LRG Financial Solutions

LRG Financial Solutions Independent Insurance broker and member of the Willis Towers Watson Network. Mortgage and Financial advisers. Independent Insurance and mortgage Broker.

Our insurance team can be contacted on 01923 725111 and the mortgage team can be contacted on 01923 725123 LRG Insurance Services are back in Rickmansworth. Originally located in Rickmansworth High Street before being taken over, firstly, by Giles Insurance and then Arthur J Gallagher in 2012. First established in 1964, LRG’s philosophy was to provide a high quality, friendly and reliable service

at all times. Now back in Rickmansworth we continue the core DNA that made LRG Insurance one of the most successful small brokers in Hertfordshire combining personal service and in-depth knowledge and understanding of local risks. This gives us a big advantage over websites or national brokers to help us negotiate better terms with underwriters. Being independent means we can provide quality products at competitive rates from our insurance partners. Our mission is to offer a local, personal style that seems to be lost in a world obsessed with “point, click, buy” or call centres in the middle of nowhere. We are members of the Willis Towers Watson Network giving us access to the widest range of insurers and products. This unique partnership gives us unrestricted access to a global network of resources, but also allows us to continue to provide a personal approach to your needs.

Cybercrime is a pervasive and growing threat that affects businesses of all sizes. UK Government data shows that 43% of ...
18/03/2026

Cybercrime is a pervasive and growing threat that affects businesses of all sizes. UK Government data shows that 43% of businesses[1] faced a cyber breach last year, demonstrating that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are not too small to be targets. Ransomware pressure is also rising, placing boards on notice.

The state of UK cyber risk Prevalence and attack vectors

>Reported breaches: 43% of businesses reported a cyber breach or attack in the last year
>Phishing dominance: Among those businesses hit, 85% cite phishing as the primary cause. Phishing remains the number one route in for attackers[2]
>Ransomware: Ransomware attempts increased, equating to roughly 19,000 companies[3]

The good news is that a handful of controls can reduce cyber risk. Implementing these controls can help turn cyber from a critical business risk into a manageable risk, which Insurers will expect you to have in place.

These five essential controls are:[4]

>Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
>Patching (ensuring a regular patching cadence)
>Tested backups (including secure backups)
>Endpoint detection and response (EDR)/email and endpoint protection
>Access hygiene (e.g., implementing least privilege)

Cyber insurance is essential for fighting back against modern threats. It provides a comprehensive safety net that extends beyond mere financial reimbursement.

Key coverages can include:

>Incident response: Provides 24/7 access to experts, including forensic investigators and legal counsel
>Business interruption: Covers lost revenue due to a covered cyber event
>Liability cover: Protects the business from claims arising from a breach, such as regulatory fines or third-party lawsuits
>Crime protection: Covers financial losses from crime events like funds transfer fraud
>Conclusion: a manageable risk

The path to turning cyber risk into manageable risk involves three clear steps:

Step one:
Foundation: Start with the five core controls: Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), regular patching, secure backups, Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) and least privilege access.

Step two:
Validation: Prove these controls are in place by achieving certification such as cyber essentials, which demonstrates your commitment to security.

Step three:
Protection: Ensure your cyber insurance coverage aligns with your security controls, so you have financial and expert support when an incident occurs.

By combining strong cyber hygiene, certification and tailored insurance, SMEs can significantly reduce exposure and recover quickly if the worst happens.

Don’t wait until it’s too late — speak to your independent insurance broker today to review your cyber risk strategy and arrange comprehensive cyber insurance cover that safeguards your business.

Sources:

[1] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025 #:~:text=breaches%20and%20attacks-,Just%20over%20four%20in%20ten%20businesses%20(43%25),-and%2three%20in
[2] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025 #:~:text=Phishing%20attacks%20remained,breach%20of%20attack
[3] https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025/cyber-security-breaches-survey-2025 #:~:text=increased%20between%202024%20and%202025.-,The%20estimated%20percentage%20of%20all%20businesses%20who%- 20experienced%20a%20ransomware%20crime%20in%20the%20last%2012%20months%20increased%20from%20less%20than%200.5%25%20in%202024%20to%201%25%20in%202025%2C%20which%20equates%20to%20an%20estimated%20 19%2C000%20businesses%20in%202025.,-Phishing%20cyber%20crime%20remained%20by
[4]https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/Cyber-Essentials-Requirements-for-Infrastructure-v3-1-January-2023.pdf

Picture this: a shipment of bananas — perfectly packed, temperature-controlled — leaves Central America bound for the UK...
13/03/2026

Picture this: a shipment of bananas — perfectly packed, temperature-controlled — leaves Central America bound for the UK. It’s a routine journey, but global supply chains can be fragile. If the vessel hits severe weather, containers shift or refrigeration fails, the cargo spoils. Suddenly, the crucial question becomes: who pays for the loss?

