Business Combined

The hosepipe ban, if’s and butts

04/04/2012 in Business, Business Combined

The particularly mild weather and lack of rain has culminated in the introduction of the hose pipe ban for most parts of the country starting from 5th April 2012. Although the water ban will initially not affect businesses, this stance could change during the summer if there is not significant increase in the amount of rain fall.

Over the last month there has been a dramatic increase in the sale of water butts as householders and businesses’ look for efficient ways to converse water. Although water butts are a great means of saving water, there use can lead to security issues as thieves can use them as a means to gain access to windows and roofs.

Churches and businesses with lead roofing should be extra vigilant as metal theft is a considerable problem in some areas due to the high demand for scrap metal.

For other risk management, security and business insurance advice,  contact Tony Gibbs on 0118 9165 485 or complete one of our enquiry form.

Business Insurance – 3 tips for getting the best value out of your insurance

08/02/2012 in Business, Business Combined

Insurance companies are becoming more innovative as they strive to win new business.  No longer are no claims discounts confined to the realms of motor and household insurance.  It is well worth asking your broker if your insurer offers a no claim or low claim rebate, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Stability in business costs is always good; once you have a good deal for your insurance, ask your broker if the insurer will offer a 3 year rate guarantee.  For a commitment to stay with an insurer, you can protect the business from unexpected premium increases.

When changing insurers you may be faced with a risk survey. Sometimes this can result in the insurers requiring improvements to physical security or maybe the electrical installation. Some insurers are prepared to make a contribution towards the cost of the improvements.

For advice regarding business insurance, contact Tony Gibbs on 01189 165 485 or complete one of our enquiry forms.

Planning for the Christmas Holidays

11/12/2011 in Business, Business Combined

Christmas and New Year 2011 will be a difficult year from two entirely different perspectives….

More and more employees are being required to work during the holiday period yet at the same time unemployment is likely to reach levels not seen for some 10-15 years.

Retailers will be desperate to maximise sales during what is usually their peak period and as a consequence hours will be stretched to ‘catch-all’. It will be interesting to see what the previously upward trend in eating out does as less money is available for such luxuries but no doubt the hotel and catering industry will be hoping and planning to staff accordingly. Conversely manufacturing and construction will tend to shut down and hope that 2009 brings some relief.
Whatever your situation pre-planning is essential and we do have some tips and reminders for you.

Christmas cards and gifts
Let’s put this one to bed! There is nothing wrong in sending Christmas cards, having a Christmas tree and decorating the office or workplace. However some sense does need to prevail – it would not be sensible to make a gift of alcohol to a Muslim and, if you do not know the recipient personally, send general greeting cards rather than those with a Christian theme.
Where business gifts are given and received then ensure that your own policy is circulated and adhered to and check out your client’s policy. Be discreet – wrapping up lots of ‘freebees’ for customers in the general office will not go down too well if they have been told they are not having a salary increase again this year.

Shut Down
Employers do have the right to control when employees take their holidays but it is important to ensure that the rules are spelt out. Where there is a shut down it is essential that employees are informed about ensuring that sufficient entitlement is retained. Where you have new employees you will also need to spell out their position when they start employment. If they have insufficient holidays accrued then you have several options:

• Treat the time off as unpaid leave (this must be made clear in their offer letter or contract)

• Allow them to bring forward entitlement (in which case you need to ensure that you have a clear written agreement that they will have payments deducted if they leave your employment before accruing sufficient entitlement)

Holiday staffing
If you require some employees to attend work during the holiday period in order to maintain service levels or for security or production then it is important to ensure that selection is fair and that sufficient notice is given. The best option may be to look for volunteers initially – not everybody looks upon Christmas as a time to have off to enjoy themselves!
Absentees

There is always one at least who fails to turn in after the holiday, or who asks for time off which is refused and then coincidentally goes ill on the same days. Its good practice to remind staff well in advance what the arrangements are for taking holiday and returning to work. Some employers will require medical certificates from employees who are off ill immediately following the holiday. This may not be possible for some employees so a judgement may need to be made and providing it is spelt out in advance payment of holiday pay may be conditional upon your being reasonably satisfied that the illness was genuine.
Seasonal Workers

Recruitment of seasonal workers should not be an excuse for discarding good practice and your legal obligations.Health and safety training is essential as is the requirement to ensure that the worker is legally entitled to work in the UK.They are also entitled to receive at least the national Minimum Wage and be covered by the same Working Time Regulations as permanent workers.
Other Religious Festivals
It is essential (and a legal requirement) to ensure that members of all religions are treated the same.Requests for time off for religious observance should be considered seriously and either taken as part of holiday entitlement or unpaid leave.

