Pro Installer December 2015 - Issue 33 | Page 8

8 DECEMBER 2015 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk Prepare for biggest insurance change ‘in a century’ In a survey of new business customers, more than 72% had inadequate insurance cover that would leave them open to a ‘serious financial setback’ should a claim have arisen, says Marsh Insurance Services. The Kent-based insurance brokers – which has been insuring trades people and businesses alike for over 35 years – recently conducted the survey of new customers that came to it for help. Director Matthew Howgego said: “The figure highlights the importance of having the right cover in place. The question for trade customers is ‘have you ever wondered what you are paying your insurance premium for exactly?’ “They should consider if their liability limits are suitable and that they extend to cover all aspects of the particular trade. The key to our success and why over 93% of our clients stay with us each year has been making sure that we have a proper conversation with customers in the first instance. “Who better to do that than one of our commercial specialists who understand industry inside and out? This enables us to better work out customers’ exact requirements and for them to understand what they are covered for and what they are not covered for.” Matthew said Marsh Insurance’s long history meant it had a wealth of experience, was able to give expert advice and had an extensive panel of specialist insurers at its finger tips. He added: “We pride ourselves on making sure that customers are covered for whatever is thrown at them and believe us when we say we’ve seen it all.” In addition to commercial insurance, the company provides a health and safety support service and commercial vehicle/fleet insurance. Marsh Insurance says that when a small business grows, its risks often become more complex making insurance solutions more important. But costs still need to be carefully controlled so businesses need to ensure they pay the right price for their insurance. The last thing they need, though, is to be chasing quotes from multiple companies. Being prepared is more important than ever as the Insurance Act 2015 comes into force in August 2016. Marsh says this brings about the biggest change to English insurance contract law in more than 100 years. It has significant impacts, for example, if a business or trades person ‘does not comply with their duties.’ Insurers will then have a new range of ‘proportionate remedies’ which could include reducing claim payments significantly. www.marshinsuranceservices.co.uk or call 01797 362007 AVOCET’S EUROPEAN DEBUT The great and good of crime prevention in Europe gathered in Italy for the annual European Neighbourhood Watch Association (EUNWA) conference. Among them was Clive Lloyd, managing director of Brighouse-based business Avocet Hardware. He spoke at the event following a trip to Italy in September when he and his marketing team presented their answer to lock-snapping to an audience of police officers and detectives. “Lock-snapping is a major problem in Italy,” said Clive, “and the best solutions on the market don’t come close to the protection delivered by our TS007 3-star rated and SS312 Sold Secure Di- prevention organisations from 19 countries. Karl Brunnbauer, founder and president of EUNWA, said: “Citizens across Europe are increasingly worried about burglary and property crime. Organised crime does not respect national borders and criminal methods are quickly transferred from one country to another. We want to do the same with crime prevention strategies.” The EUNWA conference was at Castel Ritaldi in Umbria from October 22nd to 24th. Details are at www. eunwa.org amond accredited ABS and ATK locks. We were able to snap their very best locks in seconds. In contrast, nobody could find a way past ABS.” EUNWA is a European initiative in safe living and crime prevention supported by 25 European neighbourhood watch and crime www.avocet-hardware.co.uk or call 01484 711 700