Insights

What Insurance Do Architects Need?
What Insurance Do Architects Need? 1000 667 James Hallam

Whether you are an architect, part of a design firm, or a freelance designer, this post will outline the essential insurance products you should consider if you work in the architecture industry.

Key Risks For Architects and Related Professionals

  • Errors and Omissions – If you make an error in your work, it could lead to some serious problems during the construction process, or afterwards. If these errors result in accident, injury, or financial losses, then someone might make a claim against you.
  • Delays – Delays are common in the architectural industry. Unfortunately, certain delays can result in considerable financial losses. Any financial loss could compromise your business. But if you are liable for the delay, then you may also face some legal action.
  • Accident and Injury – Construction sites can be dangerous. If you or anyone on your firm experiences any accidents or injuries during a site visit, you may face numerous costs, along with significant business downtime.

What Are The Legal Requirements For Insurance For Architects?

For architects in the UK, some forms of insurance cover are either required by UK law, or as a condition of your membership of certain professional bodies.

Professional Liability Insurance

The Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) require all architects in the UK to get adequate professional indemnity cover.

Professional indemnity insurance will cover you for a number of claims involving:

  • Errors and omission
  • Negligence
  • Copyright infringement
  • Intellectual property infringement

As we mentioned above, if you make an error in your design, someone may make a claim against you on the grounds of negligence. In this case, professional indemnity insurance can cover your legal costs, along with any compensation that may be due.

Employer’s Liability Insurance

All UK employers have a legal obligation to get employer’s liability insurance. This will cover your employees for any accidents and injuries they may experience while working for you, including any incidents that might take place during site visits.

Employer’s liability insurance can also cover conditions that only emerge after employees leave. For example, if an office-based employee develops RSI after years of working for you, then your employer’s liability insurance may cover any compensation they may be due.

Buildings Insurance

Finally, you may be required to get buildings insurance for your business premises as part of your leasing agreement.

This can cover the costs of repairs following fire, flood, vandalism, break-ins, and other specified insured events.

What Other Insurance Products Do Architects Need?

There are other insurance products that all architects should consider, even if you have no legal obligation to do so:

  • Public Liability Insurance – This can cover third parties, such as your clients, tradespeople, and other members of the public, for accidents and injuries they may sustain when interacting with your business in any way. For example, if a client slips or trips during a site visit, public liability insurance can cover any compensation payments and legal fees that may arise.
  • Contents Insurance – This can cover your business equipment for loss, damage, or theft. With this insurance in place, you will be covered for repairs and replacements should anything go wrong, either on your business premises, or during a site visit, or while travelling to and from projects.
  • Business Interruption Insurance – If a fire, flood, theft, or injury ever prevents you from trading, then business interruption insurance can cover all of your overheads for as long as it takes for you, and your business, to recover.
  • Cyber Insurance – Like all businesses, architects should take steps to protect themselves against the risks of cybercrime. In the event of a cyberattack, cyber insurance can cover the costs associated with securing your systems, while also helping you to support any clients that may have been affected by the incident.

Get Dedicated Architects Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your architectural business.

We will help you understand the unique risks you face as an architect or design firm, and we will help you get the tailored, comprehensive cover you need for total peace of mind.

Find out how we can help you today.

Where Can I Put My Shepherd’s Hut?
Where Can I Put My Shepherd’s Hut? 1000 666 James Hallam

If you buy a shepherd’s hut, are there any rules about where you can, and cannot, put it?

In this post we will outline the regulations, along with some best practices guidelines, for where you might put your shepherd’s hut.

Do I Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?

If you buy a shepherd’s hut and you intend to put it on your own land, there may be some scenarios when you do not need planning permission:

  • If the hut is just for garden use – If only you and your family will be using the hut, whether as storage space, as extra living space, or as a garden office, then you may not need planning permission.
  • If the hut is a temporary structure – If the hut is not fixed on the land – if it has wheels, for instance, or no permanent foundations – then it may be considered a temporary structure. Temporary structures typically do not require planning permission.

When Do You Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?

There are some occasions when you may need to get planning permission:

  • If the hut is a full-time dwelling – If the hut is to be used as a permanent or a main residence, then planning permission may be necessary.
  • If you will be letting the hut – Planning permission may also be necessary if you intend to allow members of the public to use your hut as a holiday let.
  • Boundaries and protected land – If you live in a conservation area, or an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, then you may need to get planning permission for any changes you make to your property. Similarly, you may need permission if you buy a larger hut, or if you intend to place it near your property’s boundaries.

In any case, whether or not you need planning permission may ultimately depend on the local authority’s specific rules.