The Christmas party
You may be cutting out Christmas parties this year but for those of you that are continuing this practice please put the usual checks in place:

• Check the venue – make sure it is safe and an acceptable venue to all your workers.
• Make sure everybody is included; including those on long term absence/maternity. Also include ALL partners – not just “spouse” or “husband/wife”.
• Remind people about drink driving rules and arrange transport if at all possible.
• Look out for underage drinking – you have a responsibility for your younger workers.
• Don’t offer unlimited alcoholic drinks – you also have a responsibility for all workers and should not be surprised if the is alcohol fuelled trouble caused by your over generosity.
• Remind employees that they are still covered by the terms of their employment as it is a work sponsored event.
• Look out for harassment or any form of unwelcome personal attention. The office junior may have a smile on her face but does she welcome the close attention of her 50 year old boss?

Try and enjoy yourself!

Insurance for the plastic extrusion & plastic injection moulding sector

26/11/2011 in Business, Business Combined, Recycling Insurance

Traditionally underwriters have considered this sector high risk and consequently the premiums charged have reflected this.

Good risk management is a major factor in obtaining the most competitive insurance deal and we have had particular success by arranging pre-cover surveys. A survey by the insurers prior to the inception of cover can identify areas of concern and address these at the earliest opportunity.

Insurers are increasing looking to build long terms relationships with their clients and in some cases are offering discounts for longer term policies and low claim rebates.

For more information about plastic extrusion & plastic injection moulding insurance, please contact Tony Gibbs on 0118 9452944 or complete one of our enquiry forms.

Tips to reduce restaurant insurance premiums

17/10/2011 in Business Combined

Over the past few years we have seen an increasing amount of public & employers liability insurance claims made against some of our clients that own restaurants.  It is no surprise that the current claim culture is attributable for this and as a result the premiums for restaurant insurance have increased substantially.

So what can be done to minimise risk and reduce insurance premium?  Here are our top tips

• It is vitally important to have a robust health & safety policy in place.  Relevant risk assessments should reduce the potential for claims from employees and members of the public

• It is recommended that employee references are taken up as this could identify a serial claimant

• Most public liability claims in restaurants relates to slips and tips, it is important that slip & trip hazards are identified quickly and a process is in place to resolve them

• In the event of an accident occurring, if possible, seek out independent witnesses, as there might be contributing circumstances, such as a customer under the influence of alcohol

For further information on restaurant insurance, please contact Tony Gibbs on 0118 9452944 or complete one of our enquiry forms.

Basic security & maintenance advice for businesses

16/02/2011 in Business, Business Combined, Factsheet

Be careful about cutting back on security and maintenance

In times of recession, crime increases dramatically. Some commentators anticipate a doubling of burglaries and fraud and computer crime is expected to grow substantially.  Arson by disgruntled ex-employee’s increases and expenditure on health and safety and risk management tends to reduce as costs are contained. The cumulative impact of all these pressures is likely to increase

claims and premiums for businesses affected and in the worse scenario result in withdrawal of insurance cover or a demand to substantially increase precautions at high costs.

At a time when business owners need to concentrate on retaining and growing customers and keeping the profit and loss account positive, distractions to deal with the results of crime etc are unwelcome and if possible avoided.

Now is the time to revisit plans, check them and reinforce the message to be especially careful.

Actions should include a review of:-

• Physical security at your premises, making sure that everything is working properly and staff have not become complacent in locking up etc. If there are any weaknesses in your security, it is a good time to rectify these. Good security can keep burglars out and stop arsonists getting in.

• Computer security, making sure that off-site duplication of data is being complied with, virus and hacking protections is robust and check that security at any outsourcer is being maintained.

• Internal systems, ensuring that audit requirements are being adhered to, stock control measures strengthened, references taken and spot checks made more regularly.

