March Insurance Services

23/12/2024

Bore da bawb!

We just wanted to take a moment to remind you that our Christmas opening hours are as follows:
24 Dec – 0900-1230
27 Dec – 1000-1400
30 Dec – 1000-1400
31 Dec – 1000-1400
02 Jan – back to normal!

All the team have access to email and phone outside of these hours, so we will be monitoring emails, and if you have to make a claim for any reason, please do not hesitate to reach out to us.

You can reach the team on [email protected] or [email protected]

Gan ddymuno Nadolig llawen a Blwyddyn Newydd dda i chi!

19/06/2024

Llongyfarchiadau to Paul for successfully completing the Aviva Certified Cyber Insurance and Risk Professional course.

Yet another certificate for his growing CPD folder, but, more importantly, lots of insights into how we can support clients to understand and manage their cyber risks.

Well done, Paul!

If you're concerned about cyber threats, do get in touch. We'd be really happy to talk through your risk management options with you.

17/05/2024

Funded training opportunity!

The Government has launched Help to Grow: Management Essentials, a new, free, bite-sized online course to help small businesses grow.

Delivered by the Government in partnership with the Chartered Association of Business Schools, Help to Grow: Management Essentials covers the essential business concepts required to unlock growth through short videos featuring practical tips and resources.

https://helptogrow.campaign.gov.uk/government-launches-new-free-business-management-course-for-small-businesses/ =327c211b-950d-4a83-a3ef-17cfe0f99f2d

13/05/2024

The Flexible AI Upskilling Fund pilot scheme from the UK Government will support SMEs in the Professional and Business Services Sector by providing 50% match-funding for AI skills training for their employees.

It aims to increase AI adoption and productivity by incentivising greater employer-led investment in skills and training.

This pilot will test whether training SMEs in AI maximises the value of AI adoption. Specifically, whether government support in the form of match-funding is an effective way of increasing employer-led upskilling in AI, and whether increased skills translate into AI adoption and firm-level productivity benefits.

£6.4 million of grant funding is available in the financial year 2024-2025. Eligible business can apply for funding for up to 50% of the cost of AI skills training. This is training which supports employees to develop their technical skills and/or understanding of AI to be able to develop, deploy, or use AI in their role.

More information available here:

https://www.digitaldialog.co.uk/uk-gov-flexible-ai-upskilling-fund-pilot-scheme

03/05/2024

Grant opportunity!

Wray Forward is a free and inclusive programme designed to facilitate sustainable growth among Black-owned businesses, which are being held back with limited access to financial support, education, and opportunities.

The programme incorporates expert-led business workshops, offering insights and skills on what is required to build and scale a business.

Pitch Nights will also feature as part of the programme. These events will see applicants showcasing their business in front of a panel of investors and industry leaders for a chance to win a grant to support their venture.

​The following prizes are available:

​£3,000 for the Growth Stage Business winner
£1,500 for the Early Stage Business winner
£500 for the People’s Choice Winner

UK registered businesses from all industries, which have at least one founder or C-suite who identifies as Black, may apply.

Early stage businesses should have up to £50,000 turnover or be backed by investment. They must have launched their MVP and have been trading for at least six months.

Apply here: https://www.grantfinder.co.uk/wray-forward-programme-offers-grants-to-uk-black-owned-businesses/ #:~:text=Black%2Downed%20Businesses-,Wray%20Forward%20Programme%20Offers%20Grants%20to%20UK%20Black%2Downed%20Businesses,support,%20education,%20and%20opportunities.

16/04/2024

UK registered businesses can apply for loans for innovative projects with strong commercial potential to significantly improve the UK economy.

Innovate UK is offering up to £25 million in loans to micro, small and medium sized enterprises. The loans are for highly innovative late stage research and development projects with the best potential for the future.

There must be a clear route to commercialisation and economic impact.

Find more information here: Innovate UK innovation loans future economy: round 14 - Innovate UK Business Connect (ktn-uk.org)

https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/opportunities/innovate-uk-innovation-loans-future-economy-round-14/?utm_campaign=2466867_Creative%20and%20Digital%20NL%20Apr&utm_medium=email&utm_source=dotdigital&dm_i=2VFU,1GVG3,8W35WR,5U9L0,1

We'd love to hear if you apply!

23/02/2024

BT announce the withdrawal of their Redcare system, which will affect over 100,000 customers.

Insurers are beginning to issue guidance on appropriate replacements, more info available on our website:

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

08/12/2023

Absolutely delighted to share that three of our team have been recognised in Insurance Business UK's list of Top Insurance Brokers for 2023!

Congratulations to:
Selorm Kofi Domeh
Richard Talbot-Jones
Amanda Williams

The full report can be found here:

The UK Top Insurance Brokers 2023 is a select list of those achieving outstanding results with their leadership, ex*****on and judgement

02/11/2023

With stormy weather upon us and more to come, no doubt, here's some good advice from Aviva.

