by jqm | Jan 16, 2022 | Latest News
If you’ve made the move to strike out on your own as a tradesman, it can be an exciting and exhilarating adventure. You’re your own boss, you can work when and for whoever you want, and manage your business however suits you best.
But before you start filling your order book and taking on clients, you must ensure you have adequate business insurance. No matter the precautions you take, things can, and will, go wrong sometimes, and it is a good idea to ensure you are prepared.
But ‘tradesman’ covers a very wide range of trades and skills, and it is important to ensure you have the right insurance policy to protect you and your business. Let’s have a look at three jobs that can benefit from tradesmen insurance.
Builders
Builders must have adequate insurance to cover a number of things that can happen on-site or as a result of their work. Public liability insurance is essential to protect construction staff from financial consequences which could occur if a member of the public were injured because of the work.
Builders should also ensure their insurance policy covers the damage and theft of tools and stored materials.
Window cleaners
As well as insurance that can cover increased costs of working, and protect tools and vehicles against theft, window cleaners can pose a risk to the public, as passers-by could be hurt if something was dropped from a height, or if they slip in a puddle of water, meaning public liability insurance is a must.
Tree surgeons
Similar to the above trades, it is essential to get cover for tools, equipment, and vehicles, as well as public liability insurance. Adequate tree surgeon insurance will also cover contamination and pollution caused by work being carried out.
If you’re looking for business insurance in Birmingham, talk to us today.
by jqm | Jan 10, 2022 | Latest News
If you’re in the process of setting up a restaurant or cafe, there are many aspects to consider, from licences to staffing and sourcing products to finding the right insurance.
But with many hospitality businesses struggling due to the pandemic, business owners might be looking for ways to reduce overheads. However, insurance is a must, and it is important to get the insurance that is right for your business to ensure you are not wasting money on superfluous services you do not need or have been sold.
To ensure you buy the right cover and receive professional advice make sure you are dealing with an independent insurance broker.
Business Insurance
All businesses are different, meaning there is no one-size-fits-all policy. You should ensure that your business insurance has been tailored for your individual needs, which will ensure you get the insurance cover you want and don’t pay for insurance covers you don’t need.
Some insurance is required by law, such as Employers Liability insurance and also Motor Insurance to comply with the Road Traffic Act. So if your business employs people and you operate a motor vehicle these two insurance policies are essential.
You may also be legally required under certain contracts to take out other covers, for example, your landlord/lease may require you to arrange Buildings insurance or hold Public Liability insurance.
A Business insurance policy can be tailored to include all of the risks you face and usually will include asset protection, which covers your property, pictures, fittings, and business equipment, such as cooking ranges and refrigeration equipment, as well as your stock of food and ingredients.
Income protection will also help support you if you suffer a financial loss if you are forced to close your doors, whether from the pandemic, there is a fire or any legitimate reason why you are unable to open for business.
Liability insurance is a legal requirement in the United Kingdom, meaning all businesses with employees must have employers liability insurance, which covers your legal liability should an employee suffer injury or illness arising out of their employment.
If you’re looking for business insurance in Wolverhampton, talk to us today.
by jqm | Dec 26, 2021 | Latest News
Nearly a quarter of small-to-medium businesses (SMEs) in the UK have bought cyber insurance since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Insurance Times reports. Analytics firm Global Data carried out the research, which found that 24.9% of such enterprises had purchased the insurance, after employees began to work from home.
Some 2,000 SMEs were polled during the survey earlier this year, which revealed that the majority of businesses made their decision based on media reports of increased cyber attacks. Others acted on the advice of a broker or financial advisor.
Benjamin Hatton, insurance analyst at GlobalData, said: “Businesses are becoming more proactive in managing the dangers of a cyber attack in the knowledge that home working can lead to greater risks in this space. Media coverage showcasing the perils of cyber attacks is important in continuing to highlight the threats that businesses face.”
He added: “Brokers play an important role in advising customers to take the right level of cover, ensuring that firms are properly protected from cyber threats. Financial advisors also have this responsibility in ensuring that UK SMEs have the cover that they need to protect their business against the growingly hostile cyber landscape.”
Despite the recent surge in uptake for cyber insurance, the survey found that only 31.5% of UK SMEs have the correct amount of cover. When asked about the reasons given for not taking out such a policy, more than a third said that they didn’t regard cybercrime as a threat.
However, The Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) explains that incidents of phishing (sending emails which imitate an official source, to trick the recipient into clicking an infected link) have risen by 700% in the first half of 2021 alone. Ransomware attacks have also increased threefold.
