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Sarah Clements

How Many Shipping Containers Are Lost At Sea Each Year?
How Many Shipping Containers Are Lost At Sea Each Year? 800 533 James Hallam

Hundreds, and sometimes thousands, of shipping containers are lost at sea each year, resulting in significant financial losses for global shipping businesses. Lost containers can also present a collision risk for other vessels at sea, and depending on their contents, they could even lead to serious environmental damage.

In this post we will explore why so many shipping containers get lost at sea each year, and discuss how you can best protect your shipping business against financial loss.

How Many Shipping Containers Get Lost At Sea Every Year?

The World Shipping Council routinely surveys its member companies in order to estimate the number of shipping containers that get lost at sea each year.

The most recent survey, from 2025, covers the years up to and including 2024. Here are the total number of containers lost at sea over the past few years, according to World Shipping Council members:

  • 2024 – 576
  • 2023 – 221
  • 2022 – 661
  • 2021 – 2,301
  • 2020 – 3,924

The World Shipping Council points out that over 250 million containers are shipped each year. 576 lost containers equate to just 0.0002% of this total. They also highlight how approximately 33% of all containers lost each year are ultimately recovered.

The World Shipping Council has been surveying their members in this way since 2011. Each year, they report a rolling three-year average. In the latest report, this stood at 489. In the previous report, the rolling three-year average was more than double this, at 1,061.

So, there is an encouraging downward trend. But the council also report a 10-year average of 1,274 containers lost each year. Every single lost container will lead to significant expenses, and each one poses a hazard to other vessels, and potentially to the environment too.

What Causes Shipping Container Loss?

Container falls
A container might fall from a vessel as a result of bad weather, collisions, or other incidents at sea. Human error can also play a part, should someone fail to correctly secure a container, for example. A ship may also choose to jettison its cargo in response to an onboard incident, such as a fire.

Global events
Global events can influence the total number of containers lost in a year. In recent years, unrest in the Middle East has forced many shipping routes to detour away from the Red Sea, and around the Cape of Good Hope.

Converging weather systems make extreme weather events, along with steep wave patterns, relatively common in this area. According to the South African Maritime Safety Authority, around 200 containers were recently lost around the Cape of Good Hope in the space of one year.

Isolated events
Occasionally, isolated events cause a major spike in the number of shipping containers lost in one year. 5,578 containers were lost in 2013, making this the worst year for losses in recent memory. This was largely due to a single incident in which an entire vessel was lost. Large scale incidents also occurred in 2020, when 3,924 containers were lost in a year, and 2021, which saw total losses of 2,301.

TopTier is an ongoing research project which is currently investigating these large scale losses in order to determine what went wrong, in the hope of identifying potential actions that could help prevent container loss.

Who is Liable For Shipping Container Loss?

Claims involving lost containers can get complicated. As well as the physical loss of the container, insurers must also consider any other containers that get damaged as a result of collapsing stacks, along with any damage the vessel itself sustains during the incident. Plus, as we mentioned above, a container lost at sea could ultimately damage other vessels, and could also have an environmental impact.

A shipping contract should outline who is responsible for costs and losses at each stage of the process. Whichever party is responsible for the goods during the passage at sea, whether that is the buyer or the seller, will have to ensure they are fully covered for potential container losses, along with the subsequent damages and costs that may arise.

Beyond this, the specific circumstances of the incident will determine who takes ownership of the container after it is lost. The cost of recovering lost containers, for instance, often falls on third parties. You can read our full guide to the different types of marine insurance loss claims.

Get Comprehensive Marine Insurance From James Hallam

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of James Hallam Limited who are accredited Lloyd’s brokers.

We can help you understand your liability concerning incidents of containers lost at sea, and we can help you ensure you have the dedicated insurance you need to cover you for all risks.

Find out more about our specialist marine insurance services. Or to speak to one of our team Call us on 020 3148 9540 or email info@everardinsurance.co.uk

Incoterms: Full List with Meanings & Definitions
Incoterms: Full List with Meanings & Definitions 800 533 James Hallam

If you want to ship goods internationally, it is essential that you understand incoterms.

In this post we will outline the full list of incoterms, with meanings and definitions, before exploring why they matter.

What are Incoterms?

Incoterm is short for “international commercial terms”. These are a set of standard trade definitions introduced by the International Chamber of Commerce to transcend global language barriers.

Each incoterm features three letters, and each outlines the specific responsibilities of buyers and sellers in international trade agreements.

Because banks and customs agencies across the world use the same incoterms, anyone involved in international shipping can avoid ambiguities.

Some incoterms apply to all modes of transport, while others are exclusively for sea and inland waterway transport.

Full List of Incoterms

The current edition of incoterms is INCO 2020. There are 11 incoterms in total, and they are grouped into four categories:

The E Term

EXW

EXW is the only E term. It stands for “Ex Works”.