This is why marine cargo insurance isn’t a luxury — it’s an essential safeguard for any business moving goods internationally.

The risks in transit
Every international shipment exposes a business to potential financial loss. The journey from origin to destination is fraught with risk events such as physical damage from mishandling, opportunistic theft during transit or storage, delays caused by strikes or port closures and deterioration — especially for temperature- sensitive goods like fresh produce.

The sheer volume of international trade highlights this exposure. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS),[1] the UK imports hundreds of billions of pounds worth of goods annually, meaning every shipment represents a potential financial risk.

What marine cargo insurance covers
Marine cargo insurance exists to protect the financial value of goods from the moment they leave the seller until they reach the buyer. The broadest form of protection is all risks cover, which safeguards against physical loss or damage. Policies are typically structured using the Institute Cargo Clauses (A: provides the widest “all risks” cover, B: offers a more limited set of named perils such as fire, explosion and loss overboard and C: clause C provides the most restricted cover, applying only to major incidents like collision, fire or vessel capsizing).[2]

Additional extensions can be added, such as war and strikes, which protects against losses from conflict or civil commotion and delay, which addresses unforeseen disruptions in transit.

For SMEs, insurers offer tailored solutions like Stock Throughput Policies, covering goods from raw material stage through processing, storage and final transit. Specialised cover for temperature-controlled cargo is also vital for perishable goods — just like those bananas.

Every shipment is a link in your supply chain — and if that link breaks, the impact can ripple across your entire business. Marine cargo insurance is not just about replacing goods; it’s about business continuity. A single uninsured loss can halt production, delay customer deliveries and damage your reputation. Having the right cover ensures your operations keep moving, even when the unexpected happens.

The simple banana shipment illustrates a complex truth: every movement of goods is a risk event waiting to happen. Marine cargo insurance is critical for business continuity and financial stability. Without it, a single incident could disrupt operations and damage your bottom line.

Ready to protect your goods and your bottom line?
Don’t leave your shipments to chance. Marine cargo insurance can be tailored to your business — whether you move goods occasionally or every day. Speak to us today for advice and options that keep your supply chain secure.

Sources:

[1] https://www.ons.gov.uk/businessindustryandtrade/internationaltrade/bulletins/internationaltradeinuknationsregionsandcities/2023
[2] https://www.wtwco.com/en-gb/solutions/services/shipping-and-maritime-industries

Thank you for your continued support, we hope you enjoy the festive season 🎄
24/12/2025

Thank you for your continued support, we hope you enjoy the festive season 🎄

Opening hours over the festive season 🎄
23/12/2025

Opening hours over the festive season 🎄

Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products due ...
06/08/2025

Per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals used in various industrial and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil.[1] Commonly found in firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, and water-repellent fabrics, PFAS are known for their persistence in the environment, earning the nickname “forever chemicals.”

Health Risks
Exposure to PFAS[2] has been linked to several health issues, including cancer, liver damage, thyroid disease, decreased fertility, and respiratory conditions. Ignoring PFAS risks can lead to long-term environmental damage and significant risks for businesses, particularly in industries like aviation, chemical manufacturing, and firefighting.

Impact on Organisations
Industries may soon be required to identify and treat potential PFAS sources within their operations. Failure to manage PFAS risks effectively could result in legal and financial consequences, such as lawsuits, fines, and cleanup costs. Environmental negligence can also damage a company’s reputation.

Insurance and Risk Management
While insurers have traditionally covered casualty or environmental risks, the high costs associated with claims have made them cautious about covering PFAS liability. Businesses can mitigate risks by using alternative materials, improving waste management practices, and investing in technology to remove PFAS from contaminated sites.