Read our full guide to planning permission and shepherd’s huts.

Is It Legal to Put a Shepherd’s Hut on My Own Property?

If you want to put your shepherd’s hut on your own land, first make sure it is legal for you to do so. To do this, you need to consider:

Land Ownership
You must legally own the land you intend to place the hut. If you share the land, or if you are leasing it, you will first need permission from any other landowners. And as we said above, you may need to get permission if you wish to place the hut near your property boundaries. You may also need to consider access rights, particularly if you are placing the hut on agricultural land, or near somebody else’s property.

Shepherd’s Hut Size
Generally speaking, your shepherd’s hut must not exceed 2.5 metres in height if you are placing it within two metres of a boundary. Also, the hut should not fill more than 50% of the available land outside of your house. If the size of your hut means you do not meet these requirements, then you may need to get permission before you can install the hut.

Utility Connection
If your shepherd’s hut will have gas, electricity, and running water, then you will need to ensure that everything complies with all relevant safety standards.

Shepherd’s Hut Usage
Once again, if you intend to let the hut to holidaymakers, then you may need to register the hut for business use with your local council. As part of this, you may have to ensure your hut complies with all relevant business and tax regulations for your area.

Can You Put a Shepherd’s Hut on Agricultural Land?

You can put your shepherd’s hut on agricultural land. But depending on how you intend to use the hut, you may need to get permission first.

If you will be using the hut for agricultural purposes – to store equipment, for example, or as accommodation for agricultural workers – then you may not need any permission.

Yet if you intend to use the hut for any other purposes, even if it is just as a place for you and your family to hang out, then you may need to get change of land use approval. If you want to let your home to holidaymakers, for example, you will probably have to register the land for commercial use.

Finally, as we mentioned above, if the agricultural land is part of a protected area, there may be strict regulations in place for what you can and cannot do with the land.

Contact your local authority for more information about putting shepherd’s huts on agricultural land.

Getting The Right Insurance For Your Shepherd’s Hut

The way you use your shepherd’s hut – and where you put it – can affect the sort of cover you will need for your property.

If your shepherd’s hut is in your back garden, and it is for garden use only, then it is possible that your existing home insurance policy will extend to covering your shepherd’s hut. Check your policy wording to be sure, though.

But if you will be using your shepherd’s hut for agricultural or business purposes – such as to rent it out to holidaymakers – then you will need specialist shepherd’s hut insurance to cover the added risks you will face.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

We will ensure you get full cover for your shepherd’s hut, wherever you build it, and however you use it.

Learn more about our specialist shepherd’s hut insurance and get a free quote today.

Quad Bike (ATV) Farm Uses and Equipment
Quad Bike (ATV) Farm Uses and Equipment 1000 664 James Hallam

Quad bikes and ATVs have a range of agricultural applications. In this post we will outline some of the common quad bike and ATV farm uses, along with some of the equipment that might help you make the most of your vehicle.

Why Are Quad Bikes So Useful on Farms?

Farmers and other agricultural and land workers rely on quad bikes for a variety of reasons:

  • Affordability – They cost a lot less to buy, and to run, than many other vehicles. They are highly durable and very low maintenance, meaning they can cost less to service in the long-term too.
  • Versatility – Their small size yet high traction and manoeuvrability makes them robust and reliable for a range of farmyard tasks.
  • Ease of Use – Quad bikes are relatively easy to use, and the licencing requirements are not as stringent as they are for other vehicles.

Key Quad Bike and ATV Farm Uses

  • Transport – If you have a lot of land, your quad bike or ATV can help you get from one place to another quickly and easily. Their off-road capabilities make getting around even easier. Add a trailer, and you can use your quad bike or ATV to transport tools, supplies, and equipment, or to complete fencing projects.
  • Herding – Some farmers use quad bikes and ATVs to manage their livestock – for herding, or for catching cattle for tagging and vaccinations.
  • Crop management – With the right equipment, you can use your quad bike or ATV to spread seeds, to mow and rake grass, and to harrow and plough fields.

Farm Equipment For Quad Bikes and ATVs

Certain pieces of equipment are specifically designed to help you adapt ATVs and quad bikes for agricultural work. These might include:

  • Mowers – For maintaining lawns and fields. You can get mowers to mount to the front or the back of your vehicle, along with specialist strimmers for the edges of fields. You can also attach a rake or a collector to clear land of leaves and debris prior to mowing, or to collect mown grass afterwards.
  • Diggers – Small, independently powered diggers for digging trenches or ditches, or for moving earth or gravel. Depending on your requirements, the digger can have full 360 movement, and even a cab.
  • Harrows – Available in a range of sizes to help prepare your fields for seeding.
  • Spreaders and sprayers – For spreading salt, grit, or fertiliser, and for spraying crops.
  • Trucks and trailers – For transporting tools, equipment, and materials across your land. It is also possible to get specialist forestry trailers for ATVs, some of which are capable of carrying up to two tonnes of logs.