This term is used exclusively to refer to transactions where the seller, exporter, or manufacturer makes the goods available at their own premises. This means that the buyer takes on all subsequent risks, responsibilities, and costs for the goods’ ongoing journey to the final point of delivery.

The F Terms

These terms apply to transactions where the seller or exporter is responsible to deliver the goods to a carrier.

Usually, the buyer arranges for the carrier, meaning that the buyer and the seller share risks and costs. The seller handles the risks and costs up to the handover, and the buyer handles the risks and costs for the rest of the process.

There are three F terms:

FCA (Free carrier)
The delivery point is an agreed location, such as a port or a terminal.

FAS (Free Alongside Ship)
This term refers exclusively to marine shipping. The delivery point is a port of shipment, and the risk and cost transfer takes place when the goods are placed alongside the ship.

FOB (Free On Board)
Another marine shipping incoterm. Like FAS, the delivery point is a port of shipment, but this time the risk and cost of transfer takes place when the goods are loaded onboard the ship.

The C Terms

These terms apply to transactions where the seller, exporter, or manufacturer takes responsibility for arranging for, and paying for, the carriage of goods. However, they are not responsible for any additional risks or costs that may emerge once the goods have been shipped.

There are four C terms:

CPT (Carriage Paid To)

The delivery point is a named place of destination, and the seller is responsible for all transport costs until the goods are handed to the first carrier.

CIP (Carriage and Insurance Paid To)

The delivery point is a named place of destination, and the seller is responsible for all risks and costs until the goods are handed to the first carrier. In this case, the costs include some insurance cover for any loss or damage to the goods during that first part of their journey.

CFR (Cost and freight)

This term refers exclusively to marine shipping. The delivery point is the port of destination, and the seller is responsible for all freight costs up to the point where the goods are onboard the ship.

CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight)

Another marine shipping term. The delivery point is the port of destination, and the seller is responsible for all freight costs up to the point where the goods are onboard the ship. But they will also pay for insurance, to cover any loss or damage to the goods during that first part of their journey.

The D Terms

These terms apply to transactions where the seller, exporter, or manufacturer takes responsibility for all costs and risks associated with delivering goods to a named place of destination.

There are three D terms:

DAP (Delivered At Place)

The buyer specifies a delivery point, and the seller is responsible for all costs and risks associated with delivering the goods to this destination. However, this does not extend to any costs or risks associated with unloading the goods, or taking them to a further destination.

DPU (Delivered At Place, Unloaded)

The buyer specifies a delivery point, and the seller is responsible for all costs and risks associated with delivering the goods to this destination. This time, the seller takes additional responsibilities for the costs and risks associated with unloading the goods at the destination.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid)

The buyer specifies a delivery point, and the seller is responsible for all costs and risks associated with delivering the goods to this destination. In this case, these costs will include any duties incurred during the delivery.

Why Incoterms Matter for Liability

Each incoterm clarifies both the buyer’s and the seller’s responsibilities when it comes to both costs and risks. The terms also clarify the limits of these responsibilities, and the point at which they might transfer from one party to another.

Get incoterms right, and it can lead to streamlined global shipping, even when there is no shared language. But get them wrong, and it can lead to delays, extra costs, custom issues, and even legal disputes.

This is why it is important to not just choose the right incoterm for each transaction, but also to ensure that the contract reflects the implications of the term you use. For example, most incoterms require a named destination. If this is not included in the contract, it could lead to ambiguities and disagreements should anything go wrong.

How Incoterms Affect Insurance

The incoterms you use during your transactions will also determine the level of insurance cover you need, whether you are the buyer or the seller.

In an EXW transaction, the buyer takes on the most risk. In a DDP transaction, the seller takes on the most risk. Other incoterms will require the buyer and the seller to share the risks and the costs, with the specific code determining the precise point at which the responsibilities transfer from one party to another.

Whichever code you use, it is essential that your insurance covers you for all the risks and responsibilities as outlined in your contract.

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you understand the cost, risk, and insurance implications of any incoterm you use, and we can help you get the specialist cover you need at a competitive price.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services, or call us on 020 3148 9540 or email info@everardinsurance.co.uk.

Health and Safety Checklist For The Office
Health and Safety Checklist For The Office 800 533 James Hallam

Compared to a warehouse, a construction site, or a factory, an office might not feel like a particularly risky work environment. But accidents can still happen. And if they do, your business could face some costly claims.

Common Risks For Offices

It is important to take the time to understand all of the possible risks in your office that could lead to an accident or other incident. Once you understand these risks, you will know what actions you need to take to manage and mitigate them.

  • Slips, Trips, and Falls – Employees could trip over bags, files, wires, and other items that might clutter or obstruct walkways. A leak or spillage in the kitchen or breakroom could also lead to slips or falls.
  • Musculoskeletal Injuries – If an employee lifts a heavy item without following the correct procedures, it could lead to serious long-term back injuries. Years of bad posture could also result in chronic issues in later life.
  • Damage to Property – If an employee spills a cup of coffee at their desk, it could result in significant damages to your company’s property and equipment.
  • Fire, Flood, and Theft – Finally, offices must contend with the same risks that exist for any business in any sector. Fires may be a particular risk for offices, as the prevalence of flammable materials, including paper and soft furnishings, could mean that any fire that breaks out will rapidly spread.

