2 exams are included. Functional Skills Level 2 in Maths and English if required.

We are committed to delivering the highest quality of service to our clients, this is achieved by recruiting and developing amazing people.

If you are enthusiastic and hardworking, friendly and have great communication skills, you could be a fantastic fit for our FS team. In return we offer a competitive benefits package and the opportunity to progress to progress your financial services career at Wilsons.

If you think you’re the right person to join our team, we’d love to hear from you! Just email your interest to [email protected] and we’ll be in touch.

PS We like the personal approach, so only get in touch if you want to join our team – no agencies please!

 

Created in 2010 by Annabel and Charlotte, and still organised by Wilsons, the Awards remain the UK’s only independent, not-for-profit annual Awards for family businesses.

Returning after a three year break due to the pandemic, the Awards is now entering its second decade, we are looking forward to celebrating and recognising the success, achievements and innovations of the region’s family run and owned businesses once again.

With 10 categories to choose from, there are accolades suitable for businesses of all sizes, across all sectors and we look forward to receiving entries from the businesses we have met over the first 10 years, and introducing new family businesses to the Awards too.

Move Against Cancer is the chosen charity that the awards will be supporting this year, with all profits from the awards evening donated.

The black-tie awards ceremony is being held on 29 June and will be a summer event held at the stunning Kelham Hall near Newark.

Wilsons’ MD and Awards co-founder, Charlotte Perkins, said: “Myself and my sister Annabel are so pleased to be bringing back the Midlands Family Business Awards, after a three year break. It’s fantastic to have our current Family Business of the Year, The Wilkins Group, as our headline sponsor. Thanks to Justin and the Wilkins family, we’ll see them hand over the crown to their successor, which will be a very special moment to start our second Awards decade.

“We have taken the opportunity to mix things up a bit. We have always held the Awards Ceremony and Dinner in November, but decided that a summer event would give us the perfect opportunity to have our celebration in summer-style.

“Putting your family business forward for an award can reap a host of benefits and rewards beyond the trophy and title so I encourage as many as possible to get involved and submit an application.

“There are so many family businesses that are having a remarkable impact on the Midlands region and beyond, and we can’t wait to see what brilliant work they’ve been doing. I wish all the businesses who enter the very best of luck!”

For more information and to enter, visit www.familybusinessawards.co.uk

 

 

We’re incredibly proud of our team for maintaining the highest levels of service to our clients, winning the Trusted Service Award for a second year.

The Award is an independent seal of excellence that recognises businesses for delivering exceptional experiences. This is a true reflection of our committment to service excellence as it’s based purely on feedback from real, verified customers.

A huge thanks to all our clients that took the time to provide their feedback to Feefo in 2022, we really appreciate it!

Feefo Trusted Service Awards recognise businesses that have collected at least 50 reviews between January 1st 2021 and December 31st 2022, with a Feefo service rating of between 4.5 and 4.9.

If you’d like to check out our reviews, just access our Feefo Review Page

 

 

The UK has one of the most reliable power networks in the world.  However, reduced gas supplies this winter could result in power  outages with very little notice – if any.

To help your clients prepare for this, we’ve here are a few practical steps that can be taken.

Power outages or planned blackouts this winter could have a range of impacts, including:

• Immediate impact on trading and manufacturing
• Increased safety risks to staff, customers and visitors
• Potential damage to equipment or processes from uncontrolled shutdown
• Disruption to telephony & IT infrastructure with potential loss of data
• Reduced client support impacting revenue
• Impact on fire and security protection systems
• Increased crime

General Considerations

To plan effectively for this potential disruption you should consider the following:

• Check published information about expected rolling blackouts in your area
• Consider changing operational or opening hours to reduce the impact
• Review, document and communicate your emergency plans and procedures and provide relevant training to managers and key individuals
• Document individual roles and responsibilities in advance and communicate these to ensure emergency plans can be invoked quickly
• Review and update business continuity and emergency response plans to cater for electricity supply outage
• Pre-plan and document the following
  • Safe close down and start up procedures for equipment and processes
  • Safe exit from site for staff, visitors and customers
• Review risks associated with slips, trips and falls which might be  increased due to reduced lighting when staff and members of the public are present on site
• Consider if there are any  increased risks that need to be adequately controlled from liquid spillage due to shutdown, or the use of unfamiliar traffic routes that are not normally used
• Complete risk assessments for keyholders attending the premises during a total power outage, as street lighting will not be operating

Planned preventative maintenance
Correct scheduled maintenance and testing of services and equipment in accordance with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM)  recommendations or best practice will help to ensure resilience, safe shutdown/start up and safety.

Review and ensure maintenance is up to date for essential equipment, which includes, but is not limited to, the following:

• Passenger lifts – including emergency lowering facility where applicable
• Emergency diesel generators – including annual load bank test
• Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS)
• Process equipment – including automatic switch-over to backup supply
• Emergency Lighting
• Utilities – electrical installations, boilers, refrigeration plant
• Solid fuel boilers, wood burners, open fires including chimneys
• Sprinkler systems including pumps
• Intruder Alarms
• Automatic Fire Alarms

Emergency temporary electrical supply

Fuel tanks for emergency generators should be kept topped up. Where a generator is not provided, consider hiring a temporary generator and providing a permanent or semi-permanent connection point and hardstanding to quickly provide a temporary supply for critical use.  Consider installing a UPS for critical equipment or IT to facilitate controlled safe shutdown.

Risk assessments should be undertaken for temporary generators or additional fuel brought on site, to ensure this is undertaken safely. Ensure procedures and training are in place to close down equipment or back up data prior to power outage and before any emergency generator or UPS system expires.

Critical or vulnerable equipment

Review, plan and document the safe and controlled shutdown   procedures for equipment, including the following:

• Passenger Lifts – stop use in advance of planned power cut
• Cold stores, freezers and refrigerators – minimise opening, and consider setting a lower temperature 12 hours in advance of a planned power cut
• Ensure plant and equipment safe shut-down and restart sequences are documented and employees are trained in any monitoring or
  manual intervention requirements for processes, boilers or fired equipment (kilns, ovens, steam generators, reactors etc )
• Switch off equipment and, where possible, disconnect to
  protect against a power surge on resumption of the electricity supply
• Leave at least one light switched on to show when power has been
  restored
• Consider how you manage the use of electric vehicles which cannot
  be charged during outages

IT & communications

Consider how you communicate across your
business when IT networks and mobile networks
may be affected

• Computers and file servers – review data back-up requirements
• Review data storage suppliers, including any that are cloud-based, to understand the impact on their service and their plans for resumption of service
• Mobile telephone networks and landlines may be impacted during power outages
• To increase resilience for key personnel, consider multi-network
  provider sims for mobile phones
• Keep all mobile phones fully charged when mains power is available
• Use power banks to keep mobile phones charged for longer
• Have a battery powered radio and fresh supply of batteries to obtain ongoing information from local radio stations

Lighting

Ensure emergency lighting systems are functioning correctly
and consider time taken for batteries to fully recharge on power resumption

• Provide battery powered lanterns and torches with a supply of fresh batteries
• Candles should be avoided due to the fire hazards they pose

Heating

Electrical power outages will impact heating even if the primary boilers are Mains Gas, Oil or LPG, as pumps or fans will be electrically driven

