The latest issue of Insurance Age

We would like to recommend a great article that is featured in the latest copy of Insurance Age. This month’s issue includes an interview with Howard Lickens; CEO of Clear Insurance Management and a fellow member of Brokerbility.

In addition to complimenting D E Ford’s business processes, Mr Lickens discusses the importance of acquisitions, the benefits of being a member of Brokerbility and how Clear Insurance Management coped with the introduction of the FSA.  Here is our favourite part of the interview:

Caitlin Morrison: “ What other brokers in the market do you admire and why?”

Howard Lickens: “Within Brokerbility there’s a few – one firm that I have a lot of time for is D E Ford up in Yorkshire. They are very focused on what they do well and very focused on risk management. Their approach to obtaining organic growth is, frankly, well ahead of us.

The brokers that are the best know what their market is, they specialise. They’re not trying to do everything, they’ll try to plough a particular furrow – maybe they’ve got a specialty or a scheme and they stick to that.”

The full interview can be found here: http://tinyurl.com/7ppcne8

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

Steps to establish an open exchange of ideas between representatives of the UK Health and Safety Executive and Brokerbility; the independent group of quality insurance brokers to which D E Ford belongs, took place recently.

Attendees of the meeting included Rob Allison of D E Ford. He and senior representatives of Brokerbility met with Judith Hackitt CBE; Chair of the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in London on 27^th February 2012 to discuss the role of insurance brokers within the Health and Safety sector. The meeting was an opportunity to not only discuss the macro-environment pertaining to Health and Safety and its impact upon insurance brokers, but to also establish a dialogue with the HSE to help provide a voice for insurance broking professionals in the longer term.

It was highlighted that there is an increased necessity for those representatives of the Risk Management/Health and Safety sector to communicate effectively to businesses and organizations of all sizes to change the perception of the purpose of risk management. For example, informing key stakeholders of the OSCH register, which lists reputable representatives within Health and Safety will assist in providing a true perception of the value qualified Health and Safety personnel bring.  

The meeting looked at how insurance brokers can implement the approach of aiding and informing to assist the future proposals of the HSE on critical issues for the insurance sector. Whilst a platform of engagement has already been established by the HSE, the Chair concurred with the view that insurance brokers should help to further educate businesses about their legislative and civil liabilities. Insurance brokers can and must help to create a united front for all stakeholders on Health and Safety, informing clients and challenging some of the myths about the HSE.  The HSE is taking the initiative by implementing ‘Challenge Panels’- forums in which appeals against decisions are possible, whether issues are raised by the local authority or HSE themselves. A further ‘Challenge Panel’ is to be established in the near future whereby any member of the general public is able to challenge decisions regarding regulation. 

The meeting was a positive step forward for Fords in understanding the HSE’s priorities and for us helping to provide a voice for insurance brokers in the Risk Management and Health and Safety arena. It is hoped to repeat the meeting annually.

At D E Ford we aim at all times to simplify our clients’ understanding of their duties and responsibilities in the area of Health and Safety, where our team of Risk Managers not only possesses general knowledge, but more importantly we offer client-specific advice in respect of the specialist sectors in which we operate. Don’t hesitate to give us a call in the event that we can assist you.

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

The first signs of winter has started to appear and taking into consideration how last year turned out to be the coldest winter in 31 years, are we prepared this year?

As the first snowfall graces the Highlands, insurers are working hard to ensure that their customers are suitably prepared for the winter months. Below is an extract from a recent news release from one of the leading insurers Allianz Insurance today, the content of which could prove invaluable if driving conditions turn bad over the coming weeks.

Considering the severity of recent British Winter weather, now is the time to start thinking of ways we can protect ourselves and our vehicles, and take all necessary measures to stay safe when the weather takes a turn for the worse.

Along with Allianz Insurance and the Direct gov website here are some links to some winter freeze hints & tips which includes quidance for motoring safety that can help prepare for a winter of incident-free driving. Please feel free to pass this on and help friends and families stay happy and safe this Winter.