• Maintenance of buildings, plant, equipment and vehicles. Whilst some businesses might regard reducing these as a way of saving money, it is important not to let standards slip. Breakdown of key items could cost more in the long run and failure to carry out routine maintenance could cause difficulties in the event of a claim.  Please remember, policyholders are expected by Insurers to operate as if they had no insurance cover and not use insurance as a substitute for good practices.

If there are changes in security or other arrangements, please let us know so that we can notify your insurer to make sure your policy is not invalidated. Let us know immediately If you intend to leave any premises unoccupied or unmanned. You should also tell us if there is any change in your business activities, stock levels and profit expectations. We are, of course, more than willing to give any help or advice on any issue which may be troubling you.

7 Tips for businesses over winter

22/12/2010 in Business, Business Combined

Here is some practical advice for businesses over the winter period.

1.     Identify the location of stop cocks/valves inside the premises as well as the main incoming valve in the street. Be sure to advise staff of their location.

2.     Avoid storing computer and electronic equipment on the floor.

3.     Ensure stock and packaging materials are a minimum of 150mm off the floor in racking or on pallets.

4.     Ensure heating systems are given regular maintenance checks and frost stats are operational.

5.     Review and update emergency contact lists.

6.     Retain insurance company/intermediary details and ensure emergency contact staff have copies.

7.     If the business is going to be closed for extended periods of time organise regular inspections during severe weather.

For further information about business insurance or business continuity planning, contact Tony Gibbs on 0118 9452944 or complete one of our enquiry forms.

Breaking Insurance News

10/12/2010 in Business Combined

Reports coming in from the North Pole have indicated that the theft of toys from one of the World’s largest distributors outside of China could run into billions of pounds.

The thieves gained entry to the warehouse via a back window that had been left open by a careless employee.  Mr Scroooge, a spokesman for the insurers North Pole Direct said that the massive loss is unlikely to be covered as the minimum level of security was not met.

The devastated owner of the business, Mr Christmas, is dumfounded by the insurer’s attitude. He commented “The insurers have said that they are not paying my claim as the window was open and I was not at the warehouse. They said that I should have read my policy in full and paid particular attention to the Santa Claus”

For larger risks Macbeth arrange commercial insurance policies that are completely free of warranties, meaning that you can get on running your business with compete peace of mind.

For more information, contact Tony Gibbs, Sales Director on 0118 9452944 or submit an enquiry form.

Business Combined Factsheet – Ten Top Business Insurance Tips

08/10/2010 in Business Combined, Factsheet

In the currency economic climate, many businesses are looking to reduce cost.  Tony Gibbs, Sales Director for Macbeth Insurance Brokers has some useful tips to ensure you get the best value in respect of your business insurance.

1. Use a broker – using an independent insurance broker will ensure that you get a fair representation of the market, rather than quotes from a single or limited number of insurers.
2. Review annually – make sure that your broker is reviewing your insurance on an annual basis
3. Make sure that you provide the renewal information to your broker in good time.  If your turnover and wages have reduced, this should be reflected in your premium.
4. Insurers like good risk management.  If possible, provide your broker with a copy of your health and safety policy document.
5. Check the financial rating of the insurer you are using.  Your broker should be advising you of the insurer’s financial rating.  Careful consideration should be given to using an insurer without a financial rating or based outside the UK.
6. If you are unlikely to make small claims, consider a higher excess as a way of reducing your premium.
7. If possible, have a business continuity plan in place.  This is likely to reduce any business interruption claim and could qualify for a premium discount from your insurers.
8. Paying premiums on a monthly direct debit can be a means of improving cash flow.
9. Check that any sub-contractors that you are using also have the relevant insurance in place.  This could be a condition of your policy as well as qualify for a reduced premium.
10. Don’t cut down on cover.  Although it may be tempting to reduce cover in harder times, this could prove to be a false economy in the event of a claim.

Stewart Bird, Chief Operating Officer – Static Control Components (Europe) Ltd

08/10/2010 in Business Combined, Testimonial

We are very pleased to be associated with Macbeth and thoroughly appreciate the outstanding services that your company has provided us over the years. Insurance coverage is a crucial necessity for any business and with the help of your professional, experienced and knowledgeable staff, we feel comfortable leaving our insurance needs in your hands.

I would highly recommend your services to anyone looking for a broker with a hands on, personal approach to doing business”.

Stewart Bird
Chief Operating Officer
Static Control Components (Europe) Ltd