• Use of temporary or portable heating should be subject to a risk assessment prior to use This should also consider safe storage of any additional fuel brought to site
• Before using solid fuel fires, ensure chimneys are cleaned by an approved chimney sweep – make sure you use a fireguard to protect against flying sparks and hot embers and keep combustibles clear of solid fuel fires
• Battery powered Carbon Monoxide detectors should be installed in rooms where combustion heaters or solid fuel fires or wood burners are used

Fire and security equipment

• Fire and Intruder alarms – check the intended duration of supply with your service provider – this will be impacted by the age of the battery and may mean they need to be replaced
  • Intruder alarms should provide 12 hours battery life
  • Fire alarms should provide 24 hours battery life
• Where offsite signalling is provided to intruder or fire alarms, contact your service provider to determine if this will still function, and for what duration, as these will vary considerably
• Access Control – consider security implications as these may fail while open, leaving areas unsecured, enabling unauthorised access
• Review the impact on other mains powered security related devices such as external lighting and CCTV Consider on-site security guard presence during prolonged power outage
• Sprinkler system pumps – ensure where diesel back up pumps are provided that these are in working order with functioning battery start facility and full fuel tanks
  • Where the sprinkler installations only have electric pumps, these will not operate during power outages, so you should review the required additional measures detailed on the sprinkler test card
  • If possible, increase reserve stocks of diesel and update your fire risk assessments beforehand to ensure these are stored safely

Slips, trips, falls

• Are employees using entrances/ exits they do not normally use, and does this present any risk that need to be considered?
• How will you manage if there is reduced, or no, lighting whilst they are still employees and members of the public on site?
• Make sure consideration is given to external and yard areas as well as internal areas
• Consider areas of the premises that may be prohibited to staff during power outages – this could be yards & compounds, areas where machinery is located, areas where materials are stored on floors
• Is there an increased risk of liquid/ spillages being present on the floor causing increased risk of slips due to plant and equipment shut down during outages – how should this be managed?

This is just general guidance and we ap[preciate every business is different, each with its own challenges and unique risks, so you need to devise a Power Outage Plan that works for you.

If you need any help or advice from your Account Executive or Insurer, just get in touch.

The Rising Cost of Cyber

12 August 2022

Only 43% of UK businesses have an insurance policy in place that protects them against cyber risks – shockingly only a tiny fraction (5%) of these have specific cyber policies catered to their needs.

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The modern risks businesses need to protect against now, such as cyber, wouldn’t even have been considered by most businesses 20 years ago, yet over the last few years the products available have become quite sophisticated and more of our clients now consider this a vital part of their insurance programme. Cyber packages now can include threat warning intelligence, forensics, post-breach communications and data recovery.

The lockdown in March 2020 in response to the Covid-19 pandemic challenged businesses with the need for their office staff to work from home, but it also brought new opportunities for cyber criminals.  The Cyber Security Breaches Survey is an influential research study for UK cyber resilience, their report details 39% of businesses suffering a cyber attack in 2021. More than half or those believed their exposure was heightened due to home working arrangements.

Ransomware and phishing attacks also increased during the pandemic with cyber criminals using this as a hook, and attacks are still on the rise. Ransomware was ranked as the top cyber exposure of concern in 2022 in the Allianz Risk Barometer. And just when we thought we were through the pandemic, Russia’s attack on Ukraine brought additional cyber concerns.

Cyber incidents can have a devastating impact on businesses, and few have the in-house resources to deal with an attack or breach. The disruption to day-to-day operations can be catastrophic, when combined with financial loss, reputational damage and fines some businesses may not even survive an attack.

But the insurance market is responding with more sophisticated offerings not only to protect businesses, but to deploy the resources required to get them back to business as usual too. As the cyber landscape continually evolves, so does the insurance offering. However, cyber insurers are seeing more claims as the number of incidents rise, along with the take-up of cyber insurance and this is having an impact on both premiums and availability. The recent surge in ransomware claims has driven up cyber insurance pricing by up to 92%.

Insurers are now more cautious about the risks they take – if your cyber security is poor and you are at a greater risk of attack, you may find it financially prohibitive to obtain cyber cover, or you may not find an insurer willing to take your risk. Insurers need to be assured that you are taking appropriate steps to protect yourself against cyber threats with Virtual Private Network (VPN) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) now a standard requirement.

To chat about how Cyber Insurance can help your business, contact Charlotte Perkins at [email protected], 0115 942 0111 or connect with Charlotte on LinkedIn

Architects Registration Board – Consultation on draft guidance for Professional Indemnity Insurance

18 May 2022

For some time we have been highlighting the challenging Professional Indemnity market. This time last year the RICS changed the rules for surveyors, making it even more of a headache to secure the cover they required.

We are pleased to see the Architects Registration Board (ARB) is looking at how it can adjust its demands on architects’ indemnity insurance cover, publishing new draft guidance on the insurance requirements expected of architects to remain compliant with its code of conduct.

Acknowledging the challenges of the global PI market, the ARB said it had become ‘increasingly apparent’ that, for some architects, the ‘changes in the insurance market outside their control means that meeting the existing guidance may no longer be possible’.

Anyone within the sector will be all too aware that PI premiums have soared, in some cases the renewal premium costing three times that of the previous year. As if that wasn’t enough of a challenge, the numbers of policy exclusions imposed by insurers has skyrocketed too, particularly in respect of cladding, fire safety and even basements.

With no way to resolve or even influence the issues with the global PI market experienced by its own sector and indeed others, it acknowledged that it could bring in changes that were ‘proportionate and risk based’ to support architects through the hardened market. They stated ‘We can’t set requirements architects simply cannot achieve’.

The Architects Code of Conduct sets out the PI requirements for architects, underpinned by ARB guidance which explains how compliance can be achieved. The revisions the ARB propose went out to public consultation on 16 May, these include no longer making it a matter of misconduct if an architect cannot acquire retrospective insurance to cover historic liabilities due to new exclusions applied to their policy by their insurer.

Coverage for certain types of claims, including cladding and fire safety, could now be held on an aggregate basis (rather than an each and every claim basis) and limited to covering direct losses. However, the draft guidance adds that no architect should accept a minimum level of cover below £250,000 for each and every claim and reaffirms that architects should have adequate insurance before undertaking any new work.

ARB chair Alan Kershaw said: ‘PII provides crucial protection to architects, their clients, and the people who use their buildings. ARB has to balance the need for public protection with the availability of insurance. We can’t set requirements that, however well-intentioned, architects simply cannot achieve. He added: ‘The updates to our guidance on PII are intended to clarify how architects are expected to deal with professional indemnity insurance at this difficult time, while still protecting clients and future users of the buildings they design. We now want to hear from architects, insurers and the groups that represent consumer interests.’

The draft guidance was produced following research and engagement with the insurance market and professional bodies and is now in public consultation before it is finalised and comes into force later this year.

To read more about ARB’s proposals and take part in the consultation, use the following link:

https://arb.citizenspace.com/standards/pii-consultation/

We’re here to help

We welcome this proposal from the ARB that will certainly help us and our clients. The proposed changes make our role as broker even more important, as our knowledge and understanding enable us to fully support to our architect clients with their PI cover and associated costs.

If you need help, just get in touch with Charlotte Perkins.