How to Perform a Risk Assessment For Your Office

There are four essential steps to an office risk assessment:

  1. Identify every risk that could lead to accidents or injuries. As well as immediate risks, such as obstructions that could lead to trips or falls, also consider long-term risks, such as back problems arising from poor lifting techniques.
  2. Determine the likelihood and severity of every risk you identify. Also determine who each risk is most likely to affect. In an office environment, where everyone works similar jobs in similar conditions, it may be the case that every member of staff is equally susceptible to any risk you identify.
  3. Outline the steps you can take to manage, mitigate, or eliminate each risk you identify. Again, it pays to think of long-term risks as well as immediate risks. For example, what can you do today to prevent the onset of RSI in your employees’ later lives?
  4. Establish who is responsible for carrying out every risk management procedure you identify. For example, every employee might take responsibility for keeping the area immediately surrounding their desk free from clutter, to reduce the possibility of trips and other incidents.

Read our full guide to risk assessments for businesses.

Health and Safety Starts With Staff Training

You should routinely train your staff to understand the risks associated with the office environment, and the part they can play in managing these risks.

Along with managing everyday risks, your staff training should cover:

  • Safe lifting techniques – To avoid the musculoskeletal injuries that could arise from lifting a heavy object.
  • Fire safety procedures – What your staff should, and should not do, in the event of a fire. Read our full guide to fire safety procedures for businesses.
  • Cybersecurity – Your employees should also understand the role they can play in protecting your business from cybercrime. Read our essential introduction to cybersecurity for businesses.

All new employees should go through this training as part of their induction, and you should run refresher training sessions at least once a year.

Health and Safety Checklist For The Office

Beyond staff training, here are the key elements of health and safety that you should address in your office:

The workplace environment

  • Is there a cleaning rota, and are you sticking to it?
  • Are staff responsible for keeping their own work areas clean?
  • Are the walkways free from clutter and other trip hazards?
  • Also pay attention to the light levels, the noise levels, and the air quality in the office.

Fire safety

  • Are you keeping on top of routine safety inspections for the electrical equipment in your office?
  • Are your fire extinguishers in code?
  • Are your alarms and sprinkler systems working?
  • Make sure your fire escape routes are clearly marked, and free from all obstructions.

Accident reporting

In the event of an accident, you should:

  • Have a process for reporting what took place
  • Identify possible root causes of the incident.
  • Identify some possible actions you could take to prevent similar incidents from occurring in future.

Get The Right Cover For Your Office

You have a legal duty to get employer’s liability insurance. This will cover your employees for any accidents that might take place in the workplace.

But remember that anything that happens to your employees could also happen to visiting clients and customers, to contractors, to delivery drivers, and to other members of the public who may spend time on your premises.

You employer’s liability insurance would not cover any incidents involving non-employees. Nor would it cover damage to property, or other losses associated with fire, flood, theft, or cybercrime.

This is why you need specialist, comprehensive insurance for your office. James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business. We can help you get the dedicated cover you need for your office, at the best price.

Learn more about our specialist office insurance services, or for more information call us on 0330 024 0755 or email enterprisenb@jameshallam.co.uk

 

What Insurance Do Coworking Spaces Need?
What Insurance Do Coworking Spaces Need? 800 391 James Hallam

There are currently over 4,300 coworking spaces in the UK, with more opening each year.

Coworking spaces provide an affordable means for SMEs and startups to launch and scale, while also providing unique networking opportunities for freelancers, consultants, and other independent professionals.

But this new way of working creates new risks. If you own or manage a coworking space, in this post we will outline what insurance you will need to cover your coworking space, and the people that use it, against all risks.

Add Insurance Requirement To Your Membership Agreements

You should specify that anyone who joins your coworking space, whether they are an individual or an organisation, has adequate insurance to cover their own risks. This should be a requirement for all contracts, even if they only last for a few weeks.

Members’ insurance should cover:

  • Their own property. e. Any stock, equipment, devices, or other items they bring to the coworking space.
  • Their own liability. For example, any business that uses your coworking space should be covered for any accidents or incidents involving their own employees, or any clients they bring onto the premises.

This means that there will be less uncertainty surrounding who is liable for certain claims. But as well as requiring your members to take care of their own cover needs, you will need your own insurance to cover the areas of your operation for which you are personally liable.

Insurance Cover Coworking Spaces Need

In addition to requiring your members to hold their own insurance, as a coworking space, you’ll also need:

  • Employers liability insurance
  • Public liability insurance
  • Buildings insurance
  • Contents insurance
  • Business interruption insurance
  • Cyber Insurance

We’ll cover each of these in more detail below.

