News & Insight

Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) has made the headlines recently for all the wrong reasons. This is due to concerns about the risk of sudden collapse in schools and other buildings where the material is used.

Businesses are being warned to make sure their staff are safe when working with metalworking fluids or coolants.

The illegal cultivation of cannabis is a growing problem. Until recently, cannabis cultivation was generally large scale, often taking place in industrial units, remote warehouses and disused farm buildings, but since the Covid pandemic, police are increasingly finding smaller scale cannabis farms in residential private rented properties.

Climate change will force organisations and communities to prepare for flood events.

One hundred and thirty-five workers were killed in work-related incidents in Great Britain in the last year, according to figures published on Thursday, July 6 by the Health and Safety Executive.

With the summer months drawing to a close and the cooler weather around the corner, it’s a good time for businesses to reflect on their risk management strategies and plan for the changing season ahead.

Rising repair costs are putting pressure on the motor insurance sector, with the latest figures from the Association of British Insurers showing that the current average private motor insurance premiums are 15% higher compared to Q1 2022 and continuing to rise.

Storm Agnes has been named by the Met Office as the deep area of low pressure that will impact much of the UK on 27th September and into the 28th.

Engineering inspection and maintenance are both essential for many businesses, but people often confuse the two.

With many parents working full time, it may become necessary at times to bring young people into places of work, and/or work alongside family at home. This can highlight a number of risks specific to the situation, and we have guidance on following some simple best practices for minimising these risks.

Arson remains a large cause of large fire losses in commercial premises.

Following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, an independent review of fire safety in buildings was completed, which culminated in a report that identified the need for significant reform.

The weather we see in this country never fails to surprise.

We use products containing Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries every day and may often not even be aware.

The cost of living is at an all-time high and, -as a result, it is evident that businesses are either reducing their cover or cutting it completely.

As the motor industry advances in more sophisticated and technological ways, so do the methods used by thieves to steal vehicles, in particular, through keyless entry systems.

Data is a valuable corporate resource. Businesses and organisations collect, store, and analyse data to; understand their customers, tailor products to better suit their needs, improve customer experiences and optimise production so they can sell more efficiently.

Major threats to national security include terrorism, espionage, cyber threats, and weapons of mass destruction, many of which impact the UK’s national infrastructure.

Employee theft has jumped by a fifth (19%) as the rising cost of living triggers a wave of workplace crime, new data suggests.

As we all look forward to spring and to enjoying some warmer weather, the changing season is a good time for businesses to review their risk management practices.

Negligence is an act or omission (failure to act) which falls short of the standard to be expected of the “reasonable person”.

Good work is good for our mental health, but psychosocial risks arising from work can have a negative affect on physical and mental wellbeing.

There’s so much to consider when buying a new car: how much will it cost? Will it have good fuel economy? Will I be able to insure it? Is it prone to theft?

While this is in line with a shift in work trends, there are concerns that technology and safety lag in the light commercial vehicle sector.

The motor market has been volatile in recent years due to several factors.

Over the past twelve months the UK has faced a number of unsettling economic changes. We’ve entered into a recession, experienced national fuel shortages and are in the midst of an energy crisis.

Solar panels are an increasingly common feature on the roofs of residential, commercial and community buildings across the United Kingdom. According to Government figures, there were 10,000 new solar panel installations each month in the first six months of 2022.

The cost of reinstating a building includes so much more than the bricks and mortar.

Leading voices in motor vehicle repair have teamed up with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to warn of the dangers of working under vehicles without proper equipment.

Analysing the risks facing UK businesses

You’ll be aware that, other than where exemptions apply, companies using goods-carrying vehicles over 3.5 tonne gross vehicle weight (or over 2.5t gross vehicle weight if used for hire & reward in the European Union or other nominated countries) require an ‘Operating Licence’ to operate the vehicle legally.

The Met office has warned of serious flash floods and heavy thunderstorms expected over the next few days.

From extreme weather to severe driving conditions, check out this essential winter risk management guide, created in conjunction with Aviva and designed to help you through the harsh conditions at this time of year.

The potential planned rolling blackouts this winter could have a range of impact to your business.