Support for Ukraine

17 March 2022

Like us, we know our clients want to help and support the people of Ukraine. The insurers we work with are doing the same, allowing flexibility within their policies to avoid unnecessary barriers that may stop or delay help reaching the innocent victims of this unfolding humanitarian crisis.

Every insurer and policy type are different so you will need to check with your broker or specific insurer to see how this may impact you – and ensure you’re still properly covered.

Home Insurance

Now the government has announced the ‘Homes for Ukraine’ scheme to welcome those fleeing the conflict to the UK; some of our private clients and property owners will be temporarily welcoming Ukrainian refugees into their homes as guests. Insurers want to support this generosity and in many cases they don’t need to be notified but you must check. Contact your broker or access the information available on the insurer website or their helplines.

Family – There has been much confusion over ‘family members’ in relation to Visa restrictions, but this term is also relevant to your policy. ‘Family’ is normally defined as those permanently living with the policyholder (and isn’t a lodger or paying guest). Many insurers are temporarily extending definition and will interpret Ukrainian refugees (either related or sponsored) as ‘Family members’ within the policy.

Sums Insured – Please ensure that the sum insured on your policy is adequate for the inclusion of your guests’ contents, including any individual high value items. They may only have been able to bring their most valuable and most precious items with them, so you certainly want to make sure they’re protected.

Other Property Types – Cover availability may change if it’s a second home, guest home or rental property so you MUST contact your broker or your insurer!

Private & Commercial Motor Insurance

Personal – If you are planning to use your private motor vehicle to transport goods around the UK to provide humanitarian aid, most insurers will support this. Many don’t need to be notified of this change in use, but some will, so please check your policy for any volunteering exclusions and give the insurer a call to clarify. The same is true if you are planning to deliver this humanitarian aid within Europe, even if this is within any standard ‘Free Circulation without Green Card’ cover you may have with your policy.

Commercial – Many insurers are extending their comprehensive insurance for businesses who wish to use their commercial vehicles for cross border journeys within the ‘Free Circulation without Green Card’ zone but you will need to check with your specific insurer.

Outside EEA – Whether it’s personal or commercial, please ensure you contact your insurer if you plan to drive outside of the European Economic Area to transport goods to provide humanitarian aid.

We’re here to help!

Please call or email us if there’s anything you are unsure about or if you need to adjust your policy. We are here to help you in your support of the people of Ukraine.

 

Property Insurance – Index Linking

8 March 2022

Some Insurers are currently index linking at 12.8% buildings and 9.5% contents. This shows no signs of slowing down, with other major Insurers predicting their rates may even top 20% later in the year.

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So, what is Index Linking?

Index linking (or indexation) is the adjustment of an asset’s value to reflect inflation and deflation. In Commercial Property Insurance terms, it’s a percentage that is applied to the Declared Value of the property at each renewal so the insured value remains relevant. Index linking an insurance policy gives some protection against being underinsured.

Why are Insurers increasing their percentages so much?

This is due to a number of factors – a significant rise in demand for building materials, disruption to the supply chain caused by the pandemic and Brexit, in addition to workforce shortages affecting rebuilding and claims costs. Insurers use a number tracked indices of property value to determine their calculations, including data supplied by RICS, the ABI and ONS. Historically these indices have grown at a relatively low rate, but in 2021 the growth wass significant and sustained.

Rebuild Value -v- Sum Insured?

There is a difference between the ‘rebuild value’ and the ‘sum insured’ on your policy documents.

• Rebuild Value – the total cost of rebuilding the property to its former state following a total loss
• Sum Insured – includes a percentage increase on top of the rebuild value and is designed to cover inflation during the insurance year. The sum insured needs to be adequate to fully reinstate the buildings / contents / replace stock etc should there be a catastrophic loss – this should also include costs for removal of debris, professional fees etc.

Rebuild Cost Assessment

Rebuild value is not the same as market value. It’s therefore recommended that Rebuild Cost Assessments are undertaken every three to five years in order to ensure that the Rebuild Value of a property is adequate. However, with inflation so high it’s now more important than ever to have your buildings value declared correctly and to review this regularly.

The Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) of RICS produces a range of detailed guidance on the cost of rebuilding houses and flats for the ABI. Their site at abi.bcis.co.uk provides general guidance on the rebuild cost of houses and some types of flats. For commercial purposes, visit www.rics.org for a range of solutions.

What does this mean for my renewal?

Not all policies will be index linked and you MUST check your policy at each renewal to ensure the sums insured are correct.

If your policy is index linked, this will undoubtedly constitute an increase in premium as the value of a property insured is increased. Index-linking is applied in addition to any rate increases and so it would be wise to ensure that any budgeted amounts are taking both of these elements into account.

 

Cyber threat heightened!

3 March 2022

LinkedIn Cyber Threat

24 February 2022

Since the start of February 2022, cyber analysts have seen phishing email attacks impersonating LinkedIn grow by 232%.

This new wave of phishing attacks are aimed at jobseekers on LinkedIn and researchers said: “It is likely these phishing attacks aim to capitalise on jobseekers by flattering them into believing their profile is being viewed and their experience is relevant to household brands.” This may in part be triggered by the end of home working, as those who’ve become accustomed to a new work-life balance enjoyed through the pandemic may seek new roles that allow them to continue to work from home.

The phishing emails used subject lines to entice to job seekers hoping to get noticed, such as “Who’s searching for you online?” “You appeared in 6 searches this week” or even “You have a new message.” The emails themselves are very convincing as we’ve come to expect with sophisticated phishing scams, with built in HTML templates using the LinkedIn logo, colours, fonts and icons.

The cyber criminals also used the names of well-known and high-profile companies throughout the phishing emails, to make the correspondence seem more legitimate and enticing to their potential victims.

In addition, they employed display name spoofing, designed to hide the accounts used to launch the attacks. When the recipient clicks on the malicious links contained in the email, they are directed to a site to harvest their LinkedIn logins and passwords.

LinkedIn have responded to the latest phishing scam and said: “Our internal teams work to take action against those who attempt to harm LinkedIn members through phishing. We encourage members to report suspicious messages and help them learn more about what they can do to protect themselves, including turning on two-step verification.”

As wiith any email you receive, whether from LinkedIn or any other source, always be on alert and check before you click on any links – and definitely before you enter a user name and password! It may be more convenient to click on a link in an email you receive but it’s safer to close them email, access the website directly and log in there. If the message is genuine, it’ll be right there waiting for you!

Can Cyber Insurance help?

Prevention is always better than cure. But, as cyber attacks and data breaches increase in both frequency and sophistication, Cyber Insurance is more crucial than ever.

Having the right cover in place will support and protect your business in the event of a cyber attack or data breach. It not only provides comprehensive cover but will provide you with a trusted partner to support the business and get you working again.

Obtaining a quote for your business is a simple and straightforward, simply contact Charlotte.

Contact

Charlotte Perkins
[email protected]     0115 9420 111

Italy – Compulsory insurance for Skiers & Snowboarders

6 January 2022

All skiers and snowboarding holidaymakers will now need to ensure they have 3rd party liability insurance to use the slopes. The penalty will be a fine up to €150 and the withdrawal of you ski pass if you can’t show that you have this in place.

The new rules were introduced last spring following the approval of Decree 40, but came into force on 1st January 2022.