Employer’s Liability Insurance

If you employ any staff to manage your coworking space, then you have a legal duty to get employer’s liability insurance. This will cover your employees for any accidents or injuries they may experience while working for you.

This cover could extend to:

  • Cleaning staff
  • Caretakers and maintenance staff
  • Onsite tech support
  • Receptionists
  • Catering staff

Public Liability Insurance

Your members should get liability insurance to cover their employees, and any other individuals they bring to your coworking space. But you should still get your own public liability insurance to cover any other members of the public who may visit your premises.

This could include:

  • Contractors
  • Delivery drivers
  • Prospective clients, who visit your coworking space to see if it is right for them

Public liability insurance will cover these individuals for any accidents or injuries they experience while spending time at your coworking space. This will also include cover for their personal property.

Buildings Insurance

This will cover the structure of your coworking space, including any interior fixtures and fittings such as doors, staircases, elevators, and so on. It may also cover certain exterior features, such as car parks, gardens, and outdoor structures.

You will likely be required to get buildings cover for your coworking space as a condition of your rental or mortgage agreement.

Contents Insurance

As we mentioned above, you should specify that anyone who uses your coworking space takes responsibility for their own property while onsite. But you should still get your own contents insurance to cover any equipment or furniture you provide.

This might include:

  • Any equipment used by your onsite staff.
  • Any stock you store onsite, such as stationery.
  • Furniture, including office furniture you provide for your working spaces, and any chairs, tables, or other items you provide in your communal spaces.

Business Interruption Insurance

If a fire, a flood, a break-in, or another incident temporarily prevents you from operating your coworking space, business interruption insurance can cover your overheads for as long as it takes for you to recover.

For coworking spaces, a business interruption insurance policy may include cover for lost income. You may have to refund your members for any time they have paid for, but which they were not able to use. And of course, you will not be able to gather any income from members while your space is closed.

Cyber Insurance

Finally, all businesses are vulnerable to cybercrime, and coworking spaces are no exception.

You might require your members to cover their own liabilities for data loss or cyberattacks. But you should also get your own cover in place, just in case cybercriminals ever target your systems. In this case, your cyber insurance can cover the costs of your response to the attack, along with any legal fees or compensation payments that may arise as a result of the breach.

Read our full guide to cyber insurance for businesses.

Get Tailored Insurance For Your Coworking Space

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers. We can help you access the specialist insurance you need for your coworking space at the best price.

Get a free quote today. If you would prefer to speak to someone call us on 0330 024 0755 or email enterprisenb@jameshallam.co.uk

Warehouse Fire Safety Risk Assessments: What You Need To Include
Warehouse Fire Safety Risk Assessments: What You Need To Include 800 533 James Hallam

We recently published a comprehensive warehouse health and safety policy checklist. In this post we will take a closer look at fire safety risk assessments for warehouses. This is a guide for warehouse owners and managers to help you ensure you are doing all you can to protect your staff, your stock, and your premises from the risk of fire.

Why is Fire a Serious Risk For Warehouses?

Fire is a serious risk for any business. But warehouses especially are particularly vulnerable to fire.

Warehouses are filled from floor to ceiling with large quantities of stock. Even if this stock is not itself flammable, then the components use to store the stock might well be: Wood, cardboard, packing materials, and so on.

So, if a fire breaks out in a warehouse, the sheer volume of combustible materials mean that the fire could rapidly spread before anyone has a chance to contain it.

What To Include in Your Warehouse Fire Safety Risk Assessment

There should be five steps to your warehouse fire risk assessment:

  1. Identify the possible fire hazards
  2. Identify who is at risk
  3. Determine how you can manage, mitigate, or eliminate these risks
  4. Record the steps you take to address the risks
  5. Periodically review your assessment

Step 1 – Identify The Possible Fire Hazards in Your Warehouse

You need to identify all sources of:

  • Ignition – This could include naked flames, such as cigarettes, matches, and lighters; vehicle exhausts; faulty or misused electrical equipment; heat sources such as gas, electric, and microwaves; friction generated by mechanical processes; and sparks from bonfires, welding apparatus, and other processes. Also check any equipment for hot surfaces and make sure their ventilation ports are not obstructed.
  • Fuel – As well as your stock, identify all flammable liquids and chemicals, such as cleaning products, paints, varnishes, and spirits; flammable gases such as aerosols and LPG cannisters; and materials such as plastics, rubber, paper, textiles, soft furnishings, insultation, and timber.
  • Oxygen – Fire needs a source of oxygen to burn. If a fire breaks out in your warehouse, the air itself will provide this oxygen. But there may be additional sources of oxygen which could help the fire to spread. For example, certain chemicals might act as oxidising agents, and welding and other processes make use of oxygen cylinders.

Step 2 – Identify Who Is At Risk

If a fire were to break out in your warehouse, who would be at risk?

All employees would be at risk, of course. But you should pay particular attention to:

  • Anyone who works alone, such as cleaners or security staff, and employees who work in isolated areas.
  • Employees who are less familiar with your premises and processes, such as contractors, customers, delivery drivers, and seasonal workers.
  • Employees with mobility issues, or language issues.