As you will have heard, Storm Ciaran is on its way and due to impact many regions across the United Kingdom this week.

To help your clients minimise potential storm damage to their properties Aviva have put together the following tips:
* Inspect fences and sheds to ensure there are no loose panels that could be blown into theirs or neighbouring properties.
* Check any loose or cracked roof tiles or slates that could be blown away.
* Ensure gutters and down pipes are attached securely and drains are clear of debris.
* Store away bins and garden furniture securely.
* Clear the garden of any overhanging branches.

For more information on managing risks associated with adverse weather conditions, head over to our website:

Risk Management for Adverse Weather Conditions This blog was developed from NIG Risk Assist to help you manage your business effectively during adverse weather conditions. Use this blog to inform senior staff of steps you can take in situations where the weather impacts business in order to find a s...

10/03/2023

Does your organisation support people experiencing Fuel Poverty?

Funded places are available for the NEA Understanding Fuel Poverty and Health: Impacts on Mental Health webinar

This 2.5 hour course is designed for frontline staff who work with vulnerable and low-income groups who are at risk from living in cold and damp homes. It covers the impacts that living in fuel poverty can have on individuals’ mental health.

The course will:

• Explain fuel poverty definitions
• Explain the fuel poverty risk factors
• Explain the impacts of the cold on mental health
• Explain how to tackle fuel poverty
• Explain sources of advice and assistance for achieving a warmer home

Funded courses for eligible attendees will run on the following dates:

22 March 2023 (9:15am registration for a 9:30am start - 12:00pm)
27 March 2023 (1:15pm registration for a 1:30pm start - 4:00pm)

In-house / group sessions are also available upon request.

http://r.newsletter.nea.org.uk/mk/cl/f/usaHeaSB8HZLRuwbpc25Deq3lIrh4PW1-zECE81-szA2dt8f47jZh_wRzRBglXKmSZAafz8mvlNIDP-H3xx_fn6c7DMQEcGuSrH9gLtFygfbmt5tn4NrRW10Lpg24UUPMDI6CRO-qAuXQ7Pr8xQ3TcGyjs2B3n-REDxgQTu-GQr9h2CR93lJ2UvqwQj7YqMhJf3tB3S1ZLdjF6QeWldfIPR-dE_oUfP7Jfff44f77yKTH7q02hLwbR4yrYW5IPpcsG8SB40qTAM7OsXbN01N1Mh_SlmrWTY_aBMxOwtJuCuehkaOtNTSp9Tm7k9-hnNmjJoN_HC4EQNYX0FLlLslhSCnjoB_QzcLCUr82Bxxw6fWpC0Jnej1iahjS9AEWbAijNQWjm_UpWk8hdF3nZUvPzkG3U0bK6pcPZmexVqjVbN-3pnHhsG1KQdaD5cQ9K6WwjMpeMmT5drZ9if1EIjedT5vrwmeHNI

12/01/2023

Energy Redress Scheme Reopens to Applications

Energy Saving Trust is administering the latest round of Energy Redress Scheme funding, with a funding pot of £3 million split across the following streams:

• Small Project Fund: grants of between £20,000 and £49,999 for projects that will support energy consumers in vulnerable situations.

• Main Project Fund: grants of between £50,000 and £300,000 for projects that will support energy consumers in vulnerable situations.

• Innovation Fund: grants of between £20,000 and £200,000 for projects that will develop innovative products or services to benefit energy consumers.

• Carbon Emissions Reduction Fund: grants of between £20,000 and £200,000 for projects that encourage householders to reduce their carbon emissions.

• The Main and Small Project funds are open only to registered charities while the Innovation and Carbon Emissions Reduction funds are also open to Community Interest Companies, Community Benefit Societies and Cooperative Societies.

Groups must be operating in England, Scotland or Wales to be eligible.

Grants can be used for capital or revenue funding and can provide up to 100% of the project cost. Projects lasting up to two years can be funded.

Organisations that have not yet registered with the scheme must do so 10 working days before the closure of the fund to allow time for eligibility checks to take place.

The deadline to apply is 5pm on 30 January 2023.

Organisations wishing to access the Energy Redress Scheme must complete a simple online information form so that Energy Saving Trust can check whether they are eligible to apply. Organisations that meet the initial criteria will be notified and will be emailed a link to create an account, through wh...

12/12/2022

We are really proud to receive confirmation that we have maintained Corporate Chartered Status from the Chartered Insurance Institute.

Chartered status is a symbol of technical competence and signifies a public commitment to professional standards. It is a welcome external recognition our efforts in our core values of Community, Excellence and Integrity.

At the end of our rewarding year where we faced many challenges, this is a real encouragement and motivation to continue in our pursuit of the most rigorous staff training and development as we support our communities to grow and thrive with confidence and resilience.

Well done, team!