The Decree states: “The skier who uses the alpine ski slopes must have valid insurance covering his civil liability for damages or injuries caused to third parties. It is obligatory for the manager of the equipped ski areas, with the exclusion of those reserved for cross-country skiing, to make available to users, at the time of purchase of the transit permit, an insurance policy for civil responsibility for damage caused to persons or things.”

It has not been confirmed how the new rules will be policed, but it’s anticipated that confirmation of cover will need to be shown to obtain a ski pass, with the option to purchase cover at that point if you are unable to do so.

Italy already has a number of rules in place that have yet to be put in place by other alpine nations, including compulsory helmet wearing for all under 18’s and do not allow skiing or snowboarding while under the influence of alcohol. In addition they also have strict off-piste rules too. We have yet to see if this new insurance requirement will be copied by others.

It is estimated that up to 20% of UK people do not take out insurance for their ski holiday, or rely on limited cover under their core travel cover, despite tour operators and the UK government encouraging travellers to arrange specific winter sports cover that will fully protect them should they need to claim.

Our Private Client team are used to arranging winter sports cover for our clients, alongside other specialist holiday covers, so if you are travelling and have yet to arrange your travel cover, get in touch with Tom or Jade on 0115 942 0111.

Omicron Cyber Scams

9 December 2021

The new Omicron Covid-19 variant has not only led to the government reintroducing restrictions such as Work From Home, but cyber criminal gangs are using this new variant in a new phishing scam.

The new phishing scam has been created to look like an official communication from the NHS, and is targeting people with fake offers for free PCR tests for the new variant.

This new “variant of concern” is spreading rapidly around the world. Whilst this has caused distress for many people globally, especially those who are vulnerable themselves or have loved ones that are, it’s also created a new opportunity for cyber criminals to feed on those fears.

This wave of new phishing is being issued by text, email and even over the phone, with threat actors contacting people across the UK offering them what they say are new test kits specifically designed to detect the Omicron variant.

One of these emails read: “NHS scientists have warned that the new Covid variant Omicron spreads rapidly, can be transmitted between fully vaccinated people, and makes jabs less effective. However, as the new covid variant (Omicron) has quickly become apparent, we have had to make new test kits as the new variant appears dormant in the original tests.”

Alongside giving false information, the email is littered with grammatical errors. Should a victim click on the link at the bottom of the correspondence, they would be taken to a fake NHS page that asks for full name, date of birth, address, phone numbers and email address.

In addition to harvesting personal information, the site also asks for £1.24 as a delivery fee and mother’s maiden name which is often used as a finance security question, giving the cyber criminals access to the target’s banking information as well.

Like many other Covid-19-related phishing campaigns, this too relies on the target’s anxiety to cause them to overlook obvious signs of fraud. Researchers commented: “Phishing attacks and other scams often exploit emotions to get people to react quickly, without thinking things through logically. This new COVID-19 variant has significant emotional weight for people who are tired of lockdowns and the continuing impact of the pandemic, making it a powerful tool to get people to click.”

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is aware, but watchdogs have warned that other similar Omicron scams are likely to appear over the next several weeks – especially with the festive period in full swing and the reintroduction of working from home.

Not only do we all need to be more cautious with our potential exposure to the new Omicron variant, we must remain vigilant with our cyber security and threat awareness too. If you have High Value Home Insurance it’s likely to include an element of Cyber cover, so remember to check your policy.

Can Cyber Insurance help my business?

Whilst the new Omicron threat is targeted at individuals, it will be received on business devices. Now the government are imposing new Work From Home advice, cyber-criminals will tweak this to target businesses too – every change is a new opportunity for them to exploit.

Cyber insurance is more crucial than ever as attacks and data breaches increase in both frequency and sophistication. Having the right cover in place will support and protect your business in the event of a cyber attack or data breach. It not only provides comprehensive cover but will provide you with a trusted partner to support the business and get you working again.

Obtaining a quote for your business is a simple and straightforward, simply contact Charlotte.

Contact

Charlotte Perkins – Group Managing Director
[email protected]     0115 9420 111

Stay safe up there!

1 December 2021

The countdown to Christmas has begun! Sadly that also means thare’s a risk of people falling from ladders and stepladders as they hang decorations, lights and dress the Christmas tree.

As the festive season approaches, the No Falls Foundation is urging everyone to take extra care – especially anyone who seldom uses a ladder on the odd occasion.

However, there are some simple steps that everyone can take for an accident free Christmas. The Foundation is asking everyone to take extra care and follow this simple advice:

1. Avoid using furniture, tables and chairs to stand on. Use a ladder or stepladder according to the height you wish to reach
2. Before using the ladder make sure it’s in good condition. Check the rungs or treads and the sides are not bent, damaged or loose. Check the feet are clean and secure, the locking devices are working and step ladder platforms are not buckled or cracked
3. Position the ladder on a firm and level surface, facing the work wherever possible. Check the label for the ladders maximum load and don’t exceed it. Step ladders must be fully opened, and any locking devices properly engaged. Never overreach – just move the ladder to a better position
4. Maintain a firm handhold and only let go for a moment when the task requires it. When using a step ladder for jobs that briefly require both hands, keep both feet on the same step or on the platform and your body (knees or chest) supported by the stepladder to maintain three points of contact. On a leaning ladder, don’t do any jobs that require you to let go for more than a few seconds e.g. starting a screw or nail
5. Wear footwear with a good grip and move slowly and carefully up and down the ladder
6. Don’t drink and decorate! Alcohol significantly increases your risk of falling. You can celebrate once the job is done!

We hope you all stay safe – Merry Christmas!

 

In cyberspace, no-one can hear you scream

6 September 2021

We may have stolen a sci-fi strapline, but what will cyber-criminals steal from you? Many people hide behind the fact that they’re not one of the big boys, so they’re not really targeted by hackers, but that couldn’t be further from the truth.

Research published by Vodafone earlier this year found that 41% of UK SME’s had suffered cyberattacks over the previous 12-month period, with 20% experiencing multiple attacks. It warned that as many as 1.3 million UK SMEs could collapse completely after falling victim to a cyber-attack.

SMEs are under-protected from cybersecurity risk, they are less likely to have robust defences in place than their larger counterparts and the pandemic has increased their vulnerability to attacks. A very attractive target for cyber criminals.

Despite the increased risks, most SMEs only have the most basic protections in place such as installing firewalls and anti-virus software. But the biggest risk is your people and only a minority routinely train staff on cybersecurity issues.

Hello, I’m an SME and I am a cyber target…

So what can you do? Like the old saying goes, acknowledging you have a problem is the first step to recovery. Review the risk, make a plan and action it.  Even simple steps can prove hugely valuable- SMEs that routinely back up their systems and data are much less vulnerable to ransomware attacks; introducing multi-factor authentication on remote devices is simple and reduces the risk of attackers getting in this way.

The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) said the most important thing SMEs should focus on is how to build stronger cultures of cybersecurity, with management working harder to build employees’ awareness. They suggest practical steps such as regular cybersecurity audits, training for staff, the development of cybersecurity policies and incident response plans.