As it becomes commonplace for businesses to have remote or hybrid working policies, cybercriminals will continue to look for ways to exploit weaknesses in IT systems, and gain access to sensitive data, which they then use to hold the business owner to ransom.
For Wolverhampton business insurance, talk to us today.
by jqm | Dec 17, 2021 | Latest News
Pubs and other late-night venues can be challenging and rewarding to run, but sometimes getting the correct insurance is not always easy. This is especially true if there are special features, such as a thatched roof. However, it’s well worth the effort to avoid costly fines and legal bills. Here’s a quick guide to what insurance you need.
Public liability insurance
This is essential to protect you, should a member of the public file a claim for injury incurred on your premises, such as slipping on a spilt drink. Claims can also be made if a person falls ill after consuming food or drink that you have supplied. Be aware that in most cases, areas such as dancefloors and kid’s playgrounds need separate cover.
Employer’s liability insurance
This is legally binding, even if you only employ a few part-time staff members. It is also in your own interests to protect your business from claims of illness, accident or injury to staff, or claims of unfair dismissal and other types of grievance.
Events insurance
If you hold gigs or other events, you may need separate cover. It may be covered by your public liability insurance, but its best to check the small print first. You may need to declare extended opening hours, extra equipment, or an above average volume of customers.
Contents and building insurance
This is to protect you from events such as fire and flood, and also violent theft and damage.
Business interruption
If for any reason your business needs to close for a length of time, this will help you to cover your running costs and compensate for lost trading.
This may sound like a lot of paperwork, but it’s best to bite the bullet, and ask for help if you need advice. If you have specific needs, shop around because you will find that there is a broker out there with exactly the right deal for you.
For Staffordshire business insurance, talk to us today.
by jqm | Dec 16, 2021 | Latest News
A tradesman lost an ‘extensive’ amount of tools from his van as it was parked outside a house in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire Live reports. The thieves pulled up in broad daylight behind the van, which was parked in a residential area of the town. The tools were quickly transferred to a white Ford Transit van, which drove off before the theft was noticed.
Fortunately CCTV footage has been obtained, which has provided vital evidence to help the police track down the criminals.
PCSO Sean Elliott, of Uttoxeter Rural, said: “It is a timely reminder to keep your vehicles secure at all times, even when working at a location. Opportunist thieves will quickly take advantage. With good information coming in from the local residents, and enquiries going well, the police, alongside the communities which they work, can often bring good results.”
According to Security News Desk, only 1% of stolen tools are recovered. Furthermore, in London last year, £17.5m worth of tools were stolen, which amounts to £57,000 worth every day. For tradespeople, who are often self-employed, the thefts lead to loss of work and income, and cause extra stress and anxiety.
For those with adequate insurance cover, it is a case of going through the necessary paperwork to claim the cost of replacing the tools. If the tools were not adequately insured, or sufficient security methods weren’t followed, then some tradespeople may not be able to afford to replace the tools, and never recover financially from the loss.
To reduce the chance of theft, police advise people not to store tools in their van overnight. If it is unavoidable to leave tools in the van, the advice is to park in a busy area, preferably one that is monitored by CCTV. Vehicles should be alarmed, and tools kept in lockable interior cabinets, which if possible should be bolted or locked to the floor.
For Staffordshire business insurance, talk to us today.
by jqm | Nov 30, 2021 | Latest News
Thatched roofing is sustainable, beautiful and provides a traditional rustic charm, but it can cause problems when it comes to trying to insure a property.
Outside of building a home in a cave or other natural shelter, thatched roofing was one of the earliest known roofing materials, but was also one that remained popular in the UK for thousands of years, through different eras, civilisations and cultural epochs.
It only finally stopped being used as agriculture began to decline at the end of the 19th century, but remained a traditional roofing style with specialists who would repair existing buildings, and has come into vogue again as sustainable building materials have been prioritised.
With that said, thatched buildings have a very particular set of needs compared to other materials such as slate and shingles, and so either specialist thatched housing or thatched pub insurance will be needed to ensure full coverage.
The main reason for this is that thatch, made primarily of straw in the UK, is a dry biomass material that is exceptionally susceptible to catching fire, and although thatched roof fires do not spread quite as quickly as one might expect, they are at a higher risk of catching fire than, for example, slate or metal.
As well as this, birds, rodents and insects can cause damage to a roof, it lasts half the lifespan of a slate roof without constant maintenance and any damage caused to the roof requires expensive repair due to thatching being a labour-intensive process.
The angle of the roof also needs to be steeper than normal, because if the roof angle is not steep enough, rain and snow will remain on the roof which can speed up the rotting process or even cause it to collapse.
