The Business Exchange Swindon & Wiltshire Edition 48: April/May 2020 | Seite 15

BUSINESS ADVICE ADVERTISING FEATURE IS YOUR BUSINESS PREPARED FOR THE CORONAVIRUS? As the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak continues to spread, it’s understandable that businesses are concerned throughout the UK and the World. It’s also not surprising that businesses are now preparing for any potential impact on their operations. This includes the potential for business interruption, due to the presence of the virus on their premises, employee absenteeism, or supply chain disruptions. We have received enquiries as to whether there is any insurance cover for this occurrence. On 4th March, the Government upgraded Coronavirus Covid-19 to an infectious disease. What this means is that it may be possible that you have some cover against Covid-19 under the infectious diseases part of your policy. Coronavirus and insurance considerations One question is whether insurance coverage might respond to virus-linked losses. This will be dependent on each policy wording, and whether the facts of each case, trigger coverage provisions. Property policies Property policies typically require physical damage arising from a non-excluded or covered peril that manifests at insured locations to trigger a covered loss. Please also be aware that any cover would only apply should you be forced to close your business due to a Covid-19 outbreak in your actual premises. However, forced closures by local authorities due to risk control but where there is no actual outbreak on your own business premises, are not insured. Business interruption There may also be some contingent business interruption extensions within a policy such as notifiable disease and/or non-damage denial of access. Where present, the wording of both extensions can vary significantly, and whether a policy will respond will also be dependent on individual circumstances. Legal liabilities With regard to legal liability policies, documented evidence of your health and safety policies will be important to the defence of any potential claim. The outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an ever-evolving situation, and to date, we have not received any claims relating to the virus. If you’re concerned about your cover, in the first instance refer to your insurance policy wording, but it’s wise to assume that your policy does not cover you. Managing your Coronavirus risks To help you get prepared for responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19), Marsh Risk Consulting has created a Coronavirus Resilience factsheet that gives guidance on managing operational impacts. For more information please contact Ian Sharpe, Senior Account Executive by email [email protected] or contact Ian on 01793 714431. Ian Sharpe, Senior Account Executive Marsh Commercial is a trading name of Jelf Insurance Brokers Ltd which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). Not all products and services offered are regulated by the FCA (for details see marshcommercial.co.uk/info/terms/). Registered in England and Wales number 0837227. Registered Office: 1 Tower Place West, London EC3R 5BU. FP20.021 For more info: www.marshcommercial.co.uk Assembly Rooms DDR £43 + VAT BATH’S MOST FLEXIBLE CONFERENCE VENUE Inspiring conference space and beautifully preserved Georgian interior with natural daylight, inter-connecting rooms and garden for conference, catering and exhibition. With capacity for up to 500 delegates, this is the perfect conference venue. DDR £43 + VAT per person includes: venue hire; AV package; tea and coffee; pastries; buffet lunch; admission ticket for the Roman Baths, Victoria Art Gallery and Fashion Museum worth £26. To book, call today on 01225 477786 or email [email protected] bathvenues.co.uk/ddr Terms and conditions apply. THE BUSINESS EXCHANGE 2020 15