ENISA’s data suggests that the five most common threats to SMEs are: phishing attacks; web-based raids; general malware; malicious insiders; and denial-of-service strikes. It seems SMEs don’t invest enough in cybersecurity, they fail to access the right type of expertise and favour quick fixes such as anti-virus software, rather than building a culture of cybersecurity awareness.

The Home Working Threat

Measures introduced by many SMEs during the pandemic, including remote working have given cyber attackers new opportunities.

A recent survey found that 56% of senior IT techs believe their employees have picked up bad cyber-security habits while working from home. Nearly two in five home workers admitted that their cyber-security practices at home were less thorough than in the office, with half admitting it’s due to feeling less scrutinised by IT departments.

During the height of the pandemic in 2020, there was a staggering 667% increase in malicious phishing emails. Google also reported blocking over 100 million phishing emails daily during that time.

The consequences of such phishing attacks can often be dire. While global multinationals may be able to recover from substantial losses, cyber-attacks can be catastrophic for both small businesses and individuals.

Now, with many employers formalising the home-working policies they set up during the pandemic, they must ensure that proper security procedures and training are put in place to keep both themselves and their employees safe.

Can Cyber Insurance help?

Cyber insurance is more crucial than ever as attacks and data breaches increase in both frequency and sophistication. Having the right cover in place will support and protect your business if it is the subject of an attack by a malicious hacker or experiences a data breach. It not only provides comprehensive cover but will provide you with a trusted partner to support the business in the event of a cyber-attack.

A range of insurance products have been developed to meet the increasing demand for cover, so not only is there a product available to suit your specific business needs, but it’s also far more cost effective than ever before.

Obtaining a quote for your business is a simple and straightforward, simply contact Charlotte.

Contact

Charlotte Perkins – Group Managing Director
[email protected]     0115 9420 111

 

 

Home working fire risks

3 September 2021

Pizza ovens, fire pits and BBQs were incredibly popular purchases or projects during lockdown, as was the rise in working from home in a ‘shoffice’ – which resulted in an increased chance of fire.

A major insurer warned that outbuilding fires – in sheds, garages and conservatories – rose by 16% last year compared with 2019. The popularity of conversions to home offices, gyms and social spaces increased the fire risk. Three-quarters of areas in the UK recorded more fires, the data shows.

Phil Ost, from insurer Zurich, said: “Aside from storing gardening tools, our sheds and garages have become a haven to escape the stresses of family life and for others, a place to work. But as they take refuge in their garden sheds and garages, it appears to have sparked a rise in accidental blazes.”

Another survey by insurer Aviva, suggested that one in 10 of those asked worked from a converted shed, garage or summerhouse – a proportion expected to rise to 13%. The popularity of ‘shoffices’ (shed offices) has risen, with some people investing in bespoke garden rooms with all the luxury of home.

However, analysts said some people risked invalidating their insurance, or any subsequent claim, if they don’t inform their insurer about any changes to their property, especially if it’s new purpose increases risks. There is also the risk that expensive equipment in less secure locations, such as laptops left in an unsecure shed, may not be covered if it’s stolen or damaged.

Pizza ovens and fire pits only add to the existing fire risks created in gardens by mowers, barbecues, and paint thinners. As the good weather ends, those still working in the shed or garden room may increase the risk even further with the use of patio or bar heaters.

Zurich collected data from UK fire authorities highlighted that there were 3,681 residential outbuilding fires recorded in 2020, compared with 3,170 the year before.

Whilst insurers appreciate the changes we’ve all had to make to our working environments and our lifestyles since March 2020, there has now been sufficient opportunity to reflect any changes at renewal, or notify your insurer of any changes to your property or contents limits. If you haven’t, act now or any claims you need to make may be rejected in future. ALWAYS keep your insurance details up-to-date.

If you need any help or advice arranging your home insurance, contact our Private Client Team on 0115 942 0111 or email [email protected] – we’re always here to help.

 

Holiday booked – what about your travel insurance?

6 August 2021

With so many people finally able to take a long-awaited holiday, we’ve received many enquiries about Travel Insurance in relation to Covid-19, but don’t forget to check the other areas of the policy too.

It’s vitally important you check the details before taking out the policy, to ensure you’re covered for all the activities you’ll enjoy on your holiday – whether that’s scuba diving or off-road motorcycling. Don’t forget to estimate the valuables and tech you’ll be taking too; research has shown that cost for replacing or repairing personal tech could top £1 billion.

As with every insurance policy, always read through the policy documentation to understand what’s covered and what’s not – and if you’re unsure, check! We know it’s not the most exciting part of your holiday planning, but it’s one of the most important.

Here are the most common issues travellers experience when they need to claim.

Taking all your tech?

Most of us don’t go anywhere without our mobile, but what do you do if you’re poolside or on the beach and decide to take a dip? If you leave your phone unattended on your sunbed or tucked under your towel and it’s stolen, it’s possible your insurer won’t pay your claim.

Most insurers expect you to take “reasonable precautions” to stop your property being damaged or stolen. Leaving an expensive device such as a phone, tablet or laptop unattended would not be seen as taking reasonable precautions.

Covered for your sports?

All sports come with risks, some more than others, but when you’re on holiday you want to take part in all those activities you probably don’t get to enjoy at home. Standard travel policies usually provide cover for most of the usual holiday sporting activities such as swimming, snorkelling and tennis.

If you’re seeking the more adrenaline fuelled activities, such as scuba diving, jet skiing or bungee jumping, they are likely to be excluded or have specific conditions enforced.

For those travellers taking sporting holidays such as skiing or diving trips, you’ll know there are specific travel policies that cover you for your chosen activities, but it’s always wise to check even with those policies so you understand the cover and its limitations.

Taking sports equipment?

If you’re taking a sporting holiday, chances are you’ll be taking your own equipment with you and your specialist policy will probably cover your related equipment such as skis or snowboard.

One type of holiday that usually falls through the net in terms of sporting equipment is golf. Most standard policies won’t cover your expensive set of clubs, but the majority of good insurers will offer this cover as an add-on.

Locked your doors?

Your hotel room, apartment or villa can feel like such a safe space. However, leaving valuables such as travel documents and tech in plain sight may invalidate your claim if they were to be stolen. It’s down to ‘reasonable measures’ again, as is the case with leaving items unattended – if you can’t prove that reasonable measures were in place to keep your valuables safe, then you may struggle with your claim. If you’re not using your valuables, just lock them away and then you can enjoy your holiday without worry.

Know your claim limit?

All policies have claim limits, so make sure you check them before you take out the policy! If your policy only covers you up to £1,000, but you know the tech you’re taking is worth £3,000 then you’re obviously underinsured.

Make sure you have adequate limits for everything you need to cover – and don’t forget to factor in any purchases you plan to make while you’re away too.

Let us help

Our Private Client team have a wealth of experience in arranging travel insurance for our clients, giving them the peace of mind they need to enjoy their holiday. They’ve also supported our clients that have needed to claim on their travel policy, so understand the claims process.

If you’ve planned your holiday, get in touch with our Private Client team and they’ll help you plan your travel insurance. Or simply email [email protected] and we’ll get in touch at a time to suit you.

 

 

The Green Card Free Circulation Area

28 July 2021

On the 30 June 2021 the European Commission announced that the UK would be able to participate in the Green Card Free Circulation Area (GCFA), which comprises all 30 European Economic Area (EEA) countries as well as Andorra, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Serbia and Switzerland.