Because of this, a specialist thatched insurance will be contingent on a different set of requirements, such as having adequate fire precaution measures, a pledge to keep the roof well cared for and restrictions on what kinds of heating systems you are allowed to use.
by jqm | Nov 17, 2021 | Latest News
New research has revealed that businesses that have enjoyed great success since the pandemic struck, particularly in the eCommerce and healthcare sectors, are neglecting to keep up to date with the correct insurance requirements. This is leaving them vulnerable to loss of stock or compensation claims from workers, according to The Times.
The survey reveals that up to four-fifths of companies that have expanded significantly over the past two years are inadequately insured. They may have policies in place, but these have become out of date or unsuitable to meet the needs of a high stock turnover and increased workforce.
The publication quotes the example of baby and children’s brand start-up My 1st Years. At the end of April 2021, the company were thriving as never before, and on track for annual sales of £30 million, after starting from scratch in 2010. They sell personalised toys, accessories and clothing for small children, and count Prince George among their customers.
On May 1 this year, the brand’s head office and distribution centre in Northampton were destroyed in a devastating arson attack. INews reports that over £3m worth of stock was lost in the blaze, plus £1m of equipment, and a 100,00 sq ft warehouse, head office and photography studio were damaged beyond repair.
Fortunately, the business was fully insured, and the £15m damage and relocation costs were all covered by their policies. Founders Daniel Price and Jonny Sitton had to close the business for four and a half months, and oversee an extensive customer refund operation.
However, thanks to their adequate insurance policy, the brand has successfully relaunched with a new logo and an eye on the Christmas market. Price said that he now feels really optimistic for the future, and is proud of the work his team have put in to get the business back up and running.
For business insurance in Wolverhampton, talk to us today.
by jqm | Nov 15, 2021 | Latest News
It’s has been well recorded that pet ownership significantly increased during the pandemic. According to research conducted by Sainsbury’s Bank, a quarter of Brits welcomes a new pet into their home since March 2020. But as employers try to tempt workers back into the office, many are considering if they should allow pets to be brought along with them.
In the US, a 2018 study by National Insurance claimed that pet insurance is quickly becoming one of the most requested voluntary benefits, and a recent study by pet products company Bark found that over 70 per cent of dog owners still working from home expect to miss their furry companion when they return to the workplace, according to Value Penguin.
This is in stark comparison to 42 per cent who said they will miss their spouse and 39 per cent who said they will miss their children.
It is important that employers do not judge, but respond, which is what many US business owners are doing.
Typical pet insurance policies – which employers can either fully pay or make available to their employees at discounted rates negotiated with the insurance company – cover wellness exams, shots, chronic conditions and acute illnesses and injuries. Offering pet insurance is a great way for employers to demonstrate that they care about employees.
Besides pet insurance, a growing number of businesses are allowing their employees to bring their animals to work. The most famous of these is Amazon which, once again, ranked as America’s number one dog-friendly business this year, according to data provided by the pet-sitting and dog walking service Rover.
However, bringing dogs into the office can be complicated, and the companies that allow it already have fairly strict policies, such as ensuring that employees have adequately trained their pets, providing insurance details, and evidence of medical check-ups for parasites and vaccinations.
It might sound like a lot of work, but allowing employees to bring pets into work could be a very powerful way to entice workers away from remote working.
If you’re looking for business insurance in Wolverhampton, get in touch today.
by jqm | Oct 20, 2021 | Latest News
Landlord insurance is cover that protects landlords from the risks associated with their rental properties, typically including buildings and contents insurance, and sometimes includes landlord-specific covers such as property owners’ liability, loss of rent, and tenant default insurance.
COVID-19 impacted many industries, but according to Property Reporter, more than 60 per cent of UK landlords lost rental income during the pandemic, demonstrating why landlord insurance is a good idea.
There are three types of landlord insurance:
Landlord building insurance covers the cost of repairing or rebuilding your property should be damaged or destroyed. There is also landlord contents insurance that covers your furniture and belongings.
Tenant default insurance will cover your rental income for a period of time, should your tenants fault to pay.
Property owners’ liability insurance covers compensation claims made by a tenant or visitor for injury or damage related to your property.
If you own one or more rental properties, it is important to ensure you have the right insurance in place, as a standard home insurance policy will not cover the risks associated with renting out your property.
While landlord insurance isn’t a legal requirement, it’s often a requirement of mortgage lenders.
The cost of your policy will depend on your property and tenants, the type of insurance you choose, and the cover levels you need. As with all insurance, the insurer calculates your premium (the cost of your insurance) based on the likelihood you’ll make a claim and the possible cost of any claim.
The amount of buildings insurance you take out should be based on the rebuild value of your rental property. This is an estimate of how much it would cost to rebuild your house, including labour and materials.
