LIFT INSPECTIONS AND MAINTENANCE  If your building has a lift, stair lift, platform lift or even a dumb waiter, you should know about Lifting Operations and Lifting Equipment Regulations, 1998 (LOLER).  These regulations state requirements for anyone who owns or is ‘responsible for the safe operation of a lift used at work’.   In this case, the term ‘work’ includes any location that any type of work is taking place, be it paid or any kind of volunteer work.  This means that churches, community centres and the like are also included.  If you have a lift, you have a legal responsi ..read more

We are excited to announce that we have joined Integra Insurance Solutions and owners of the Congregational insurer brand.  We have worked closely with them over the last 20 years to provide insurance solutions within the Church and associated commercial business market. Over this time, we have come to recognise that we share the same values and ethics, and this closer partnership is a natural step forward that strengthens our business in providing a high level of service and support to our clients. Nothing changes in our mission as a Chartered Insurance Broker, focusing on church, charit ..read more

You may have seen recent reports on the decision BT have made to remove their alarm signalling service, Redcare from the market by 1st August 2025. This means that by the cut-off date next year, anyone who currently uses monitored electronic systems, such as automatic fire and security systems using a BT Redcare signalling product will now need to find an alternative solution. What exactly are these changes? BT Openreach, which manages the UK landline telephone network, will be replacing their traditional copper wire system and replacing it with digital technology, utilising fibre optic c ..read more

According to Statista, as of December 2023, there were approximately 168,850 registered charities in England and Wales alone.[1] Additionally, the latest figures also show that Scotland has over 25,000 charities[2] and Northern Ireland has over 7,500 charities.[3] So, with over 200,000 registered charities across the UK, a sizeable percentage of the population may find themselves acting as a trustee for a charitable organisation at one point or another. As the guardians of your organisation, trustees can find themselves in trouble personally if their business is in trouble. But, to combat this ..read more

Cyberattacks are not just an issue for larger organisations, because in recent years, we’ve seen an increasing number of smaller businesses targeted too. They’re also proving more costly. Having risen by a staggering 40% in just four years,[1] cyberattacks are now thought to cost UK businesses a huge £21bn per year.[2] While no company is invulnerable to a cyberattack, SMEs, who have fewer resources than larger companies to tackle such threats, are particularly common targets. In fact, a recent survey found that 39% of UK small businesses have suffered a cyberattack,[3] with the average cost o ..read more

The principal fire safety legislation applicable to England comprises: The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the ‘Fire Safety Order’) The Fire Safety Act 2021 The Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022 The Fire Safety Order applies to virtually all premises, other than single residential dwellings (bungalows, houses, flats, etc.) – in particular, with very rare exceptions, it applies to all premises used as a workplace. New requirements have come into force for people who have responsibilities under the Fire Safety (England) Regulations 2022. You will have such responsibilities if ..read more

Many of you may have heard about the new requirements being introduced regarding multi-occupancy building insurance. Since the tragic fire at Grenfell Tower in 2017, there have been numerous concerns about insuring high-rise buildings. Following this, the Financial Conduct Authority conducted some research alongside several other bodies, to address this, and several other such concerns. What did they find? What quickly became clear was the lack of care and options available to leaseholders. For example, because lessees are not the direct customers of insurance brokers, there didn’t appear to b ..read more

The vast majority of people were unfamiliar with RAAC until very recently, when headlines of sudden school closures linked to the material brought it into public awareness for the first time. Now, people are wondering what RAAC is and why it might be so dangerous. Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) is a building material that was primarily used in the UK from the 1960s to 1990s. Similar to traditional concrete but much lighter due to its aerated structure – meaning it’s filled with tiny holes – RAAC was mainly used in the construction of public sector buildings, like schools and cou ..read more

As a business owner, ensuring adequate insurance coverage is crucial for protecting your company’s assets and mitigating potential risks. With each passing year, the insurance landscape evolves, and it becomes essential to review and renew your insurance policies to align with the changing business environment. In this blog, we will discuss the key considerations business owners should keep in mind when renewing their insurance in 2023, enabling them to make informed decisions and safeguard their operations. Evaluate Changes in Business Operations: Before renewing your insurance, carefully ass ..read more

Are you looking for the right level of insurance coverage but don’t want to spend too much time and effort on it? An insurance broker may help you find a better deal, navigate complicated coverage options, and give you peace of mind with impartial advice. Here are 10 reasons why you should use an insurance broker for your insurance needs. Impartial Advice: An independent broker provides access to a range of products and insurers and offers impartial advice. Unlike direct insurers, they are not tied to any one company and act as your agent. Expertise: A broker can use their knowledge to h ..read more