As a business owner, you will no doubt have thought about the potential risks to your business and with cyber-attacks being regularly in the press, you should be thinking about how your business is exposed to the ever-increasing threat.

With 31 regions across England currently trialling e-scooters as part of the drive towards Net Zero, David Nichols, chief claims officer at Zurich, considers what the consequences of legalising these vehicles will be for both insurers and policyholders.

House fires sparked by candles have hit their highest level in more than a decade as people cut back on electricity to reduce soaring energy bills.

The challenging economic environment in the UK is leaving small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) open to significant levels of uninsured risk.

Risk Management Information Systems are a necessary part of any risk mature organisation but what are they and where do they add value?

High inflation is causing supply chain disruption. Organisations need to act now to be resilient to the new reality.

Hot work is an integral part of many construction or maintenance projects, and with it comes multiple hazards that need to be managed, so it’s important to be fully aware of the risks and your obligations.

Construction sites continue to be targeted by criminals who recognise the financial value of plant machinery and equipment.

By taking action to prepare in advance for flooding, most businesses can save 20-90% on the cost of lost stock and moveable equipment, as well as a lot of trouble and stress.

Until now there was no official offence of ‘causing serious injury by careless driving’; consequently, when a careless driver causes serious injury, they could only be prosecuted for the offence of ‘careless driving’.

Such unpredictable and extreme weather prompts the recurring question, whether this will be a year where insurers see an overall increase in the number of subsidence claims reported to them.

Inflation, the energy crisis and supply chain disruption continue to be the key themes impacting the UK economy with the cost and shortage of food now becoming more of a concern.

Rochelle Reddish, Rehabilitation Case Manager at Zurich Insurance has shared her insight into the occupational phenomenon “Burnout”.

Allianz SE shares their insight on the crisis hitting the European aviation industry and how the current uplift in cancelled flights could in fact become the new normal.

When it comes to fraud affecting a business it’s a matter of ‘when’, rather than ‘if’. Fraudsters are increasingly inventive: your team could be targeted, your relationships could be used … even your online profile could be a risk.

For SMEs facing squeezed margins, insurance premiums may seem like a grudge purchase. Some products may be regarded as a discretionary overhead among those who don’t fully understand their risks or how being underinsured could prove catastrophic to their business. Yet insurance can be key to SMEs’ ongoing survival by providing a financial safety net in unforeseen circumstances, when they are the least able to withstand substantial losses.

There were a number of changes to the Highway Code published earlier this year which Aviva PLC has highlighted in this article and visual guide.
These updates have been closely followed by a change to the law in March 2022 regarding the use of a mobile device while driving.

The UK is seeing the emergence of battery storage systems to power the likes of homes and offices, to reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and conventionally generated electricity. Lithium batteries are increasingly becoming an integral part of all our lives.

Analysis of data published by insurer Zurich shows a sharp overall drop in claims for burglary over the past four years but a steep rise in bike thefts, as they now top the list of the most-stolen household items.

Many considerations need to be made in the current economic climate, and firms face the challenge of ensuring they make employee financial wellbeing a top focus while at the same time ensuring their businesses remain profitable during these uncertain times.

The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) is encouraging businesses to bolster their cyber security in light of the events in Ukraine and the increased threat of cyber-attacks. For small and medium business owners, the current conflict might seem far-removed from the day to day running of their business but cyber threats are an ongoing threat.

Our employees must be given the knowledge on how to recognise “phishing attacks,” in fact, a check list may be a feasible starting point. We are all aware that these attacks exist and are on the rise, but if our employees could recognise and report the phishing emails, texts, telephone calls, adverts and websites that form part of the fraud, the threat can be reduced.

Escape of Water (EOW) is a term used to define a water leak in a property. It usually occurs in instances where there is a catastrophic burst or slow leak from the plumbing or heating system involving pipes and joints, but also appliances or even faulty bathroom sealant.

Our insurer partner Axa Insurance have produced industry specific risk management guides to help you reduce the risks associated with your business and keep your business operational as well as protecting your staff and customers safe.