Click Here for Allianz’s “Be prepared and drive safely this winter season”

Click here for Directgov’s “How to drive safely in extreme weather”

If you have any queries and need any advice please contact one of our risk managers on 0800 1244757

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

We are delighted to hear that one of our principal insurer partners in the not-for-profit and care sector, Markel (UK) Ltd have been voted Voluntary, Care, Heritage and Education Underwriting Team of the Year 2011 at the annual Underwriting Service Awards ceremony.

Following the decision to work in partnership with Markel in the Foster Care and Adoption sector, we are delighted to see that Markel are continuing to impress. We find their professional, individual approach coupled with their wealth of knowledge in foster care and adoption refreshing in what can be a homogeneous sector.

Encouraging their underwriters to meet with clients, ensures full disclosure on both sides, along with a genuine understanding of the challenges faced by each, which ultimately results in a better partnership for all.

The award is well deserved and illustrates the commitment and investment that Markel have made in terms of wording and personnel in the sector.

Congratulations to all concerned.

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

Last winter produced record breaking cold weather across the UK and widespread problems on roads, pavements and car parks amid confusion as to what individuals are both required to or are permitted from doing.

Are you prepared for this year’s cold snap?

The majority of snow and ice related accidents occur on public roads and pavements; very few are reported to happen on private premises.

What should you do to prevent your premise users from slipping on ice and snow? Should you ignore it and assume that the hazard is obvious to anyone? Do you clear it to make it safe for people? Do you clear it, but badly, and end up in a worse position than if you had done nothing?

Tips and advice on clearing snow and ice

You are only required to take such care as is reasonable – below are examples of good practice when it comes to snow and ice:-

• Start early – it’s easier to clear fresh, loose snow compared to compacted ice that has been compressed by people walking on it
• Don’t use hot water – this will melt the snow, but may replace it with black ice, increasing the risk of injury
• Be a good neighbour – some people may be unable to clear snow and ice on paths from their property
• If shovelling snow, think where you are going to put it so that it doesn’t block people’s paths or drainage channels
• Make a pathway down the middle of the area to be cleared first, so you have a clear surface to walk on
• Spreading some salt on the area you have cleared will help stop ice forming – table salt or dishwasher salt will work, but avoid spreading on plants or grass as they may be damaged by it
• Pay particular care and attention to steps and steep gradients
• Use the sun to your advantage – removing the top layer of snow will allow the sun to melt any ice beneath: however you will need to cover ice with salt to stop it freezing over night
• Attempt to keep the main entrance and approach to it clear during peak times
• Pay particular attention to steps and ramps which can be extremely hazardous if covered in snow and ice
• Corden off any areas normally used by visitors if they become particularly hazardous due to the conditoions
• Check that you have sufficient mats inside the entrance to keep the internal doors clear of ice and snow deposits

You can review what you can do against the advice given on the HSE website – slips and trips FAQs page via the following link http://www.hse.gov.uk/slips/faq.htm#icyconditions 
or contact one of our risk managers on 0800 1244757

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

We have been delighted with the response we have seen to the recent awareness campaign from the British Association for Adoption and Fostering.

Their work with This Morning and others has increased the profile significantly and having spoken and work with many of the local and national agencies for both fostering and adoption, the increased awareness is well timed. The news and personal interest stories have been well received by local authorities and agencies.

Congratulations must also go to our own local authority, City of York Council who have topped the national table for organising adoptions.

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

What’s top of your list leading up to the Christmas period – preparing your stock level, staff numbers, arranging late night opening times, organising your shop insurance?

Beat the Christmas rush. 

If your insurance policy falls due for renewal between November and February then contact our dedicated team of Shop Insurance advisors in October and we will do all the preparations on your insurances for you now – leaving you the time when you need it to concentrate on increasing your income during the seasonal peak. 

Contact Richard Whitehead or Mike Manaley on 01904 520214 or, click here to arrange for a convenient call back time.

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd

D E Ford Insurance Brokers Ltd