Claims should be submitted to Insurance Companies through the normal claims process as soon as possible.

If you have suffered a loss as a result of the current situation or have cause to think you may be affected in some way, please consider the notes below to help ensure that any potential material damage claim is not invalidated by the delays.

It is important that policyholders who have been affected by the current situation, or feel that they may have a claim arising from these disturbances, notify insurers of any potential claims within 7 days of the relevant incident. You should do this through your normal claim notification procedures.

Provisions under the Riot Damages Act 1886

The current definition of a riot is codified in the Public Order Act 1986. The essential points are:

• 12 or more persons must be present together and use or threaten unlawful violence for a common purpose and the conduct of them (taken together) must be such as would cause a person of reasonable firmness present at the scene to fear for his personal safety
• It is not necessary for the Claimant to show intent to use force to resist such opposition
• It is not necessary for anyone to be present and actually harmed

The local police authority has a legal responsibility under the Riot Damages Act 1886 to reimburse persons who sustain damage to property as the result of a riot. The wording of the statute is explicit, in that any claim under the Act must “be made in writing and received by the local police authority within 14 days of the alleged incident”.

However, policyholders are reminded that included within the Claims Notification Clause, a requirement for any claim for riot and/or civil commotion to be notified to Insurers immediately with full supporting documentation within 7 days of the incident occurring, specifically to prevent a recovery action being turned down by the police authority on the basis that the action is time barred. Insurance Company's are entitled to recover their outlays under the principle of subrogation.

The Company Chairman, David Slade, said, “we have lost a dear friend and close colleague. I worked with Damien from the time he joined the Company in 1988 and his warmth, caring attitude and professionalism will be missed by all his colleagues and clients”.

The funeral service was held at the Sacred Heart Church on Thursday 12th May at 12 noon followed by a private ceremony for close family only at the Crematorium.

The family have expressed their wish that any donations are forwarded directly to St Richard's Hospice noting Damien's name.  People wishing to send cards can send them via Perkins Slade marked for the attention of Angela Terry.  In addition, we have set up a memorial site where people who knew Damien can share their memories and donations can be made to St Richards' Hospice.

Further information 
 
Donations can be made via the memorial site or directly to St Richard’s Hospice noting Damien's name, address details are as follows:

St Richard’s Hospice
Wildwood Drive
Worcester
WR5 2QT
Tel. 01905 763 963

Only seven other industry professionals have received the title. The Honorary Fellowship is in recognition of David’s outstanding contribution to the insurance industry and follows a win at the BIA Awards in 2009, where he received the Achievement Award for his contribution to insurance broking during a career spanning five decades.

David started his career in 1961, aged just 16, working for a major insurer. Nine years later he founded Perkins Slade Limited, now the largest privately owned insurance brokerage in the West Midlands, specialising in providing insurance and risk management advice for corporate businesses, sports organisations and private individuals.

In addition to his commitment to the insurance industry, David is a proud Brummie, keen to contribute to the region where he’s spent most of his career. He has held the position of director of the Birmingham Chamber of Commerce, Birmingham Forward, The Princes Trust (Birmingham and Solihull) and has successfully completed the role of Chairman of the Landmark appeal, raising over £600,000 in 24 months to fund the restoration of the Church of St John the Baptist in Bromsgrove.

Speaking about his achievement, Mr Slade commented,

"I have been fortunate to work in an industry where integrity, professionalism and customer care are recognised so to be awarded this singular honour by one's peers is a source of great pride".

Further information

David Slade

In addition to the positions outlined in the release above, David’s contribution to the insurance industry and local community also includes:

• West Midlands Chairman of BIBA
• Founding Chairman of Faculty of Insurance Broking
• Treasurer of Worshipful Company of Insurers
• West Midlands Regional Group Chairman of British Junior Chamber
• Bailiff of the Ancient Court Leet of Bromsgrove
• Board member of General Insurance Standards Council
• British Chairman of the Senate of Junior Chamber International
• Past President of Birmingham and Edgbaston Debating Society.

Some fear a return to the 80s and early 90s when the cash strapped NHS struggled to cope. Long waiting lists were common, those who could afford it went private and jumped the queue.

The impact of Lansley’s reforms is already being felt. The number of NHS patients waiting 6 weeks or more for diagnostic tests has risen by 50% this year.