A common mistake many organisations make is to leave responsibility for managing cyber risk to the IT department. In reality, improving cyber security and cyber resilience is an enterprise-wide challenge, which requires buy-in from every employee.

While Manufacturing comprises just 5% of the UK’s businesses, it accounts for 10% of employment and 14% of turnover. Of the 270,000 firms that make up this diverse sector, just over half (138,050) are micro and SME manufacturers. Find some practical risk management advice for small and midsize manufacturing businesses:

Water leaks that go unchecked can cause thousands of pounds worth of damage and properties can take months to dry out before repairs can be completed. You may, therefore, need to relocate to alternative premises in order to continue to operate.

The changes follow a public consultation on a review of The Highway Code to improve road safety for people walking, cycling and riding horses. It ran from July to October 2020, and received more than 20,000 responses from the public, businesses and other organisations. The changes were made to The Highway Code on Saturday 29 January 2022. Here are the key changes that you need to know about:

Many contracting businesses who do not specifically design anything for a fee will be unaware of the potential risks they may face in not carrying Professional Indemnity cover. In the increasingly litigious society we live in, where it would seem that everyone wants someone to blame, should you consider cover just to protect yourself if something goes wrong?

There are several factors that now make indexation more important than ever. One factor is the significant rise in demand for building materials, and disruption to the global supply chain caused by the pandemic and national lockdowns. Certain elements of Brexit and local shortages of suitable labour are also affecting rebuilding and claims costs.

Whilst it’s not a risk you like to think about, the possibility of internal theft or fraud is one anyone who has employees or places trust in a contractor needs to take heed of.

Young people can be keen to learn and may bring fresh perspectives and ideas into the workplace. However, their capabilities are generally less developed than those of experienced and mature employees and their individual characteristics must be taken into account.

The portion of businesses buying cyber insurance reportedly doubled in 2020. Unfortunately, the very same factors that led to this rush to buy, have also led to a change in the dynamics of the cyber insurance market. More cyber criminals are being drawn into the space by increasingly lucrative earnings, and this has led to a rise in frequency of claims.

Recently, a severe vulnerability has been identified in Log4j which is a piece of software widely used by applications and other services across the internet. Read this article to find out more.

The threat of a cyber attack remains one of the biggest potential risks for UK business owners. Taking these small steps will help ensure that your business is protected.

Food and beverage are the largest of the UK’s hospitality sectors and one of the UK’s biggest employers. While the industry is a dynamic and diverse one, businesses are exposed to a common set of risks – from property and equipment to the food itself and, of course, reputation.

Not only does it help protect your staff and keep members of the public safe but it also helps to prevent interruptions to day to day business activities and potentially expensive repair costs.

The in-depth report shows increased concern in respect of the UK economy. With 44% of all businesses having obtained financial support during the Pandemic, the end of Furlough and increased energy prices it estimates 21% are struggling financially with expectations circa 8% are likely to close.

Recent data from RebuildCostASSESSMENT.com has highlighted how on average, buildings are covered for just 68% of the amount they should be in Britain. However, with rebuild costs rising rapidly, the current situation is likely to be even worse.

As coronavirus spreads through the air, the virus can build up in poorly ventilated areas, increasing the risk of infection. It is a legal requirement for employers to ensure an adequate supply of fresh air (ventilation) in enclosed areas of the workplace.

With almost £57,000 of tools stolen every day in 2020, according to data from the Metropolitan Police it’s more important than ever to ensure that you are insured.

Explore the differences between a labour only subcontractor (LOSC) and a bona fide subcontractor (BFSC) and find out if you need Employers Liability Insurance.

86% of SMEs do not have any cyber insurance in place according to a recent survey by Aviva.  This lack of insurance protection comes at a time of rapid digitisation, with statistics showing that 41% of SMEs updated their website in response to the pandemic while 39% moved online or improved their online offering.

The UK vaccination programme is the biggest inoculation campaign the country has ever undertaken. With over 43 million individuals now having had their first jab there are still demographics in the UK that have lower uptake as well as those who are reluctant to get vaccinated.

As lockdown measures ease in Scotland, businesses need to remain vigilant and make sure their COVID-secure measures, as well as other health and safety measures, are in place to protect workers, visitors and others.