These are employees who may need extra support in effectively responding to a fire breakout. You may need to consult such employees in order to fully understand their individual needs, and how you could accommodate them.

Step 3 – Determine How You Can Manage, Mitigate, or Eliminate These Risks

Once you understand the possible sources of fire, and once you have identified who is at risk, you need to outline how you are going to manage these risks.

The specific steps you take will depend on the risks you have identified, but it might involve the following:

Staff training

Ensure that everybody understands the fire risks in your warehouse, and the role they can play in managing these risks. Also ensure that everyone understands the proper evacuation procedure in the event of an outbreak, including those you identified in step 2, who may be particularly at risk.

Addressing sources of ignition

This could include setting designated areas for smoking, for burning waste, for welding, and for other activities and processes that could create sparks or naked flames. You could also ensure that all electrical equipment is regularly inspected, and properly installed, used, and maintained.

Addressing sources of fuel

You might have to rethink how you store certain items. For example, you should not store combustible solids, liquids, and gases in the same space. You should also ensure that there is adequate spacing between any stacks of stored stock, and you should review your security systems to reduce the risk of arson.

Address sources of oxygen

Set some best practice guidelines. For example, any doors, windows, or other openings that are not required for ventilation should be kept shut as much as possible. You should also avoid storing any oxidising agents near any sources of heat, or flammable materials.

Review your fire safety equipment and procedures

Are your fire extinguishers all in code, and suitable for fighting the sort of fires that could break out? Are you fire alarms, emergency lights, and sprinkler systems in good working order? Do all staff, including any temps or seasonal workers, understand the procedures to follow should a fire break out? Are your fire exits clearly marked, and are all escape routes clear of obstructions?

Step 4 – Record The Steps You Take to Address The Risks

Keep a record of any risks you identify, including those members of staff who may be particularly at risk, along with any action you take to address these risks.

Also keep a record of any additional staff training requirements you identify. And if you meet with any staff members to discuss their individual needs, keep a record of this discussion, and of the agreed actions.

Keeping such records will prove invaluable should any enforcing authority ever call upon you to evidence your fire risk management procedures. Your records will also act as a benchmark, which you can refer to when reviewing your fire risk management procedures.

Step 5 – Periodically Review Your Risk Assessment

You should periodically review your fire risk assessment in order to ensure that you are managing all existing risks while effectively responding to any new or emerging risks.

At minimum, you should review your fire risk assessment once a year. But you should also review your fire safety policies and procedures whenever you make any significant changes to your warehouse operations, including:

  • Substantial changes to the working patterns, including the acquisition of new equipment
  • Alterations to the warehouse premises, including any changes to the furniture, fixtures, and fittings.
  • Major staff overhauls, such as the recruitment of seasonal staff or contractors.

Get The Right Cover For Your Warehouse

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business. We can help you get the dedicated cover you need for your warehouse. We can also show you how to evidence your fire risk management procedures to your insurer, which could help you make a saving on the cost of cover.

Learn more about our specialist office insurance services, or to speak to someone call us on 0330 024 0755  or email enterprisenb@jameshallam.co.uk

 

The Risks of High Staff Turnover in Restaurants and the Food Industry
The Risks of High Staff Turnover in Restaurants and the Food Industry 800 533 James Hallam

High staff turnover is a perennial issue for restaurants and other businesses in the food and hospitality industry.

For most businesses, a high staff turnover can seriously impact the overall operational efficiency. But for restaurants, a high staff turnover can also contribute to some serious risks, for both the business and its customers.

How High is Staff Turnover in Restaurants and the Food Industry?

Recent figures from CIPD suggest that restaurants and other hospitality businesses are facing a staff turnover rate of 52.2%. This means that more than half of all staff they recruit in a 12-month period will be gone within a year.

Separate studies suggest that the average restaurant employee will spend just 110 days in their role. True, this figure is based on a study of US restaurants. But this simply highlights that high staff turnover is a problem for restaurants across the world.

So, what is it about the restaurant environment that makes staff churn so likely?

Why is Staff Turnover So High in Restaurants and the Food Industry?

Whether you are working front of house or in the kitchens, and number of factors may be contributing to your high staff turnover:

  • Stress, a restaurant can be a particularly stressful place to work. It is a high pressure environment in which you must be constantly on your feet.
  • Low pay, meaning that any job that pays more will seem like a better alternative.
  • Inconsistent scheduling. If employees cannot be sure as to exactly when their shifts will be, it can lead to a poor work/life balance while making it difficult for them to budget.
  • A lack of training and support can make employees feel like they are isolated in their roles, and that things will never improve.

What Are The Risks of High Staff Turnover in Restaurants and the Food Industry?

High staff turnover in a restaurant means efficiency will suffer. The restaurant will face increased costs due to staffing gaps, overtime, and recruitment expenses. Customers may face longer waits and overall inferior experiences, and there will be increased pressure on all remaining employees.