You may already have some PMI but it could be a good time to assess whether you need cover or if any changes in cover may be appropriate.

Why you should consider Private Medical Insurance (PMI)

PMI enables you to bypass NHS waiting lists, allowing you to get treatment promptly and privately, with any operation being performed at your convenience by a surgeon and at a hospital of your choice.

Costs are covered for the following: –

• quality treatment from consultants and specialists
• scans and x-rays
• clean and comfortable recognised hospitals
• breakthrough drugs and eligible treatments 

PMI has been in existence for over 100 years. Approximately 8 million people in the UK have PMI, two thirds of which is via their employer. According to a recent Employee Benefits Survey, PMI is the top insurance based voluntary benefit. PMI for partners and dependents is the third most popular and the most popular insurance benefit ^.

The benefits of Cash Plans

Further research has highlighted 80% of Britons are worried about healthcare costs and are confused over NHS and private treatments. A third of people don’t know you have to pay for a dental check up and almost half wrongly believe eye tests are free.

If PMI is out of reach Cash Plans can be an affordable option. Tailored to suit personal requirements, they provide a range of benefits including –

• optical and dental fees
• allergy testing
• personal accident
• inpatient hospital benefit
• personal consultations

To a company or organisation, PMI and Cash Plans are very beneficial. Rather than staff being at the mercy of the NHS appointment booking system, employees can make arrangements to suit them, and their employer, ultimately providing valuable peace of mind.

Absence from work due to illness costs employers on average £495* per year. Indirect costs associated with illness average an additional £667* per year. So it makes sense for a company to insure against any potential loss.

How can Perkins Slade help?

With an increasing number of insurers and other companies advertising PMI schemes, it can be difficult to make a choice. We'll use our in-depth knowledge to search the market and ensure you get the right cover for your needs.

We have considerable experience in arranging competitive, personal policies that recognise and reflect individual needs. A dedicated Client Relationship Manager will work closely with you to build an insurance solution that suits you.

You can choose from a variety of policies ranging from budget to premier plans and we can also provide international policies.

For employers, giving staff access to PMI can protect a company from unplanned absences due to illness, reduce sick pay and help minimise any disruption to work schedules. In turn, PMI will go a long way in supporting employer best practice.

Next steps

To discuss the issues raised in this article, or to talk to someone about PMI and Cash Plans, please call Gaynor Lane on 0121 698 8174. Alternatively, you can email g.lane@perkins-slade.com

About Perkins Slade

Founded in 1970, Perkins Slade is one of the UK's largest independent brokers, providing expert, impartial advice for UK and international businesses, sport and recreation organisations and private individuals.

Perkins Slade is proud to have been awarded "Chartered Insurance Broker" status by the Chartered Insurance Institute. Our Chartered status is recognition of the professional standards of all our employees.

Given our experience we can offer the right support and guidance, tailoring the correct level of cover from the specific needs of the largest company to the smallest organisations. Not only will we seek out competitive premiums but we will also advise you on risk management.

^ Employee Benefits/Alexander Forbes Benefits Research 2010, August 2010.

* Based on Perkins Slade findings, per employee per year.

Burst pipes are a real problem, often causing significant damage to a property. It’s surprising how much damage can be caused by a leak. However, by following some simple risk management steps you can reduce the likelihood of any incidents -

• Check your central heating system regularly and ensure the thermostat is working. Consider having your boiler serviced annually by a registered Gas Safe engineer
• Some new central heating systems are fitted with an anti frost device. If your boiler is a few years old think about fitting frost thermostats to your heating system
• Keep the heating on during freezing temperatures, even at night
• Any exposed pipes should be lagged or suitably protected
• Make sure you and your family know where to turn off the main water supply to the property
• Replace washers on dripping taps

If the property will be unoccupied for a period of time –

• Drain the central heating system and turn off your main water supply or leave the central heating on low at 10C
• Where possible get a neighbour, friend or family member to check the property at regular intervals
• Leave the loft hatch open to circulate air within the loft space

It’s not always possible to prevent your pipes from freezing, or even bursting, but you can help minimise the damage –

• Turn off your main water supply
• If you notice a leak call a plumber immediately
• Check for any damage to your electricity supply, if you suspect any damage have it checked out by an electrician
• Keep a list of useful emergency numbers to hand
• If you notice a frozen pipe slowly thaw the affected area with a gentle heat, such as a hairdryer. Never use a blow torch or open flame

By following the above steps you can help prevent damage to your property, and avoid any personal upheaval, and in the long term save money on your insurance premiums.