Make sure that any equipment you use is expressly designed for use with quad bikes and ATVs. If not, the equipment might not work like it should, or it could even compromise your safety.

Is Your Quad Bike Or ATV Covered For Agricultural Use?

If you ever take your quad bike or ATV on public roads, then you have a legal duty to get at least third party vehicle insurance. But even if you are strictly using your vehicle off-road, you should still get insurance to cover your vehicle for loss, theft, or damage.

You will have to tell your insurer about any additional attachments or equipment you get for your quad bike or ATV. Some attachments may fundamentally alter the way you use your vehicle, or they may expose you or others to additional risks. This may affect the amount you pay for your cover.

Read our full guide to quad bike insurance for farmers.

Get Specialist Quad Bike Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your assets.

We provide specialist ATV insurance if you use your vehicle in connection with agricultural work or shoots. You can also get additional benefits if you are a BASC member.

Learn more about our dedicated ATV and quad bike insurance services.

 

Top Targeted Industries For Cyber Attacks
Top Targeted Industries For Cyber Attacks 1000 620 James Hallam

2024 UK Government statistics showed that 50% of all UK businesses experienced some form of cybersecurity breach or cyberattack over the previous 12 months. The figure was much higher for medium businesses (70%) and for large businesses (74%).

No matter how big your business, and no matter what sector you are in, you are at risk of cybercrime. However, criminals might be more likely to target some industries over others.

What Are The Top Targeted Industries For Cyber Attacks?

According to data from the World Economic Forum, the top targeted industries for cyberattacks are:

  • Healthcare (accounting for 14.2% of all attacks)
  • Financial organisations
  • Telecommunications
  • Transport companies
  • Energy companies

The WEF defines these sectors as “critical infrastructure”. Cybercriminals are most likely to target such sectors because it is here where they are most likely to access huge amounts of valuable confidential data. Also, some cybercriminals are simply looking to cause chaos, and targeting critical infrastructures is an obvious way to cause as much damage as possible.

Top Targeted Businesses For Cyberattack in the UK

In the UK, sectors which appear to be particularly vulnerable to cyber attacks are:

  • HR
  • Recruitment
  • Manufacturing
  • Hospitality

Businesses in these sectors will process lots of sensitive customer and client data. They’ll run on a network of laptops, smartphones, and tablets, offering multiple areas of attack for cybercriminals.

Plus, businesses in these sectors may be less likely to have invested in cybersecurity, meaning that they may be ill-prepared to effectively respond to a cyberattack.

For a case study in how cybercriminals may target a business in the hospitality sector, consider Marriott’s 2018 data breach. Criminals accessed nearly 400 million customer records, including 9.1 million credit card numbers and over 23 million passport numbers, resulting in huge regulatory fines and restoration costs for the chain.

The Most Common Types of Cyberattacks

According to the UK Government’s latest cybersecurity survey, these are the most common forms of cyberattacks in the UK:

  • Phishing – 84% of businesses have experienced a phishing attack. This usually involves cybercriminals sending an email that appears to come from a trusted, genuine source, such as a bank, or an online retailer. This message will prompt the recipient to take action, usually by clicking a link. But clicking this link could give cybercriminals access to your system.
  • Social Engineering – 35% of businesses have experienced social engineering attacks. This is similar to phishing, in that the cybercriminals will send messages that appear to come from a trusted source. But in this case, they may impersonate a trusted individual, such as a manager or a tech support worker, in order to trick recipients into sharing sensitive data such as passwords.
  • Malware – 17% of businesses have experienced a malware attack. Malware is malicious software that can give cybercriminals access to your system. Particularly damaging for businesses are ransomware attacks. With ransomware, cybercriminals can encrypt your systems or your data and demand a payment to remove the encryption. If the business does not pay this “ransom”, the cybercriminal may delete the data, or they may sell it to other cybercriminals.

Consider Your “Cyber Hygiene”

Because most cyber threats are comparatively unsophisticated, the UK Government advises businesses to protect themselves through adopting some “cyber hygiene” measures.

These include:

  • Installing effective antivirus and malware protection, and keeping this software up to date.
  • Restricting admin rights and enforcing robust password policies and authentication systems.
  • Imposing network firewalls, and secure cloud back-up for the most valuable business data.
  • Staff training on spotting phishing emails, with an agreed process in place for responding to them.