This can lead to a vicious cycle, in which the issues created by a high staff turnover may force any existing employees to look for alternative work.

Yet there are other more serious risks associated with high staff turnover in a restaurant. Stressed or overworked employees may be more likely to make mistakes. This could lead to accidents or injuries, from dropped plates to cuts from knives and other sharp implements. And if someone in the kitchen is not paying attention to what they do, they may inadvertently give a customer food poisoning.

If something goes wrong as a result of a staffing issue, your restaurant could face a costly claim alongside the considerable expenses of dealing with your high employee turnover.

How Can Restaurants Reduce High Staff Turnover?

It is not enough to simply pay your employees more than other restaurants. You need to address your restaurant’s core culture, and work on creating an environment in which employees can feel supported, and in which they feel like they have a future.

This could include working towards:

  • Predictable work rotas, with overtime opportunities for anyone who wants them.
  • Lots of opportunities for advancement, and extensive training opportunities.
  • Incentives tied to performance, or to the time the employee spends in the role.
  • A culture of communication and support, in which managers and employees alike look out for, and respect, one another.

You could also review your recruitment processes, to ensure you are targeting people who will be a good fit for the job. This could include online questionnaires and assessments to help you determine whether candidates have the right traits for the role.

Finally, you should implement a structured onboarding process, so that any new starters get extensive support, training, and supervision throughout their first few months in the role. This will help them acclimatise to the restaurant’s culture, while also helping managers and other employees recognise and respond to any potential issues as early as possible.

Get Tailored Insurance Cover For Your Restaurant

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers. We can help you get a specialist restaurant insurance package that truly meets your cover needs at a competitive price.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

 

How To Communicate and Respond to Government Travel Advice to Customers
How To Communicate and Respond to Government Travel Advice to Customers 800 400 James Hallam

In this post, we will explore your legal and professional duty as a travel agent or tour operator to respond to and communicate this Government travel advice to your customers.

What Travel Advice Does the Government Give?

The UK Government routinely provides travel advice for over 200 overseas countries or territories. This includes updates about the latest entry requirements, safety and security considerations, health risks, and relevant legal differences.

In a tumultuous political climate, this travel advice can differ from one day to the next. A country that was perfectly safe to travel to one week might be completely inaccessible the next.

Why You Need To Communicate Travel Advice to Customers

If the Government suggests that it is unsafe for people to travel to a destination, or if they outline certain precautions that travellers should take, then you may have a duty of care to let your customers know.

You cannot assume that your customers will access this travel advice themselves. If you are selling trips or packages to a certain destination, and the government releases some travel advice about this destination, then you should make every effort to communicate this advice to your customers.

If you do not communicate this travel advice, and something goes wrong during a customer’s trip, then you may be liable for any subsequent loss, damage, or expenses.

Plus, under the Package Travel and Linked Travel Arrangements Regulations 2018, you may have a legal obligation to notify customers of any risks associated with travelling to certain destinations. So, as well as a costly claim from an unhappy customer, and the reputational damages that would follow, you may also face legal action.

How To Stay On Top of Government Travel Advice

You can sign up for email updates featuring the latest travel advice for 226 overseas countries and territories.

Incidents in one country could have repercussions elsewhere. During the recent Middle Eastern conflict, for instance, travellers were advised against journeying to countries that were not directly involved in the fighting.

With this in mind, when registering for updates, it might be best to focus on areas and territories, rather than individual countries.

Sign up for all foreign travel advice updates or you can access each individual country or territory’s page to register for updates relating to that specific location.

How Travel Agents Should Respond to Government Travel Advice

In some cases, a global incident could simply lead to travel delays. But depending on the specific Government travel advice, you may have to:

  • Reroute your customers’ journeys, finding a different way for them to reach the same situation.
  • Cancel their trip entirely. And in the event of a cancellation, you may have to offer your customers’ a full refund, or you could instead offer to make alternative arrangements.

Whichever course of action you decide to take, it is vital that you find a means of effectively communicating both the situation, and what will happen next.

How To Communicate Government Travel Advice to Customers

Verian Group and the Department for Transport drew from behavioural science in an attempt to determine the best way to communicate during travel disruption.

They created a communication toolkit, which offers the following advice to tour operators and travel agents:

Communicate Consistently and Frequently

You should communicate directly with travellers if issues with the Entry/Exit System (EES) and European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will affect a journey they have already booked.

You may have to send multiple updates as the situation develops, and you should ensure your messaging and advice is consistent with the official Government guidance.

The toolkit also advises operators to use trusted sources, and suggests that linking travellers directly to Government information could help them stay informed.

Set Expectations that Information May Change Quickly

Time stamp any information you share, and explicitly state that anything you share may be liable to change. Also make it clear that you will send further updates as the situation develops.

The toolkit suggests that you go for a “factual, professional, and helpful” tone, but that you remain “empathetic and apologetic when [the] impacts are more severe”.