Recommendations for Businesses

Identify and Monitor PFAS Sources:
Conduct thorough assessments to identify potential PFAS sources within your operations and supply chain.
Invest in Alternative Materials:
Explore and adopt alternative materials that do not contain PFAS to reduce dependency on these chemicals.
Enhance Waste Management:
Implement robust waste management practices to prevent PFAS contamination and ensure proper disposal of PFAS-containing materials.
Invest in Remediation Technologies:
Invest in technologies that can effectively remove PFAS from contaminated sites and prevent further environmental damage.
Conduct Due Diligence:
When acquiring new sites, conduct comprehensive due diligence to identify any existing PFAS contamination and associated liabilities.
Engage with Insurers:
Work closely with insurers to understand coverage options and develop risk management strategies tailored to PFAS-related risks.
Futureproofing Against PFAS Risks
Identifying and managing PFAS risks early can help futureproof organisations. This includes monitoring air, water, and soil around industrial sites and conducting due diligence when acquiring new sites to avoid unexpected liabilities.

Source:
[1] https://comptox.epa.gov/dashboard/chemical-lists/PFASSTRUCT
[2] https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7906952/ #:~:text=Epidemiological%20studies%20have%20revealed%20associations,and%20developmental%20outcomes%2C%20and%20cancer.

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Carbon monoxide poisoning is a health and safety risk that can easily slip under the radar due to the silent, odourless,...
30/07/2025

Carbon monoxide poisoning is a health and safety risk that can easily slip under the radar due to the silent, odourless, often undetected threat posed by this hazard.

People lose their lives to carbon monoxide poisoning and around 4000 people a year need emergency medical treatment.[1] This is often due to poorly installed or maintained gas appliances in which the correct combustion process is impossible.

The Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Alarm (Amendment) Regulations of 2022 heightened awareness of the dangers, but there is still much to be done within commercial settings.

Under Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations[2], employers must implement control measures to protect workers from hazardous substances, with this including carbon monoxide. They should also assess who is at risk and plan and organise the workplace to mitigate the risk. Following the Assess, Control and Review model is what the Health and Safety Executive advises.[3] Staying silent and not briefing employees about the risk is not an option.

Whilst it is easy to associate carbon monoxide with gas appliances, or with the use of barbecues indoors or under canvas, there are other workplace sources.[4] This includes petrol-powered or LPG-fuelled equipment used within enclosed spaces, including excavation trenches. Those refurbishing existing buildings and disrupting gas flues and ventilation systems can also face the risk.

LPG equipment should only be used where there is adequate, unblocked ventilation, and petrol generators only operated in well-ventilated outdoor spaces where the gas cannot drift indoors.

Indoor LPG-fuelled cookers, heaters and work equipment all need close monitoring. In general, vents and ducts that carry fumes away from a fuel source require regular inspection.

Employees should also be on the lookout for the very few signs that might signal an issue: a pilot light frequently blowing out; increased condensation on windows, yellow/orange rather than blue flames and soot or possible yellow/brown staining around appliances. Ensuring carbon monoxide alarms are working correctly, and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, is vital and alarms should meet BS Kitemark or EN 50291 standards.

Failure to manage and control the carbon monoxide risk can lead to severe penalties and potentially corporate or individual manslaughter charges. Imprisonment, fines and reputational damage can all be the outcome. Incidents can easily result in loss of business and public and employee trust.

For these reasons, it is crucial to incorporate carbon monoxide risks into any risk assessment and work to mitigate the hazards posed. Referencing standards like ISO 45001 can outline areas for improvement within management systems. Ensuring IOSH (Institution of Occupational Safety and Health) Managing Safely course standards[5] are implemented is important. Creating a whole culture focused around safety will help all employees look for any signs of danger.

Staying compliant is important from an insurance perspective too, as policies might not pay out, if measures to control the risk were not taken.

A Commercial Business policy will provide assistance with legal defence costs should the HSE, Health & Safety Executive, instigate an investigation and possible Proceedings. However, if a fine is issued this will not be covered and could be costly for any company.

A property policy will cover the costs associated with any damage caused by carbon monoxide, a resultant fire or explosion for example. Business Interruption costs may also fall for consideration under the Denial of Access extension of an insurance policy. In all cases, however, the insurer would expect to see that reasonable precautions to control the risk were implemented.

Public and Employers’ Liability policies provide indemnity if it is alleged/proven that a company has been negligent for illness suffered by employees or members of the public. Unfortunately, carbon monoxide poisoning can be fatal, resulting in damages being paid to the family in excess of 6 figures.

The golden rule is to plan for carbon monoxide, even if you cannot smell, taste or see it. Do that and you will be tackling one of the most dangerous silent risks in the workplace.