Specialist Cyber Insurance For Your Business

Finally, specialist cyber insurance can give your business the cover you need to effectively respond to cyberattacks and data breaches.

Though your insurance will not prevent attacks and breaches from taking place, your cover will prove invaluable if you ever fall victim to cybercrime. Your policy can cover the costs associated with managing and securing the breach, along with any compensation that may be due.

Read our full guide to how cyber insurance works, and what it covers.

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

Get in touch for a free quote today.

 

What Happens If I Do Not Have Catering Insurance?
What Happens If I Do Not Have Catering Insurance? 1000 665 James Hallam

Catering insurance can cover your business for many of the unique risks associated with preparing and serving food and drink to the public. On top of this, your catering insurance policy can cover you for some of the risks faced by all businesses in all sectors, such as loss or theft of your equipment.

You do have a legal obligation to get some forms of cover. But beyond this, catering insurance is entirely optional. However, in this post we will outline what might happen if you do not have catering insurance, to highlight how dedicated cover is something no caterer should do without.

What Insurance Do Caterers Need By Law?

Employer’s liability insurance is a legal obligation for any businesses that employ staff. This will cover any compensation payments that may arise should any of your employees sustain any illnesses or injuries while working for you.

Even if you just employ your friends or family, you still need to get employer’s liability insurance. Failure to do so could result in hefty fines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) – this can be up to £2,500 per day for each day that your business goes without adequate cover.

Buildings insurance may also be required for your business premises as part of your mortgage or leasing agreement. This can cover the costs of repairs if your premises are ever damaged by fire, flood, theft, vandalism, or other events.

Mobile catering businesses, such as a catering van, you will also need to get at least third party insurance for every vehicle you use as part of your business.

What Happens If I Do Not Have Catering Insurance?

Apart from the forms of cover we listed above, you have no legal obligation to get any kind of catering insurance. However, without adequate cover, even the smallest setback could quickly spiral into a huge issue with the potential to sink your business entirely.

Think about the following situations:

  • Loss of stock – A power cut in the night could cause your fridges and freezers to fail. When you arrive at your premises in the morning, you find that all of your stock is ruined. You will not be able to trade that day, and you will have to order new stock before you can open again.
  • Premises damage – A fire or a flood could cause significant damage to your business premises. If you have buildings insurance, you may be covered for repairs. But will not be able to trade again until the repairs are complete. How will you manage with the loss of income in the meantime?
  • Equipment loss – A major piece of equipment is lost, damaged, or stolen. Could you get by without it? Would you be able to afford a replacement?
  • Customer compensation – A customer gets food poisoning having eaten food prepared on your premises. If they take legal action against you, would you be able to afford the legal fees, and the possible compensation payments?

Catering Insurance Would Cover You For All of These Scenarios, and More

The above situations might seem unlikely, but they are the sort of things that could happen to any catering business. And unless you have adequate cover in place, any one of these scenarios would have the potential to ruin your business.

The following insurance products could give you total peace of mind that you would be covered for all of these situations, and more:

  • Public and Product Liability Insurance – This can cover most accidents, injuries, and illnesses members of the public may sustain as a result of interacting with your business. This can include claims arising from cases of food poisoning or allergic reactions.
  • Contents Insurance – This can cover for your cooking equipment and furnishings, along with your stock and your ingredients. In cases of loss, damage, or theft, your insurance can cover the costs of repairs or replacements.
  • Business Interruption Insurance – If a fire, a flood, or a similar event means you are temporarily unable to trade, business interruption insurance can cover all of your overheads for as long as it takes things to get back to normal.

Get Specialist Catering Insurance From James Hallam

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers.

We know that no two catering businesses are quite the same. This is why we take the time to get to know our clients, so that we can design a catering insurance package that truly meets your needs at a competitive price.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

Issues and Challenges Facing the Restaurant Industry
Issues and Challenges Facing the Restaurant Industry 1000 667 James Hallam

The restaurant industry is going through some trying times. Recent industry figures suggest that 10 restaurants closed every day over the course of 12 months. This means that in one year, the total number of licensed premises in the UK fell by 3.6%, from 103,682 to 99,916.

In this post we will discuss some of the major issues and challenges currently facing the restaurant industry.

Hospitality Staff Shortages

For some years now, there has been talk of a staffing crisis in the UK hospitality industry. In early 2024, the industry has a staff shortfall of 107,000. This was an improvement over the peak of 176,000 the industry experienced post lockdown in 2022. But this figure was still high enough to make hospitality the third worst sector for staff shortfalls, after healthcare and retail.