Scammers send fake emails to thousands of people, with links to bad websites or asking for bank details and other sensitive information. Whatever your business, you will receive phishing attacks. This article contains the first steps you need to take to help you identify the most common types.

The Cyber Security Breaches Survey 2021 report shows the cyber risk to organisations is heightened because of the pandemic, which has made securing digital environments more challenging as organisational resources are diverted to facilitating home working for staff.

Being COVID-secure means being adaptable to the current guidance and having measures in place to manage the risk of coronavirus. Key points for businesses to consider:

The rate of work-related stress depression and anxiety has increased in recent years, find out six key factors to consider when looking to manage stress in the workplace.

Buildings should always be insured for the amount it would cost to rebuild them. However, fewer than one in ten commercial properties in the UK are covered correctly. Read our article for some guidance on this issue.

Clients with business interruption (BI) insurance can now refer to a policy checker provided by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA).

Suitable insurance forms a vital part of business continuity planning – but how can you be sure that you are buying the right amount of cover? Here we share some top tips from ‘How to avoid underinsurance – A guide for small and medium-sized businesses’ produced by the British Insurance Brokers’ Association.

On 15 January, the Supreme Court handed down its judgment on the FCA’s business interruption test case. It remains the case that most SME business interruption (BI) policies are focused on property damage and only have basic cover for BI as a consequence of property damage, so are unlikely to pay out in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic and its effects.

It is important to distinguish between temporarily closed premises due to COVID-19 and previously longer terms unoccupied premises, the responses contained below are specifically for temporarily closed premises due to government guidelines and will not apply for premises that fall outside of the guidelines.

A post-Brexit trade deal could be sealed as talks between the UK government and European Union continue this week.  Before the weekend, both parties said that ‘no-deal’ was the most likely outcome. Whether or not a deal is agreed, you should ensure that your business is prepared for operating under new rules.

If you suffer a large loss, your main priority will be to get your business back on its feet again as soon as possible but dealing with the insurance claim can be a complex and time-consuming process. Find out how Lorega can help.

It is now a legal requirement to carry a physical document known as a Green Card when driving in Europe.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the UK’s financial conduct regulator, brought court proceedings in July 2020 to test how certain business interruption insurance policies respond to claims arising from COVID-19.

The second stage of the government scheme to support the incomes of self-employed people through the Coronavirus crisis has recently opened.

The COVID-19 pandemic has interrupted many businesses across the country and many employers are now looking to the future of employees returning to work.

Are you ready for a second wave? You should start planning today so that your business is properly prepared if this happens.

Phishing is a method that cyber-criminals use to gather personal information. Learn more about it and how you can stay protected.

4 Million British workers have been furloughed during the COVID-19 crisis, this article helps to give guidance on how you can support any furloughed workers in your company.

The Coronavirus pandemic has resulted in unprecedented workplace changes and now more than ever, it’s vital to ensure your remote working arrangements are secure.

Claims culture and worker safety are hitting the headlines with some parts of the UK starting to return to work.

COVID-19 has caused many businesses to shut down or transition their employees to work from home and now as many employees look to return to the workplace, you need to have a plan in place to ensure this is done safely.

COVID-19 raises a number of liability concerns, particularly if employees are affected due to a business’ negligence.

Following the government decision to put the UK into lockdown, inspection service providers sought guidance from the HSE and SAFed on the approach required for statutory inspections.

Download our guide which is designed to summarise Government measures and highlight other
sources of support to help identify which are applicable to your business.

The financial impact of Coronavirus is affecting individuals and businesses up and down the country – we understand how worrying this time may be for you. The Government is offering a range of support packages to help people through this difficult period and there is a range of support offered by non-governmental bodies.

In accordance with Government advice, most of our teams are now working from home. Our robust business continuity plan and cloud-based systems have enabled us to transition to remote working with no impact on client service. All our contact details remain the same, and we have the technology and people in place to deliver what you our clients need.

Irrespective of whether or not the Government orders closure of a business, the vast majority of firms won’t have purchased cover that will enable them to claim on their insurance to compensate for their businesses being closed by COVID-19.