Sources:
[1] https://humanfocus.co.uk/blog/preventing-carbon-monoxide-poisoning-in-workplaces/
[2] https://www.hse.gov.uk/coshh/
[3] https://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/healthrisks/hazardous-substances/carbon-monoxide.htm
[4] https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/carbon-monoxide-properties-incident-management-and-toxicology/carbon-monoxide-general-information
[5] https://iosh.com/qualifications-and-courses/courses/managing-safely

FPS8508658

The move to ‘green’ businesses is increasingly being driven by a desire to improve ESG (Environmental, Social and Govern...
22/07/2025

The move to ‘green’ businesses is increasingly being driven by a desire to improve ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) performance –– a business practice standard increasingly important for corporate reputation.

The British Business Bank says ESG measures a business’s impact on society and the environment, whilst also demonstrating its transparency and accountability.[1] Businesses falling short of expectations could face both reputational damage and potential legal action.

ESG standards span many different areas, from business ethics and competitive behaviours to waste and energy management strategies. One ESG area presenting a real risk to businesses is data privacy. Securing customer data against cyber-attack and data breaches is a central tenet of strong ESG performance.

Many insurers are championing ESG and launching new insurance products that support the adoption of green-friendly products and services. This is assisting with the greening of fleets, solar panel adoption, an uplift in timber-framed properties, the use of modular construction methods and utilisation of battery energy storage systems.

Therein lies a dilemma because green technologies can often significantly alter the core business risk profile, introducing new risk management considerations that clients may struggle to appreciate.

The widespread use of lithium-ion batteries within gadgets, electronic equipment and vehicles including buggies, mobility scooters, e-bikes and e-scooters, is problematic. These batteries are prevalent in warehousing and distribution, being used within hand-held barcode scanners. Within manufacturing businesses they can be found in plant, machinery and hand tools. Anything that contains a lithium-ion battery, particularly of a prismatic or pouch cell type, presents a new vulnerability.

Between 2017 and 2022, the use of lithium-ion Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), doubled in the UK.[2] The plus side is that these systems stabilise the National Grid by storing excess energy from renewable sources in periods of low demand, before releasing it in response to high demand. The growth of solar and wind-power-driven energy systems is somewhat dependent on having such storage and distribution technology available.

The major risk with regard to lithium-ion batteries, however, is fire, with these batteries igniting extremely quickly, if overheated, overcharged, over-discharged, damaged or defective from the outset. Thermal runaway makes the fires extremely hot, dangerous and unpredictable.

There was a 53% increase in lithium-ion related fires in 2023 and, in London alone, 150 e-bike and 28 e-scooter fire incidents. Between 2020 and May 2024[3], there were eight fatalities and 190 recorded injuries from lithium-ion fires – fires which should not be tackled by anyone other than the Fire and Rescue services.

Any business operating equipment reliant on these batteries needs a risk management plan that details procedures relating to battery care and management. Employees need to be alert and report visible defects or concerns, with inspection commencing on battery arrival and continuing thereafter. Charging should only be done under supervision, using approved chargers. Damaged batteries should be quarantined immediately.

Attention needs to be paid to the Dangerous Substances and Explosive Atmospheres Regulations (DSEAR) 2002.[4] Heed needs to be paid to battery storage as it is a legal requirement to put control or prevent measures in place to safeguard employees. [5} Battery handling should only be carried out in well-ventilated areas and storage should be in dry, cool zones, suitably located, from a safety perspective, and free of flammable or combustible substances.[6]

Other measures and policies are required. Charging should never take place where it blocks a fire exit or impacts a communal area. The Fire and Rescue service needs to know precisely where batteries are stored or used and be fully briefed on access and exit routes. A robust fire risk assessment covering handling, storage, use and charging of these batteries is essential.

With strong ESG performance now the goal for many businesses, it is inevitable technologies such as lithium-ion batteries will be incorporated into day-to-day work tasks. The skill of an insurance broker lies in analysing the new risks associated with greener technologies and ensuring clients’ businesses remain risk-aware and protected. To tap into this skill, contact us today.