Staff shortages impact service quality, which may compound issues for restaurants: If customers are not satisfied with their service, then they may be less likely to return to the restaurant. They may also leave a bad review, which could mean the restaurant will struggle to attract any new customers. Dissatisfied customers may even choose to dine and dash in protest.

What are restaurants doing to tackle staff shortages?

Some restaurants and bars have turned to tech to try and address the staffing crisis. Self-service terminals and QR menus, for example, can automate certain processes, meaning that the staff may feel less strained and better able to focus on delivering a good customer service. Other restaurants are addressing their recruitment and onboarding processes in order to better attract and retain staff.

Rising Restaurant Costs

The UK’s “cost of living crisis” has hit every sector. For restaurants, rising energy bills and the growing cost of food and drink has led to increased overheads, which many restaurants will struggle to afford.

Poor crops, supply chain issues and, most recently, import tariffs, have all resulted in food inflation. This will hit restaurants twice: Buying stock will become more expensive but, as their customers will also feel the pinch, they may experience fewer sales too. A combination of rising costs and falling sales can spell doom for any business in any industry.

What are restaurants doing to tackle rising costs?

To address these rising costs, some restaurants have chosen to tweak their menus. In some cases, this is simply a case of raising prices. But seasonal menus and a focus on local ingredients can help lower costs for both you and your customers, as it means your stock will be less vulnerable to crop issues and supply chain problems.

Technology and Cyber Threats

In recent years, technological advances have driven a rise in home delivery orders. In 2024, the UK food delivery market was valued at £3.8 billion, and was forecasted to rise by 15.2% over the following five years.

When ordering online, customers expect high quality food, delivered quickly. Many restaurants have restructured their business to meet these changing customer preferences and expectations. For some restaurants, this has meant shifting from traditional table service to a dedicated food delivery service, where processes that once conducted face-to-face are now conducted almost entirely online.

Embracing tech may have enabled restaurants to meet changing customer expectations, but at the same time, it may have made them more vulnerable to cybercrime. The more processes that are conducted online, the more possible vulnerabilities there are for cybercriminals to target.

What are restaurants doing to tackle cyber threats?

In response to this, restaurants should consider bespoke cybersecurity technologies to help keep their systems, and their customers, safe. Tailored cyber insurance can also help restaurants recover from the many costs they may incur as a result of a cyberattack.

We Can Help You Safeguard Your Restaurant Through These Trying Times

We know that times are tough for restaurants. This is why we are committed to protecting your business.

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 needs at a competitive price. Our restaurant insurance can include cyber cover, which will help you withstand the growing threat of cybercrime.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

 

Hotel Maintenance Checklist – A Guide to Preventing Future Issues
Hotel Maintenance Checklist – A Guide to Preventing Future Issues 1000 667 James Hallam

As a hotel manager, you probably already feel like you have thousands of things to do every day. But taking the time to create and follow a hotel maintenance checklist can help you fix many potential issues long before they become serious problems. In this way, your hotel maintenance checklist will save you a lot of future headaches. And potentially, a lot of money too.

In this post we will outline how to design and implement an effective hotel maintenance checklist that will help you prevent costly breakdowns and potential guest dissatisfaction in the long-term.

Preventative Hotel Maintenance Checklist

Step 1 – Itemise All of Your Hotel’s Assets and Systems

To begin with, make a list of every asset and system in your hotel that you know will require ongoing maintenance.

This will include:

  • Plumbing, electrical, and heating systems
  • Elevators and escalators
  • Fire safety systems, including alarms and sprinklers
  • Catering facilities, including ovens, fridges, and freezers
  • Guest amenities, including gyms, pools, saunas, etc.

Then you should make a separate list for every system you identify:

  • Relevant regulations and standards – for example, the fire safety regulations concerning extinguishers, sprinklers, and other systems.
  • Recommended maintenance schedules as specified in the manual.
  • Warranty details.
  • Servicing contacts – i.e. Who specifically would you contact if each system were to break down? Gathering this information in advance would save you from having to source support in an emergency.
  • Special considerations. For example, the older each system is, the more often it may require servicing. An asset’s location may also affect its maintenance schedule. If you are near the sea, for instance, then any assets located outdoors may be vulnerable to corrosion from sea salt.

Step 2 – Assign Maintenance Roles & Responsibilities

The good news is that you do not have to oversee every aspect of hotel maintenance by yourself.

Assign roles for every key aspect of maintenance throughout your hotel, and you will create accountability. Everyone will know what is required of them, and when.

Sometimes, the maintenance could become a simple ongoing responsibility for an employee. Housekeeping staff could check furniture for signs of wear and tear, and ensure that all appliances in all rooms are in good working order. And your kitchen staff are probably already perfectly aware of the condition of each key item of equipment they use.