We hope you find this information helpful. To discuss the issues raised in this article, or to talk to someone in more detail about risk management, please speak to your usual Perkins Slade contact. Alternatively you can call us on 0121 698 8000 or email privateclients@perkins-slade.com

Claims costs are increasing, fuelled in part by large compensation settlements. In October 2010 a former international cyclist who had been knocked down by a car and seriously injured was awarded £14.25m. The sheer size of this settlement has highlighted the need for the right limits to be applied to policies. There have been other sporting incidents in the news recently; a mother of two who was left paralysed following a pole dancing accident and the tragic death of a young girl run over by a speedboat. Investigations in respect of both are ongoing.

Allegations of abuse are also increasing and, as claims rise, premiums will follow suit. Following the Hatfield rail crash, and more recently the banking collapse, Civil Liability claims, in particular Directors and Officers liability claims, are seeing an increase as victims look to hold someone responsible. Many sports clubs are ‘unincorporated’ and therefore do not have a separate legal identity. In other words they cannot be sued but the club committee and officers personally can be.

As the UK ‘claims culture’ gathers pace insurers are taking the hits and paying out, but because increased competition over a number of years has squeezed premiums, the number of insurers now wishing to offer cover has reduced.

Certain sectors of the insurance market have had a difficult few years. Travel insurance is a good example, where claims have exceeded premiums for many insurers. Furthermore in the UK, insurers collect premiums in pounds sterling but overseas medical claims are paid in foreign currency. In 2009 the pound fell 30% against the euro resulting in large insurer losses. And, who can forget the disruption caused by the volcanic ash cloud, which resulted in millions of pounds of unexpected claims.

All of this, together with reduced profit margins; pressure to reduce premium but maintain cover levels; the use of reserves to maintain competitiveness; increased industry fraud and increased costs of compliance has resulted in tremendous pressure to raise rates. January 2011 sees the first rise in Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) for fifteen years from 5% to 6%. The rise coincides with the increase in VAT from 17.5% to 20% and follows close on the heels of the October Government spending cuts.

Bearing all this in mind premium rises are increasingly likely. Nobody wants to see huge increases but a slow, consistent rise in premiums across the industry seems inevitable. Any gradual increases will mean customers can benefit from long term stability and continuity of cover rather than face huge hikes in the future.

How do you manage the increased costs to your organisation?

Unfortunately, the rise in premiums is set against a weak economic backdrop. The October spending review saw public spending cuts totalling £83bn.

Taking this into account, as premiums move up the independent broker will play an important role within the industry, maximising their knowledge of the market in order to achieve the most competitive rates.

Despite the bleak outlook, there is still action you can take to effectively manage your business insurance costs.

Robust risk management is absolutely crucial; organisations that can effectively identify and minimise business risks are more likely to avoid significant premium increases than those who don’t. Perkins Slade recognises that no two businesses are the same. We’ll design and implement insurance and risk management programmes with service, broking strategy and cover specific to the needs of sports clubs, their members and volunteers. We work with established insurers to provide long-term stability for our customers throughout the market cycle. We involve customers in all major discussions and negotiations with insurers. Our partnership approach delivers results by building stronger relationships and developing business understanding.

In addition, it’s important to review your portfolio and ensure you are insuring on the correct basis. With so much pressure on insurers to deliver underwriting profit, claims are being scrutinized more than ever and, if you are underinsured, your members and volunteers may suffer from additional financial loss. Conversely, if an Association reduced in size for whatever reason, over insurance is a cost members would not want to bear either.

Good risk management will insulate your sport against accidents and claims in the future and it will also help keep your insurance premiums down. Our reputation is excellent and we have the desire to get the right results for you.

Next steps

To discuss the issues raised in this article, or to talk to someone about Sports insurance, please call 0121 698 8000 and ask for the Sports team. Alternatively, you can email sports@perkins-slade.com

About Perkins Slade

Founded in 1970, Perkins Slade is one of the UK's largest independent brokers, providing expert, impartial advice for UK and international businesses, sport and recreation organisations and private individuals.

Given our experience we can offer the right support and guidance, tailoring the correct level of cover from the specific needs of the largest governing bodies to the smallest clubs. Not only will we seek out competitive premiums but we will also advise you on risk management.