This takes effect on the 2nd August 2021 and will remove the requirement for Green Cards to be issued for travel within these countries.

Following the MIB’s recommendation, most insurers will continue to issue Green Cards up until September 2021 to ensure a smooth transition period.

If you have any queries regarding the issuance of Green Cards please contact your Wilsons account handler, or your insurer directly.

 

Business Masters Awards – Nominations now open

23 June 2021

This week The Business Desk launched their East and West Midlands Business Masters Awards. Entries are now open – and as usual there’s a Family Business category! In 2020 this was sponsored by Wilsons and won by Wathall’s, a fantastic 5th generation family business, but who will triumph this year?

To nominate in the East Midlands Awards, please click here.

To nominate in the West Midlands Awards, please click here.

Deadline for entries is 16th July 2021.

The categories are:

• Start-up
• Disruptor* [new award for 2021]
• Sustainability* [new award for 2021]
• International Trade
• Investment
• Community Impact
• Professional Services
• Property Business
• Family Business
• Small Business (up to 50 employees)
• Medium Business (51-250 employees)
• Large Business (251+ employees)
• Fast Growth Business

The annual awards ceremony is a key event in the business calendar, recognising the achievements of East and West Midlands companies. This year is particularly important because of the huge disruption and challenges caused by the pandemic which have forced all businesses to be agile, innovative and resilient.

The Business Masters winners will be revealed at TheBusinessDesk.com’s annual East Midlands dinner on Thursday, October 21, at Colwick Hall, Nottingham and West Midlands dinner on Thursday, 11 November at the Macdonald Burlington, Birmingham.

 

We’re launching a new online family business community

17 June 2022

A new not-for-profit online initiative which connects family businesses across the UK is launching today, providing businesses in the sector with interactive support and expert advice – and a fantastic community to be part of.

Organised and backed by The Wilson Organisation, a Nottingham-based third-generation family business behind the annual Midlands Family Business Awards – the online only Family Business Futures (FBF) initiative has been designed to bring family enterprises across the UK together.

Following the unprecedented events of 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which resulted in the absence of face-to-face meetings and many events including the Midlands Family Business Awards, FBF was born to establish an ethical, supportive and friendly online community of likeminded people to share networking opportunities, trusted support and expertise for family businesses to not only survive, but to thrive.

FBF aims to deliver a trusted space in which to connect people to other businesses in the community that understand the unique challenges of leading a family business, providing support and advice. It’s a safe space with active social hubs to connect people with each other, where they can share experiences, and build friendships and support networks.

Community areas are only accessible to trusted sponsors and supporters enabling family business owners to seek support and guidance from advisers that understand the sector and are active within the community.

A whole media centre is also available to share specialist content with all users including presentations and videos to benefit the community, with all the latest information and services that member businesses provide.

Annabel Jackson Prow, CEO of The Wilson Organisation, said: “Family businesses survive over generations by taking a long term and sustainable outlook. The past year has been incredibly challenging for so many of us and for family run businesses, big or small, we’ve all really felt it.

“We’ve launched the FBF website, so businesses will be able to build relationships, share their experiences with one another and seek guidance. There are so many unique challenges that come about when running a family business that only others doing the same thing will understand, so we are hoping this new site will be a trusted online space that people can turn to for help, support and for sharing great news and opportunities to network and interact within the sector.”

“We really encourage family businesses within our network and from all over the UK to sign up to the FBF, as the greater the online presence the community has, the more benefits received among family members, giving our network and its businesses a chance to flourish.”

FBF only works with organisations that the Midlands Family Business Awards have previously worked with, to ensure those introduced to members are trusted within the sector, and all membership requests are screened by FBF to ensure community safety. To be part of the Family Business Futures community, please visit familybusinessfutures.co.uk or email [email protected]

 

 

We’re proud to support POhWER!

20 May 2021

Mental Health Awareness Week may be over, but it’s essential that the focus on mental health continues – problems don’t just go away when the ads stop and the email footers change.

We have many ways we support our people at Wilsons, but what if you don’t work or have no Employee Assistance Programme and Wellbeing Policy to fall back on? We need to ensure this vital support is provided to the most isolated in our communities too.

2 in 5 people felt their mental health suffered during the COVID pandemic. As lockdown is easing, we will be supporting POhWER Nottingham to enable them to restart their highly successful, volunteer run, EmPOhWER Peer advocacy groups that are especially relevant to those with mental health issues. They great news is that you can help.

POhWER is a charity and membership organisation providing information, advice, support and advocacy to people who experience disability, vulnerability, distress and social exclusion. They empower people to have a voice, make choices, uphold their rights and make a positive difference to their lives and work, working with them to plan and deliver the services that matter to them.

Peer advocacy refers to support provided by advocates with a similar disability or experience and can be very beneficial in supporting people adversely affected by their mental health. It builds trust as the peer relationship is founded on equality. It also challenges the discrimination and stigma attached to mental illness. A peer advocate is a good role model and shows recovery can be a reality.

EmPOhWER groups are welcoming, empowering support groups for people with a shared experience and common understanding of mental health. The groups are confidential, free and non-judgemental.

Before the pandemic, POhWER held monthly groups in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and were about to start a women only group. These face to face groups will restart as soon as it’s safe and appropriate to do so.

We are proud to be supporting POhWER through a donation to facilitate these groups, in order to provide vital support to the most isolated in the community. If you would like to show your support too, they’d love you to get in touch!

Contact Sonia Burns, Community Development Work at [email protected]

Tel: 0300 020 0093

Web: www.pohwer.net

 

What’s the true value of your home and contents?

14 May 2021

Your home and its contents are your most important and valuable assets, both in terms of monetary and emotional value. And yet, so many of us insure them quickly and cheaply direct with insurers or through internet search sites, unaware that such products may leave us under insured, exposed and may even cost more.

So, when did you last check the value of your contents, or your building?

It’s vital that you protect what matters most to you, but when did you last review your contents, or check if the items are covered are insured for their true current value on your policy?

Ensuring you are insured correctly seems like such a simple task, but it can be difficult to properly assess the contents of your home -and even trickier when estimating the correct value. Issues arise especially when policies are set up a number of years and items increase in value or new possessions are obtained, but these details are not added to the insurance policy. It’s all to easy to simply renew as is, or with a simple percentage increase on total value.

Almost 20% of high-net worth individuals have a home insurance policy based on a valuation from 20 years ago. Considering the huge economic changes and consumer behaviour in recent years, it’s impossible to create an accurate insurance policy based on old figures. 10 years ago something as simple as a set of hair straighteners would have cost around £50, now the new Dyson Corrale cost £400.

Underinsurance also occurs when you simply don’t consider some areas of your contents – kitchen equipment and crockery, curtains or shutters, rugs and carpets. We all think of artwork, jewellery and antiques, but what about tech, handbags and shoes?

If an item is damaged and you need to put in an insurance claim, it could cost thousands of pounds. Without the right insurance in place you may end up having to cover some, or all, of this cost yourself.

The same rule applies to buildings cover. An accurate value that includes demolition and rebuilding should be established and increased with the inflation rate. There are some fantastic online calculators that will help you establish the true cost of rebuilding 0 and don’t forget the cost of your kitchen, which industry experts say can easily be 5 – 10% of the value of your home.