For some systems in your hotel, such as your plumbing, electrical, and fire safety systems, you will probably have to enlist expert help for most service checks and maintenance tasks. In which case, your maintenance checklist should specify who is responsible for ensuring you stick to the servicing intervals, and who is responsible for arranging the specialist maintenance.

Step 3 – Organise Maintenance Tasks By Frequency

Create a list of maintenance tasks, and organise them by how frequently they will need completing.

This will include:

  • Daily Tasks – Including routine inspections, cleaning rotas etc.
  • Weekly Tasks – Including fire alarm, emergency lighting, and security system tests.
  • Monthly Tasks – Including more detailed and comprehensive inspections of key systems, and deeper cleaning procedures.
  • Quarterly Tasks – This may include certain professional servicing procedures of heating systems, elevators, fire safety equipment, and other systems.
  • Annual Tasks – This may include assessing your hotel’s structure for signs of wear and tear, along with annual service checks for all of your key systems.

Step 4 – Ongoing Recording and Monitoring

Your preventative hotel maintenance checklist should be just that – a checklist. This means you should be able to check off once each daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, or annual task has been completed.

As well as a tick, the checklist should indicate which specific member of staff conducted the test. There should also be space to add notes, so you can record any emerging issues with a date that they were first identified.

You may wish to invest in hotel maintenance software, which can help you keep on top of preventative maintenance with automated reminders, real-time monitoring of progress, and other features.

Specialist Hotel Insurance From James Hallam

A good hotel maintenance checklist can help you prevent many future issues, from a case of food poisoning due to a faulty fridge, to customer slips and trips due to worn carpets. And if you can avoid these issues, you can also avoid any resulting costly claims that may arise.

Nonetheless, accidents do happen. Which is why comprehensive hotel insurance can give you total peace of mind that you will be covered for all costs should anything ever go wrong.

Read our full guide to hotel insurance.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance specialists. We are committed to protecting your hotel, your staff, and your guests from every risk you might possibly face.

Find out how we can help you get a bespoke and cost-effective hotel insurance policy today.

Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban: Possible Implications for Investors
Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban: Possible Implications for Investors 1000 563 James Hallam

On 10 July 2025, the UK Government introduced the English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. This bill is intended to give local governments across England “unprecedented powers to deliver growth”.

One of the proposals in this bill is a ban on upward-only rent review clauses in commercial leases.

In this post we will outline the implications of this possible new law, and assess how they might affect landlords and investors.

What is an Upwards-Only Rent Review?

This is a clause in a commercial leasing contract that allows the property owner or landlord to adjust the rent at set intervals, but only if the market rent has increased. The rent will stay the same if the market rent has stayed the same, or if it has decreased.

This means that, at the point of review, the rent can either stay the same, or it can increase. But it can never decrease, not even if the overall market is in a bad state.

Why Is The Government Looking to Ban Upwards-Only Rent Reviews?

The above situation is good for landlords and investors, as it guarantees that rental income from commercial properties can never decrease, no matter how bad the overall market conditions get.

Upwards-only rent reviews are not so good for tenants, though. There is a risk that they may get locked into paying expensive rents even during economic downturns.

The government is hoping that this new law would help high streets through making it more economically viable for retailers and other businesses to operate through unstable markets.

Who Would an Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban Apply To?

The new law would ban upwards-only rent reviews on new commercial leases. Under the proposed new law, at the point of review, a tenant’s rent could decrease in line with market rents at the point of review.

Existing leases would not be affected by this new bill. Nor would lease agreements that are finalised before the new law comes into force.

The law would apply to leases on premises occupied by tenants for business purposes. The new rules may not apply to headleases who sublet their premises to a single business, or to multiple businesses.

How Would an Upwards-Only Rent Review Ban Affect Investors and Landlords?

This new bill would have a number of effects, including:

  • Tenants will get more powers and more flexibility, and many may get more affordable rents as a result.
  • Landlords will lose income certainty. Some may choose to set higher initial fixed rents to counter the uncertainty, and others may choose to revise their lease structures and agreements to give themselves more flexibility.
  • Investors will face increased risks with the rental properties in their portfolio. Some may choose to invest in overseas properties instead of UK properties as a result.

In short, this new bill would mean that landlords and investors would no longer be able to depend on stable or increased rental income during times of economic downturn.

The new rights for tenants that the bill would introduce includes the ability for tenants to take action against high rents. If the landlord chooses not to review the rent, the tenant could take any action necessary to trigger a rent review. So, if the market is falling, and the tenant feels they are paying too much rent, they could force their landlords to take action.