We aim to provide sustainable solutions that deliver long-term value and a robust risk management programme is an integral part of this. Using risk management software, ActionPro, you can identify risks, generate a risk profile and prioritise actions. We can also help you with disaster recovery planning. Crisispro is an online tool that guides you through the process of generating and implementing a robust plan.

Lynn Richards-Cole, associate director at Perkins Slade, has taken on the role of chairman of the Insurance Broking Faculty at the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII). Lynn takes over from Mark Radburn, CEO International Networks, Willis Limited and will be the first female chairman of the faculty.

Mark served as chairman of the Insurance Broking Faculty for the past two years and during this time launched the market-leading “Delivering World Class Service” research report with Ernst & Young in April 2009. Mark also helped to establish Chartered Status as the benchmark for professionalism within the broking industry, highlighting the significant benefits to both firms and individuals.

Commenting on her new role, Lynn stated, “I am very happy to be taking up the role of chairman after the valuable work that Mark has done. I am a great advocate of Chartered Status and have seen the benefit it has brought to my own firm. Working with my colleagues within the faculty, I aim to encourage more firms and individuals to achieve Chartered Status and so firmly establish the reputation of professionalism that is growing within our sector.”

Gillian Donegan, faculties manager at the CII, said, “Mark’s leadership has provided the faculty with the vision to improve further the standards and professionalism of brokers working in the industry today. Mark has shown great commitment and success in his year as chairman and we are delighted to see him stay on as a member of the board.

“Lynn took on the role of chairman from 1st April and we look forward to supporting her in further enhancing the standing and expertise of the broking industry.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

The CII

The CII is the world’s leading professional organisation for insurance and financial services. Its 95,000 members are committed to maintaining the highest standards of technical competence and ethical conduct.

A robust framework of learning and development solutions enables the CII to support corporate partners and individuals across the industry. It ensures that all members comply with minimum standards and inspires many more to achieve advanced levels of technical and professional competence.

About the CII Faculties

The CII Faculties offer members a simple way to stay up to date and well briefed on the issues of the day affecting their particular area of business. Each faculty is advised by a board of representatives selected from senior figures within the industry. The boards guide and inform the choice of issues and topics to be considered and identify subjects for further research or debate. This approach ensures the faculties present a balanced view on any topic and provide insights and thought-leadership to improve the level of professional knowledge in each area. Membership of one faculty is free to CII members.

Membership of the Insurance Broking Faculty membership stands at around 8,500 members. Further details can be found at www.cii.co.uk/broking

Two key findings, one structural and another economic came from the conference.  The latter was the realisation that Birmingham’s future success needed a new economic driver – ‘business and professional services’. It was this that led the late Roger Dickens along with Peter Carter, Bob Gilbert, Ian Hunter, John James, David Maxwell, Robert Moore, Richard Samuda, Ian Wade and Peter Williams to establish City 2000 on the 27th April 1990 after a year of debate and soundings around the city.

Despite starting in a recession the organisation immediately captured the imagination of the BPS community and has gone from strength to strength over the ensuing two decades.

1999 saw the organisation rename itself Birmingham Forward to more accurately reflect the role we felt our members play in the continued development of the city.

Birmingham Forwad celebrated their 20th Anniversary with a very special keynote lunch, where they welcomed Sir David Bell who is currently non executive director of the Economist, chairman of Sadlers Wells, the University of Roehampton, Crisis, Common Purpose, the London Transport Museum, the Media Standards Trust, the Transformation Trust ,  the Institute of War and Peace Reporting and the Walpole Committee. In his speech Sir David shared his thoughts on:

• What he was doing 20 years ago
• Potential challenges we may face over the next 20 years
• What he wishes he’d known 20 years ago
• what BPS are doing right and what needs improving
• His involvement with Crisis and the importance of looking at a city’s reputation holistically.

188 businessmen and women attended, click here to see a photo of guests at the Perkins Slade table. From left to right back row - David Slade (Perkins Slade), Nick tamblyn (Perkins Slade), Mark Anslow (BDO), Ian Flavell (Metalrax). From left to right middle row - Ann Benzimra (Hill Hofstetter), Sally Del Prinicipe (Perkins Slade), John Smith (Caparo). From left to right front row - Tim Foster (Hill Hofstetter), Lynn Richards-Cole (Perkins Slade).