If you need any help or advice establishing how best to protect what matters to you most and avoid the nightmare of underinsurance, contact our Private Client Team or Charlotte Perkins.

 

New RICS Insurance Rules

4 May 2021

Professional Indemnity cover continues to be a challenging area for many businesses, but with new rules from the RICS in respect of Professional Indemnity Insurance for surveyors, it’s even more of a headache.

The new rules relate to the RICS Approved Minimum Wording for 2021 and affect fire safety and cyber cover.

Fire safety cover

For the last few months RICS has not required firms to apply for dispensation when insurers have imposed fire safety cover exclusions. That flexibility, designed to make it easier for firms to secure PI cover at a time when the market was particularly challenging, has now been withdrawn.

As of 1 May 2021, insurers are NOT permitted (without specific dispensation from RICS) to exclude fire safety claims on a property of four storeys or less. In addition, fire safety coverage must be provided, as a minimum, on an aggregate, defence-cost inclusive basis.

Cyber cover

As of 1 April 2021, RICS now requires its members’ PI insurers to clarify the cyber cover provided. RICS is not imposing any minimum cyber requirements, simply formalising the need for transparency on the nature of the cover.

We’re here to help        

These changes make our role as broker even more important to our RICS member clients, as our knowledge and understanding enables us to fully support them with their PI and cyber cover.

If you need help, just get in touch with Charlotte Perkins.

 

 

30 Days Wild!

22 April 2021

We’ve signed up to 30 Days Wild this year with The Wildlife Trust!

The Wildlife Trusts work with businesses to help people and wildlife, running campaigns and activities that inspire people to embrace nature and the wellbeing benefits it brings. We love their innovative ways to engage our teams with wildlife and to take care of and improve their wellbeing – proven to help employees feel happier, healthier and more positive!

If you haven’t been involved before, we’d certainly recommend checking it out and signing up. You can then download your digital 30 Days Wild pack and start planning for June.

It’s a fantastic way to support your people, your community, our environment and our wildlife.

 

Pandemic boom in cyber-crime

12 April 2021

We have seen an increase of over 30% in cyber-attacks during the height of the pandemic and UK businesses have lost over £6.2 million to cyber scams. Disturbingly, what we haven’t seen is an increase in businesses taking out Cyber Insurance.

A unique study by analysing suggests criminals are exploiting official government announcements to target victims – as well as media coverage including cyber-crime campaigns. The study found that 86% involved phishing and/or smishing, 65% involved malware and 34% involved financial fraud. Hacking and denial of service were involved in five per cent of cases respectively.

The rise in cyber- crime is nothing new, no doubt if we hadn’t fallen victim to a global pandemic, cyber criminals would have found an alternative. Nonetheless, cyber-crime is most definitely a growing threat with over a quarter of UK companies listing cyber-attacks as a top risk faced by their business, particularly SMEs. It may be that the learnings from the highly publicised Business Interruption cases have played a part in businesses reviewing their risk profile, ensuring that in future they have all relevant covers in place.

Insurers have reacted and their products are evolving to ensure the cover on offer keeps pace with the change in attacks. This has included improved business interruption cover within cyber policies and expanded policy coverage to include financial losses from cyber-crime. What has always been on offer, and in our view one of the most important aspects of cyber insurance, is the specialist support available in the immediate aftermath of an attack.

Very few SMEs will have employees or suppliers with the skills and experience to deal with a sophisticated cyber-attack and get the business back up and running. Some may be world leading in their niche sector, but wouldn’t even know where to start when faced with a cyber-attack.

As business starts to reopen they will undoubtedly be looking to reduce costs, rather than increase them. However, we are starting to see clients take out this cover as they acknowledge just how reliant they are on their IT systems and the potential costs of an attack.

We’re always happy to talk to clients old and new about their cyber risk and how they can protect themselves, just get in touch.

Charlotte Perkins
[email protected]  or 0115 942 0111

 

 

BI Claims

5 March 2021

Guidance for Clients on Business Interruption Claims

The spread of COVID-19 is unprecedented in modern times and this continues to be an incredibly difficult time for families and businesses, especially businesses that have been required to close or drastically reduce their operations throughout various lockdowns.

The Background

Commercial insurance policy holders hoped they could make claims on their business interruption (BI) insurance policies. This led to wide-ranging disputes in the interpretation of policy wordings.

Under pressure from SMEs in particular, the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) stepped in and, in conjunction with eight insurers, selected a representative sample of 21 policy wordings as a test case for the High Court to consider and rule upon. In September 2020, the High Court delivered its judgment in favour of the FCA in the majority of the considered clauses.

Unsurprisingly, the insurers appealed and in January 2021 the Supreme Court also ruled in favour of policyholders.

This landmark ruling means businesses that had the relevant extensions to their BI cover would be likely to have their claim met by their insurers. However, the judgment does not mean that all customers with business interruption insurance have a valid claim.

Making a Claim

Although the judgment is welcome news for policyholders, the test case was never intended to encompass all possible policy wordings and does not determine individual claims.

We are working hard to ensure that all our clients that have valid business interruption extensions submit their claims to Insurers without delay and receive the payments due to them.

If you are a Wilsons client and can substantiate a loss as a result of COVID-19, please email [email protected] with the following information:

• Business Name
• Contact Name, Email and Telephone
• Brief description of your loss
• Brief description of your business activities

We will acknowledge receipt of your email, advise you of the next steps to take and support you through the claims process.

Remember that you are always entitled to make a claim against your policy, simply follow the claims instructions on your policy document.

FCA Policy Checker

The FCA has published an online Policy Checker and some FAQs to help SME policyholders find out if their insurance policy may cover business interruption losses caused by COVID-19, based on their test case. You will need your policy and schedule to hand and you can access the FCA Policy Checker at www.fca.org.uk

The Environmental Challenge

4 February 2021

We have all seen the increase in single use plastics since the start of the pandemic; with our Covid Secure office we too are conscious of the negative impact these necessary steps are having on our environmental initiatives.

Rather than simply accept this, we have been working on new measures to lessen our environmental impact to strike a better balance. Here are a few of the things we’re doing at Wilsons – they may be small changes but everything we do counts towards our overall goal.

PaperCut

We have implemented PaperCut technology on our printers and issued all team members with a personal print fob. This not only increased security as no documents are left sitting on a printer, but one of the primary aims of PaperCut is to reduce printing levels by changing a user’s printing behaviour.

Rather than having all jobs print out when the user hits the ‘print’ button, they select which of their jobs are to be printed when they swipe their fob at the printer. Anything not printed in 48 hours is deleted from the print server. We have implemented monitoring, quotas and virtual charging too, as these are a good way of drawing a user’s attention to their habits. Highlighting the environmental aspects of their activities is another good way to modify a user’s behaviour.

Check out PaperCut

Handwash

With such frequent hand washing, we are using far more bottles of hand wash than usual. This is a good thing in terms of stopping the spread of the virus, but not great for single use plastic consumption. Charlotte has kindly trialled the ‘fill’ hand soap at home and it’s proven to be such a success, we’ll be moving to this in the office now too.

It’s an environmentally friendly solution, vegan and produced by a local family business – it ticks so many boxes for us!