In response, landlords may choose to introduce stepped or fixed rental increases in their contracts, as the ban only applies to open-market rent review clauses. Or they may switch to an index-linked review model, where rental adjustments will be based on inflation rather than market rents.

When Would This Law Come Into Force?

The bill is currently at its second reading in the House of Commons. It could take up to 12 months from now for the bill to pass through the parliamentary process, and there may be amendments before it is passed.

If the bill does pass, it will not apply retrospectively. It will only apply to new commercial leasing contracts.

If you would like to know more about the potential consequences of this bill, you can read the government’s impact assessment.

Real Estate Business Insurance You Can Depend On

This new law would represent a significant reform for UK leasing laws. It could empower tenants in the long-term, but there may be a lot of uncertainty for landlords and investors in the short-term.

At James Hallam, we can help you ensure your real estate business is ready to weather any potential rough waters. We are an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who specialise in protecting your real estate business.

Find out how we can help you today.

 

Construction Skills Shortage: The Impact of Worker Shortages
Construction Skills Shortage: The Impact of Worker Shortages 1000 667 James Hallam

The UK has been dealing with a construction skills shortage for some years now. The latest CITB Construction Workforce Outlook report suggests that the UK needs 47,860 extra construction workers per year for the 2025-2029 period. This is a total of 293,300 extra workers over the next five years.

In this post we will outline the underlying causes for the UK’s construction skills shortage. We will also explore the impact this shortage is having on the sector.

Why Is There a Construction Skills Shortage in the UK?

There are a number of underlying causes for the UK’s construction skills shortage:

Aging Workforce: Too Many Retirees, Too Few New Recruits

A recent CITB Workforce Skills and Mobility in the Construction Sector report revealed that:

  • 50% of the UK’s construction workforce is aged 25 to 44.
  • 25% are aged 45 to 59.
  • Just 19% of the workforce are aged 25 or under.

Each year, more and more of these workers will reach retirement age, meaning that more people leave the sector than join it.

Changing Expectations of Work

During lockdown, many people got used to a more flexible way of working. As large parts of the workforce were working from home, many workers were relatively free to choose how and when they wanted to work.

Traditionally, the construction sector has not offered such flexibility, which may be putting off a lot of people from entering the sector.

Bad Reputation and Negative Perceptions

Construction has a reputation for being physically demanding, dirty, and unsafe. None of this is necessarily true, but this persisting perception may be turning away many potential candidates.

Many may also believe that construction work is poorly paid. Again, this is not necessarily the case. A recent CIOB report suggested that many construction workers earn around £33,000 a year, which is higher than the average annual earnings in many other sectors.

Global Events

Brexit brought an end to free movement from Europe to the UK, which may have impacted the construction sector, as recruiters struggle to access the international workforce. Similarly, the sector may still be feeling the effects of lockdown. Many who left the sector may not have returned once restrictions were lifted.

The Impact of Worker Shortages on the Construction Industry

The worker shortage means that the construction sector as a whole will face:

  • Project delays caused by a struggle to meet demand
  • Burnout for anyone who works in the sector due to overworking.
  • Rise in mistakes and accidents because tired and stressed construction workers may be more likely to make mistakes, which could lead to more on-the-job accidents.
  • Rising costs from errors that may need reworking, which may also drive up the cost of insurance for construction firms.
  • Difficulties in staff retention caused by an overstretched workforce, which of course would exacerbate the problem for many businesses.

Government Plans to Address The Construction Skills Shortage

In March 2025, the government revealed its plan to “unleash the next generation of construction workers”, with an aim to build 1.5 million new homes.

The aim is to recruit and train up to 60,000 more specialist construction workers by 2029. This is less than 25% of the 293,300 new workers the latest CITB Construction Workforce Outlook report suggests that the UK needs.

What Can You Do To Deal With A Staff or Skills Shortage in Your Construction Business?

This is not the sort of problem you will be able to solve overnight. But there are a number of strategies you can adopt to help your construction business deal with staff shortages and high turnover.

  • Offer flexibility where you can. The tight schedules of many construction projects mean you cannot offer the same flexibility that employees enjoy in certain other sectors. But you could still help your staff enjoy a better work/life balance through being as flexible as possible – with part-time or job-sharing opportunities, staggered start and end times, and through giving workers more say in when they take their breaks.
  • A focus on wellbeing. Support your employees in any way you can. Look to introduce the sort of benefits and initiatives that encourage wellbeing, and aim to reward loyalty and high performance. The aim is not just to support your staff, but also to dispel the myth that construction work is inherently difficult and unrewarding.
  • Build a better construction culture. Treat your staff well, offer competitive pay and other rewards, and be as flexible as possible, and over time the word might spread that you are an employer that respects your staff. This could help with recruitment and retention in the long-term.