Your contents insurance amount should be based on what it would cost to replace the contents you’re providing in your rental property. However, this doesn’t include your tenants’ items, as they will need to insure these separately.
If you’re looking for landlord insurance quotes, get in touch today.
by jqm | Oct 20, 2021 | Latest News
If you’re considering getting business insurance in Wolverhampton or anywhere else in the UK, you probably start off by thinking about things that could damage your physical property and assets, and don’t necessarily think about cyber crime…
But cyber crime against a small business can be incredibly damaging, and the recovery costs can mount up, especially when you include specialised repairs and legal fees.
“Cyber liability exposures represent an emerging threat to business today,” says Bryan Smith, Vice President of Product Management at The Hartford. “Threat actors continue to develop in increasingly sophisticated ways to access business systems and networks leading to the potential loss or destruction of confidential business and customer information.”
There are three main types of potential cyber attacks, and a cyber attack on your business could mean:
- Breaches of data confidentiality—where critical information is stolen, such as personal financial information.
- Computer attacks—where your computer system is hacked and compromised.
- Cyber extortion—thieves may demand random payments during an extortion threat to your company’s computer system.
It’s why you need cyber insurance, to protect your business from the cost of threats to computer systems and data.
“Cyber liability insurance can provide coverage for costs and expenses related to a number of cyber threat scenarios,” says Smith, “including, for example, suspected network intrusions and cyber extortion threats, data breach, network or security wrongful acts, denial of service and network outage situations.”
Anyone who has a business that stores or processes sensitive information should consider protecting their business with cyber liability insurance.
If you’re looking for cyber insurance or any other type of business insurance Wolverhampton, get in touch with us today.
by jqm | Aug 25, 2021 | Latest News
As of September, UK music festivals and live events are to be supported by a government-led insurance scheme, which totalling £750 million, aims to cover the cancellation costs if shows are unable to go ahead due to COVID-19 constraints.
BBC News reports that as live music is only just making a return after lengthy lockdown restrictions across the country, the scheme has been welcomed by the music industry.
Festivals such as Wireless and We Are FSTVL have seen numerous re-arguments and pushbacks in the wake of the pandemic. Over 50 per cent of the scheduled festivals, this year have been cancelled, including the Truck Fest, Kendal Calling and Lovebox, among others.
The scheme will see insurance companies provide financial cover for live shows, with the government agreeing to act as a reinsurer. This means that necessary payouts will have guaranteed funding.
While there has been a mostly positive reaction to the news, The Musicians’ Union has said that the major problem with the scheme is that it does not provide cover for festivals that could face financial ruin if social distancing is reintroduced.
Michael Kill, the CEO of the Night Time Industries Association, said: “I am extremely pleased the government has decided to introduce an insurance scheme for the events and festival sector.”
“It stands testament to a government that is starting to acknowledge the varying issues within the sector and, through engagement, take the appropriate action to protect businesses and jobs… It is devastating that the timings of this scheme could not have been earlier, as we have already lost many amazing festivals and events to the uncertainty that this pandemic represents.”
Event companies can obtain the cover as early as next month, with the planned scheme set to run until September 2022.
If you’re looking for business insurance quotes, get in touch today.
by jqm | Aug 12, 2021 | Latest News
Over one million people in the UK now have a secondary income from a business which they started during the lockdown, The Express newspaper reports. If you have started a side hustle lately, the publication warns that running a business from private premises can leave you liable to a multitude of compensation claims.
Whether out of necessity to generate income, or as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to follow their dreams after being furloughed, many people launched a small business from their homes or became self-employed in the last 18 months. However, without the correct documentation, these people could be putting themselves at great financial risk.
The article explains some of the most common risks for side businesses.
Home cooking
Baking cupcakes in your kitchen to sell online may seem like a harmless enough activity, but if your kitchen should catch fire and burn down while the cakes are baking, your regular home insurance may be invalid, and any equipment and stock may not be covered.
You will also need mandatory food safety licences, or you may be facing a compensation claim from a customer who has fallen ill with food poisoning. To protect you against being sued for any accidental damage or injuries, you must take out public liability insurance.
Personal training
With gyms forced to close for long periods, many employees started their own online or outdoor training sessions. However, trainers are advised to take on professional liability insurance, so they are covered in case anyone decides to sue for personal injury inflected during a class, equipment malfunction, incorrect advice, and a host of other risks.
If clients are invited into the trainer’s home or garden for exercise, then the correct type of public liability insurance must be taken out to protect them for loss or injury suffered on the premises.
If you are looking for small business insurance, visit our website today.