Check out Fill

Hand Towels

We were really disappointed that having moved away from the use of paper towel dispensers to air hand dryers, we’ve now had to revert back to paper towels. Whilst most of the team are working from home, those in the office felt more comfortable using disposable paper towels as some reports indicated that air dryers could potentially disperse airborne droplets. We struck a happy balance by switching to a more environmentally friendly paper towel and, as only one person uses our washroom at any one time to ensure social distancing, the option of the air dryer is still available.

Hand Sanitiser Refills

Each team member is provided with hand sanitisers for their desk, as well as having these available next to each printer and dotted around Wilson House. These are all refilled using our bulk bottles, rather than each small bottle being disposed of when it’s empty.

Recycling

We have removed the individual waste paper bins from each desk and now have central waste bins in each department – one for recyclables and one for general waste. The team now recycle the vast majority of waste and our cleaner is delighted with the change too, as he has far less bins to empty!

We will continue to monitor environmental impact and welcome every suggestion to keep things moving in the right direction.

 

 

Flooding – be prepared!

20 January 2021

Flooding is impossible to prevent and difficult to predict, but with Storm Christoph approaching and weather warnings in place we need to be on alert. To try and help we’ve created a flood guide to help prepare for a flood and reduce the risk of excessive damage.

Follow any local evacuation order from your local authority or the Police; if you are shielding or self-isolating they will have plans in place to keep you Covid safe.

Floodwater may be contaminated, especially by untreated sewage. Contamination remains after the floodwater has gone and can be hazardous unless simple procedures are followed:

Wear rubber boots and gloves in and around the affected property

Wash all cuts and cover with waterproof plasters. Anyone receiving a puncture wound during flood recovery should have a doctor determine whether a tetanus booster is necessary

Small children, pregnant women and people with health problems should avoid floodwater and flooded areas until the clean-up is complete

However, if you do feel unwell or if you accidentally ingest (swallow) mud or contaminated water and you become ill, you should consult your doctor and telling them that your house was flooded

Floodwater can damage buildings severely, particularly if it has been flowing quickly, is over 1m deep or has been in a property for a long time.

• Before entering property that has been flooded, the building should be checked for signs of damage
• Be careful when moving any debris that may have been carried onto your property or the surrounding area. Avoid heavy objects (e.g. trees) that may be unstable and could suddenly move and trap or crush you. Do not attempt to move anything yourself that cannot be lifted comfortably
• Be careful when moving in and around property that has been flooded. Standing water and mud can hide holes, damage to structures and sharp objects. This could include uncovered manholes and drains or roads and paths, as well as broken bottles or glass. Be aware of cuts from standing or falling onto hidden hazards and slippery sediment

If you do suffer storm damage or flooding, please contact your usual Private Client Team contact or Account Handler and they will advise you on the claims process.

 

Covid19 – Lockdown 3.0 Unoccupied Properties

6 January 2021

At the start of the first national lockdown commercial insurers took a very flexible position on business premises being temporarily closed due to Covid19 and for 120 days, the vast majority of insurers did not apply certain standard restrictions in their policies for unoccupied properties.

This period has now expired and having entered a third national lockdown period on 6 January 2021, not all insurers have yet announced their position on businesses forced to close under the government regulations.

If your business premises are unoccupied as a result of Covid19 please advise your usual Wilsons contact, so that we can check with your insurer the position on policy cover and any risk prevention measures required or recommended.

Local Area lockdowns/restrictions

As in previous lockdowns it is expected that upon expiry of the national lockdown period, areas may have different tier classifications and regulations based on the appropriate government assessment of risk. In cases of local or area restrictions where businesses must close in order to comply with government regulations to control Covid19, insurers may consider a flexible approach. However, you should inform us if your premises become unoccupied for this reason. We can then check and advise you of your insurers approach which is likely to be for a set time period, or until the date upon which the restriction ends.

Commercial Tenants

If you have commercial tenants with an extended closure, or in local lockdown, please contact us with details.

Unoccupancy unrelated to Covid19

All insurers take the same stance where the reason for premises being unoccupied does not result from Covid19, with the unoccupancy conditions in the policy detailing cover restrictions and risk prevention requirements. If this relates to you and we have not been informed please contact us to provide further details.

We’re here to help…

If any situation above applies to you, please contact us with the following information:

• If the premises will be opened periodically for goods collection/delivery or other work
• Any problems with the usual physical security measures and alarm systems
• Any problems with removal of trade waste from inside or outside of the premises

We are continuing to provide support to clients as usual, although currently we are not able to do this face to face and insurer timescales are longer. Please do not hesitate to contact us, as always we are here to help.

On behalf of all at Wilsons take care and stay safe.

 

Winter Business Update

5 January 2021

Although we are only just starting to see the really cold weather and storms start to bite across some parts of the UK, it is important that businesses understand the problems winter can bring. There are some common issues that can affect every business, whether you remain open during the lockdown or your business is required to close.

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Burst or frozen pipes

Ensure your key personnel know where your stopcock is and that it works. Should the worst happen and a pipe bursts, you will need to turn off the supply quickly at the stopcock to prevent flooding and further damage. Do not use any electrics if you think these may have been affected by escaping water. If you discover a frozen pipe, don’t wait for it to burst. Turn off the water supply and gently thaw it with a hairdryer, spaceheater or hot water bottle.

Check your roof and gutters

Loose tiles can easily become dislodged during storms and high winds. Apart from the damage caused by falling tiles, and the danger to those that may be walking beneath, it can lead to damage to the fabric of the building. Dealing with loose or missing tiles is far cheaper than replacing roof timbers. Ensure your gutters and drain pipes are clear of leaves and other debris. If it rains heavily and the gutters overflow this can lead to water getting into the masonry.

Keeping pathways clear

You have a duty of care to ensure that any staff, suppliers or visitors to your business are safe. Unfortunately slips and trips can happen, especially when there is ice and snow on the ground. You should take actions that are ’reasonable in the circumstances’. This can include ensuring that entry and exit routes are kept clear of anything that may cause a person to slip, taking preventative measures such as clearing and gritting paths.Ensure that there is at least one safe route available to access the business as a priority, with additional paths cleared as soon as possible —don’t forget fire exits. Be especially careful and grit as required in the morning, as pathways may refreeze overnight.

Beware temporary heaters!

Some offices and work spaces can be quite chilly in the winter, especially on a Monday morning, so it’s no surprise that at this time of year we see all types of heaters brought into service to ward off the winter chills. Even in an office that’s usually warm during winter should your main heating system fail, electric convertor or fan-assisted heaters may be required as a temporary measure.

Heaters with thermostatic cut-outs that operate in the event of overheating are the best option. Electric radiant heaters and paraffin/oil fired heaters should never be used, even as a temporary measure.

Whatever type of heater is used they should be situated well clear of combustible materials and, where possible, protected against the possibility of being knocked over. Heaters should never be moved when switched on and wherever they are placed or moved to, ensure that trailing cables do not become a trip hazard.

Temporary heaters should never be left unattended for long periods or used when the building is unoccupied. Check that heaters are switched off as part of the locking-up procedure.

For those situated in an area at risk of flooding we’ve also prepared a flood guide to help prepare and reduce the risk of excessive damage.

For further advice and assistance with any aspect of your business insurance, contact your usual Client Manager.