Specialist Insurance Cover For Construction Firms

At James Hallam, we can help you protect your construction business with specialist risk management and insurance support.

We are an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who are committed to getting you the cover you need at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you today.

 

What Should Be In Your Restaurant Health and Safety Policy?
What Should Be In Your Restaurant Health and Safety Policy? 1000 667 James Hallam

Under UK law, every business must have a health and safety policy. In a restaurant or café, a health and safety policy can help prevent many common accidents and injuries. It can also help you ensure that your staff will know what to do should anything ever go wrong.

In this post we will outline the key components of a restaurant health and safety policy.

Key Health and Safety Risks in a Restaurant

  • Food and Drink Risks – Unless you follow stringent hygiene practices, your customers could get ill from eating your food.
  • Fire – Restaurants have more fire hazards than many other businesses, including open flames, electricals, and numerous flammable substances. These can cause burns and scalds for your staff, along with more serious fire outbreaks that could affect your entire premises.
  • Knives and Sharp Objects – Some members of staff will need to handle sharp objects as part of the work, whether this is in food preparation or in washing and storing utensils. Broken glassware is another major hazard, which can affect both your staff and your customers.
  • Slips and Trips – Restaurants and their kitchens can be cluttered and chaotic places. A spillage, or a misplaced item in a walkway, could result in a slip or a trip. And if a waiter falls while carrying a trayful of food or drinks, the damage could be considerable.

What Should You Include In Your Restaurant Health and Safety Policy?

When compiling your restaurant health and safety policy, you should start with a thorough risk assessment.

How to do a Restaurant Risk Assessment

Identify all of the possible risks to both staff and to members of the public, and consider the steps you could take to mitigate those risks. The steps you outline will form the basis of your health and safety policy.

Restaurant Capacity

The more people there are in your restaurant at any one time, the greater the chances are that something will go wrong. It is important to:

  • Set a maximum cap for the number of people who can be in your restaurant at any one time.
  • Set a cap for your venue space, if you ever host events such as weddings in your restaurant.

Setting a maximum capacity can help prevent slips, trips, and falls, as it can ensure that your restaurant will never get so crammed that staff and customers will struggle to move.

Fire Safety

  • Make sure at least one member of staff gets dedicated fire safety training, and appoint them as your restaurant’s fire marshal.
  • Identify your restaurant’s fire escapes, and ensure that all fire escape routes remain clear of obstructions at all times.
  • Ensure that there are appropriate fire safety signs and equipment throughout your restaurant.

Staff Training

Your health and safety policy should detail all of the training you require your staff to undertake. As we mentioned above, this should include:

  • Fire marshal training for at least one member of staff
  • Essentials of fire safety briefing for all employees
  • Appropriate First Aid training for a dedicated first aid responder, which you should appoint.
  • Where necessary, staff should receive training on safely handling potentially hazardous objects such as knives and cooking appliances.

Ventilation

Good ventilation is essential in the restaurant environment, as it can stop fires from spreading while clearing areas of smoke and other hazardous substances should a fire break out. Proper ventilation can also prevent germs and other infections from spreading among both staff and customers.

For more information on ventilation regulations in catering establishments, read the HSE guidance.

Health and Safety Checklist

Finally, your restaurant health and safety policy should include a checklist to help you ensure that you have measures in place to address all of the common risks you face in your catering business. Complying with this checklist will also help you pass your routine health and safety inspections whenever a Food Safety or Environmental Health Officer visits.

Here are some of the items you should include on this checklist:

  • The entire restaurant is clean, with no pests.
  • You regularly clean all equipment to professional standards, with separate sinks for washing equipment and hands.
  • You comply with all food storage requirements, ensuring that your fridges and freezers are at the right temperature. There is also a stock control system in place, to ensure that you never store, prepare, or sell food once it has expired.
  • You have a cleaning procedure in place which includes guidance on the use of cleaning products, along with the use such as protective equipment such as hair nets where necessary.
  • There is a first aid kit available, along with at least one member of staff who knows how to apply essential first aid. You also have all necessary fire safety signage and equipment, with a trained fire marshal onsite at all times.

Get Specialist Insurance Cover For Your Restaurant

Your health and safety policy can help you manage many of the common risks associated with running a restaurant. But if anything does go wrong, then dedicated restaurant insurance can give you all the cover you need.

Read our full guide to restaurant insurance.

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 needs at a competitive price.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

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