Sources:
[1] https://www.british-business-bank.co.uk/business-guidance/guidance-articles/sustainability/what-is-esg-a-guide-for-smaller-businesses
[2]https://researchbriefings.files.parliament.uk/documents/CBP-7621/CBP-7621.pdf (page 13 graph)
[3] https://www.allianz.co.uk/news-and-insight/insight-and-expertise/how-to-reduce-the-risk-of-e-bike-and-e-scooter-fires.html #:~:text=at%20least%208%20fatalities%20and%20190%20injuries%20since%202020%2C%20in%20the%20UK%20alone
[4] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2776/contents
[5[ https://www.hse.gov.uk/fireandexplosion/dsear-background.htm #:~:text=Prevent%20or%20control,activity%20or%20operation
[6] https://www.legislation.gov.uk/uksi/2002/2776 #:~:text=6.%E2%80%94(1,activity%20or%20operation

Business survival and reputation management are inextricably linked. A 2020 survey found that 63% of executives believe ...
16/07/2025

Business survival and reputation management are inextricably linked. A 2020 survey found that 63% of executives believe reputation defines their business’s market value.[1] So how much store do you place behind your own business’s reputation?

In the past 20 years, it has become ever-more important to safeguard reputation. As the Harvard Business Review noted in 2007, “In an economy where 70% to 80% of market value comes from hard-to-assess intangible assets such as brand equity, intellectual capital and goodwill, organisations are especially vulnerable to anything that damages their reputation.”[2]

Since then, the rise of social media has made reputation management even more problematic. Anyone can voice an opinion in seconds. The trick is to avoid a situation arising, monitor the online mood through social listening and contain the conversation.

Hospitality is a sector particularly subjected to this more modern risk. A food and drink operator can suffer a calamitous collapse in business following negative publicity. This could be due to unsafe foods, lack of allergy controls, unhygienic kitchens and poor inspection ratings, or failure to comply with health and safety legislation.

It could relate to harassment, discrimination or poor treatment of employees. Customers could suffer harm through a slip or trip, an electrical fault, a failure to maintain healthy hot water systems, or swimming pool attendant negligence. The possibilities are numerous.

Then there are threats such as assailant attacks, often focused on hospitality outlets and quickly leading to a loss of attraction for the venue at the centre of the storm.

To reduce the risks, it is vital to have robust policies and practices in place and to embed health and safety practice, as well as respect for all individuals, within company culture. Ensuring that training is thorough is of paramount importance, as are channels through which employees can voice concerns or raise observations.

Having a written crisis management policy is also hugely important, so there is a set pathway for crisis handling, with all measures geared at damage limitation. Knowing an insurance policy will provide access to crisis management specialists, if required, can also offer reassurance. Having insurance in the locker makes sense.

According to your business and its size and scope, it may also be beneficial to talk to a broker about services such as Reputational Risk Benchmarking, which assesses resilience to future crisis-related events. Such services, available through Brokers, help prevent incidents before they occur, by highlighting where loopholes may exist.

Suffering a hit to reputation through a cyber-related scenario, such as hacking, is a very real 21st century risk and one that should also be addressed through good practice and the back-up of a standalone cyber insurance policy.

Here again, having access to specialists, should cover need to be triggered, can mean the difference between extensive reputational damage, downtime and loss of trade, and a swift IT rectification exercise that can contain the situation and impact customers as little as possible.

Considering what could impact your reputation is the starting point for better business protection. Work through the possibilities with a broker and you will appreciate how strong risk management, supplemented by the right insurance covers, can provide essential layers of protection that can help your business survive even the trickiest of adverse situations.

Sources:

[1]https://webershandwick.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/State-of-Corporate-Reputation_FINAL-presentation-13.01.20_BRITISH-ENGLISH.pdf
[2] https://hbr.org/2007/02/reputation-and-its-risks

FPS8508658

The retail industry faces an escalating dual challenge: a surge in violent incidents and the persistent issue of theft. ...
10/07/2025

The retail industry faces an escalating dual challenge: a surge in violent incidents and the persistent issue of theft. These intertwined threats, demand innovative strategies to protect your employees, customers and operations.

With a reported 41% crime prevalence in retail – where business premises have experienced at least one of the crimes of burglary, vandalism, vehicle-related theft, robbery, assaults or threats, theft and fraud – being the highest of all sectors, retail industry risk and insurance managers, security professionals and health and safety officers are under pressure to respond.

Today’s crime risk landscape for retailers
The 2024 BRC Crime Survey reveals an alarming escalation in both the frequency and severity of incidents, with retail workers facing more than 1,300 violent or abusive incidents daily, totalling 475,000 incidents in 2022-23. The BRC also estimates 16.7 million incidents of customer theft have been recorded, double the previous year’s figures. The financial loss from theft stands at £1.8 billion, the highest ever recorded.