What Should You Communicate?

Above all, it’s important to be specific. If your communications are too generic, travellers may ignore it, or they may be uncertain as to what steps they need to take.

  • “Known” information – Tell them exactly what the Government travel advice is saying, and provide clear explanations for how this might affect their journey. In some cases, they may just have to deal with delays or disruption. But in extreme situations, they may have to cancel their trip outright.
  • “Unknown” information – It is just as important to be clear about any uncertainty. You can emphasise any aspects of the situation that are less clear while remaining as detailed and specific as possible about how the situation might affect your customers. As we mentioned above, you can also promise to provide further updates as the situation develops.
  • Plans and solutions – Tell your customers what actions are being taken, and why. This could include steps you are taking to manage the situation, such as arranging for alternative modes of transport or accommodation. You could also highlight what travellers might expect to happen at transport hubs (longer queues at airports etc.)
  • Steps to take – If the Government travel advice suggests that travellers should take any extra steps when travelling to a location, be sure to advise your customers accordingly. For example, depending on the destination and the situation, they may have to check their documentation, or take out additional travel insurance. 

The Insurance Implications of Government Travel Advice

In extreme situations, the Government advises against all, or “all but essential”, travel to certain locations. If a customer decides to travel to this location despite these warnings, then their travel insurance may no longer cover them for the trip.

You may have to highlight this when communicating with your customers: That if they choose to go ahead with their booking, they do so at their own risk.

Specialist Insurance Services For Travel Agents and Tour Operators

At James Hallam, for over 35 years we have provided dedicated insurance services for travel agents and tour operators. We can advise you on the insurance implications of Government travel advice, and we can also help you get the cover you need at a truly competitive price.

Find out more about our bespoke insurance services for travel agents and tour operators or call us on 0203 967 1923 or email david.mcgregor@jameshallam.co.uk.

 

First Time Beach Hut Owners: What You Need To Know
First Time Beach Hut Owners: What You Need To Know 800 533 James Hallam

If you are a first time beach hut owner, or you are thinking of buying your first beach hut, this is your essential introduction to the world of beach hut ownership.

We will outline some laws and regulations you need to be aware of, and we will link to some guides and resources that will help you keep your beach hut safe, secure, and in top condition all year round.

Why Are Beach Huts In Such High Demand?

The price of beach huts soared in recent years, rising by over 100% between 2022 and 2023 in popular Dorset hotspots. Though the price of beach huts has fallen across the country since, this does not necessarily mean that there is any less demand.

There are still significant waiting lists across the country. For example, the Bournemouth council waiting list only reopened in 2024, having closed due to excessive demand in 2017.

So, why are beach huts so popular? If you own a beach hut, or you are considering buying one, then you are probably already aware of the appeal: A beach hut is a place to call your own, with fantastic sea views and easy access to the beach and other local amenities.

In the short-term, a beach hut is a peaceful place in which you can spend time with friends and family. And in the long-term, if the prices rise again like they did in recent years, a beach hut may prove to be a good investment.

Leasehold vs Freehole Beach Huts

Whether you have recently bought your first beach hut, or you are looking to purchase a beach hut for the first time, the first question to ask yourself is: Leasehold or freehold?

  • Leasehold – This means you will purchase your hut through the local council, who may set certain restrictions on how you can use the hut.
  • Freehold – This means you will purchase your hut through a private seller. It also means that you will own the land the beach hut is built on, along with the hut itself. This will give you a lot more flexibility in how you use the hut.

Whether your hut is leasehold or freehold will determine the sales process, along with the terms of your ownership. It may also determine how you use your beach hut, depending on the local rules and regulations set out by the council.

You can read our full guide to buying your first beach hut, and the implications of the arrangement, here.

How to Take Care of Your Beach Hut

A beach hut is a significant investment, so you will want to do everything you can to keep it in good condition.

Staying on top of maintenance will help you to ensure your beach hut remains a clean, pleasant, and safe space for years to come. Plus, as we will explain more below, you may be required carry out certain maintenance tasks as a condition of your beach hut insurance.

We have a range of guides that will help you stay on top of your beach hut maintenance throughout the year:

How to Keep Your Beach Hut Safe

As a beach hut owner, you will have to contend with three major threats to your hut:

  • Damage and degradation from extreme weather events
  • Fires, whether as a result of an accident or intentional arson
  • Theft and vandalism

Beach Hut Maintenance: Staying on top of maintenance can help you manage all of these risks. Cleaning and periodically painting your beach hut, for instance, can help protect your beach hut from the elements. Making sure to repair small flaws as soon as you spot them will prevent them from escalating into major structural issues.

Simply keeping your beach hut clean and presentable could also help you to protect it from crime. Thieves, vandals, and even arsonists may be more likely to target beach huts that seem abandoned or unoccupied. They may overlook any beach huts that seem clean and well-maintained.

Beach Hut Insurance: In the event of an incident, whether it is fire, theft, or vandalism, dedicated beach hut insurance can cover you for any damages or other losses. And as we mentioned above, your insurer may outline certain maintenance tasks they expect you to carry out each year, as a condition of cover.

So, get comprehensive cover and keep up with the essential maintenance tasks, and you should protect your beach hut against most, if not all, risks.

Specialist Beach Hut Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to protecting your beach hut.

We provide a specialist beach hut insurance scheme at a competitive price. We are experts in the market, and we can help you get full cover for your hut, no matter its size or location, and no matter how you use it.

Learn more about our specialist beach hut insurance or get a free quote today. For more information, you can call any of the team on 01473 343390 or email huts@jameshallam.co.uk

 

What is Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance & Who Needs It?
What is Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance & Who Needs It? 800 534 James Hallam

Errors and Omissions (E&O) insurance is a specific type of professional indemnity insurance that protects you for certain types of liability claims. In this post we will outline what E&O insurance covers and explore which professions could benefit from this type of insurance.

What is Errors and Omissions (E&O) Insurance?

E&O insurance will cover you for claims involving allegations of errors, omissions, or professional negligence. It will also cover you for claims that your services did not meet your client’s expectations, resulting in financial loss.

If a client makes such a claim against you, E&O insurance can cover your legal fees, along with any settlements or compensation payments that may arise.

What is the Difference Between E&O Insurance and Professional Indemnity Insurance?

Professional liability insurance – or professional indemnity insurance as it is known in the UK – is very similar to E&O insurance. In fact, as many professional indemnity insurance policies cover for errors and omissions, some might even use the terms interchangeably.

Both professional indemnity and E&O policies will cover businesses for financial losses arising from errors, or allegations of negligence. E&O insurance policies, though, may be specifically designed to meet the cover requirements of businesses in the technology, finance, and consultancy sectors.

What Does E&O Insurance Cover?

If you provide consultancy services, or if you manage your clients’ finances, then your clients will put a lot of trust into your insights and expertise. If something goes wrong, and your clients make a financial loss, then they might make a claim against you.

This is where your E&O insurance will prove invaluable. If the client’s claim is successful, then your insurance will cover any settlements or compensation they may be due. But crucially, E&O insurance will also cover your legal fees throughout the proceedings.

Even if the client’s claim is unfounded, and even if the court rules in your favour, legal fees can soon ramp up. E&O insurance will give you peace of mind that everything will be covered in the unlikely event of a liability claim from a dissatisfied client.

What Types of Errors and Omissions Are Covered?

An E&O insurance policy might cover claims involving allegations of:

  • Errors or Omissions – As the name suggests, the policy can cover alleged mistakes or oversights that result in financial losses.
  • Negligence – This might include allegations of poor work or misrepresentation, or a failure to meet industry standards. In the creative fields, this could also include cases where you inadvertently breach another business’s intellectual property rights.
  • Defamation – If you make a statement that damages another individual or business’s reputation.
  • Breach of Trust or Contract – If you accidentally break a confidentiality agreement or disclose sensitive information. Or, if you miss deadlines, fail to deliver work, or otherwise breach the terms of your contract.

Who Needs E&O Insurance?

Unlike Professional indemnity insurance, a dedicated E&O insurance policy may be tailored to suit the specific cover and regulatory requirements for businesses in the tech, finance, and consultancy sectors.

This might include any role that involves providing professional services or advice, including:

  • Accountants
  • Financial advisors
  • Software developers
  • Estate agents
  • Law firms
  • Engineers, architects, and surveyors
  • Creative roles, including graphic designers and digital marketers

How To Ensure You Have The Right Level of E&O Insurance Cover

Claims involving allegations of errors and omissions can often prove substantial, especially when you factor in the legal costs.

It is essential to ensure that your E&O insurance policy’s specified limits will cover you for all possible claims. The amount of cover you need will depend on your industry and its regulatory requirements, along with the size of your business, and the types of clients you work with.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business. We can help you get exactly the right level of E&O insurance cover you need at a competitive price.

Learn more about our professional risks services, or for more information call us on 0207 977 7842 or email paul.mcnally@jameshallam.co.uk

Everard Supports All-Women Sea Survival Course
Everard Supports All-Women Sea Survival Course 2048 1536 James Hallam

At Everard, part of James Hallam, we are proud to support initiatives that help strengthen safety, skills and opportunities across the marine industry. As specialist marine insurance brokers with deep roots in the maritime sector, we understand the importance of practical training and ongoing professional development for those working at sea.

We were delighted to sponsor three spaces on the recent all-women sea survival course organised by Women in Fisheries, helping participants gain vital emergency safety training and confidence at sea.

The course was another successful step forward in supporting and encouraging more women into the fishing and wider maritime industries, while reinforcing the importance of safety awareness and preparedness for everyone working on the water.

Read more about the All-Women Sea Survival course.

As a dedicated marine insurance broker, Everard remains committed to supporting the communities and industries we work alongside every day.

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