Food and grocery delivery riders too face a significant number of violent incidents. There has been a 28% increase in abusive incidents toward delivery riders in recent months, including verbal abuse, racism, sexism and theft of orders or vehicles. Research indicates riders often face threats when enforcing policies like proof of ID for alcohol deliveries.

Meanwhile, a 2024 Association of Convenience Stores (ACS) Crime Report estimates that crime costs convenience stores £245 million annually, equating to about £4,946 per store. This includes direct theft, damage to property and the costs associated with crime prevention. The report also finds a 67% increase in theft, driven by the cost-of-living crisis.

Anti-social behaviour remains a persistent issue, with 61% of convenience store retailers reporting an increase, including loitering, vandalism and begging.

The impact of violence on theft and how to mitigate it
We recognise how the rise in physical and verbal abuse can significantly affect your employees’ morale, mental health and your ability to retain them. Violence often occurs when your staff attempt to prevent theft, enforce age-restricted sales policies, or refuse service to intoxicated customers.

With the rise in shoplifting and violence, retailers are also faced with another challenge: striking a balance between deterring theft and managing the associated risks. While proactive actions, such as detaining shoplifters, can help mitigate stock losses and discourage further theft, these measures also bring potential risks, including reputational damage, legal liabilities and elevated insurance costs if not executed responsibly.

To navigate this complex landscape, retailers need a comprehensive strategy that combines preventive measures with thoughtful risk management. To get ahead of violence and theft risks more effectively, retailers can:

Implement advanced security measures
Consider investing in technology such as advanced surveillance systems with AI-driven capabilities for theft detection and real-time monitoring, automated CCTV systems, self-checkout cameras and secure storage for high-value items. You can also use tagging technologies to prevent theft while protecting employees and inventory. Receipt-scanning gates that monitor customers as they exit to prevent theft and employee body cameras to help deter confrontational incidents, can also form part of your deterrence and prevention response.
Strengthen employee support and training
Reprioritise the safety and wellbeing of your employees by implementing de-escalation training and offering counselling services to those impacted by violence or abuse. These measures can equip employees with the skills they need to manage aggressive situations and provide resources to support their mental health and recovery after incidents. You can also look to implement comprehensive safety protocols and provide de-escalation training to minimize risks during confrontational incidents. Offer psychological support to employees affected by violence or abuse can promote long-term mental health and resilience.
Create a culture of resilience
Foster a workplace environment where safety is prioritised, visibly demonstrating a commitment to employee and customer protection. By integrating safety protocols into daily operations, conducting periodic audits and ensuring transparent communication about risks, you can enhance operational stability and boost employee morale.
Boost collaboration and advocacy
Working with law enforcement agencies and industry organisations supports improved police engagement and consistency in responding to retail crime, particularly in cases involving organised shoplifting rings. Partnerships with policymakers have led to the Policing Retail Crime Action Plan — commissioned by the Policing Minister and developed in partnership with government to drive down retail crime — emphasizes coordinated efforts to reduce incidents and hold offenders accountable. Meanwhile, fostering cross-functional collaboration between security, legal, operations and communications teams can better align risk mitigation efforts with your organisational values.
Reassess insurance coverage
Regularly review and update insurance policies to address the dual risks of violence and theft, ensuring comprehensive coverage for employee injuries, property damage and cyber incidents. Implement data-driven decision-making through claims analytics to identify trends and adjust your loss prevention policies accordingly, whether adopting a hands-on or hands-off approach to detention.
Looking ahead: Legislative reforms impacting retailers
The proposed Crime and Policing Bill represents a significant step in addressing retail crime by the current UK government. The bill will make violence against shopworkers a standalone offense, bringing England and Wales in line with similar legislation in Scotland. It also aims to address shoplifting more effectively, particularly repeat offenses tied to organised crime. Local residents will have designated neighbourhood officers to address safety concerns, with a focus on enhancing police visibility and responsiveness.

Some retail and leisure and hospitality businesses have called to expand the scope of the bill to include delivery riders and others providing critical services. Deliveroo has also called for clarity in the legislation to ensure restaurants and hospitality settings are included in the definition of retail premises.

Discover a smarter way for your retail, leisure and hospitality business to protect your people and premises.

Source:

www.wtwco.com

Authors:
Teresa Long, Industry Leader – Retail, Leisure & Hospitality for GB Risk & Broking

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