Insights

Do I Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut?
Do I Need Planning Permission For a Shepherd’s Hut? 500 334 James Hallam

Do you need planning permission for a shepherd’s hut? It depends on a few things, such as where you want to build the hut, and how you intend to use it.

In this post we will explore some situations where you probably will not need planning permission for a shepherd’s hut. We will also discuss some situations where you might need some form of permission.

How Personal Use and Permitted Development Applies to Shepherd’s Huts

If you plan to build a shepherd’s hut on your own land – such as in your back garden – and if the hut is just for your personal use, then you may not need any planning permission.

A shepherd’s hut is classed as an outbuilding. Most homeowners have “permitted development” rights for certain types of outbuildings, including sheds, cabins, summerhouses, and shepherd’s hut. Among these permitted rights is a right to proceed with construction without getting planning permission.

Shepherd’s Hut Permitted Development Criteria

For permitted development rights to apply, there are certain criteria that your shepherd’s hut must satisfy:

  • It must be for personal use only. You cannot rent it out to others.
  • It must be built to the side or the back of your house. You cannot build it in your front garden, or anywhere else in front of your house.
  • If you are going to build the shepherd’s hut within two metres of your house boundaries, then it must not exceed 2.5 metres in height. If you are building the shepherd’s hut two metres or further from your house boundaries, then its eaves cannot be higher than 2.5 metres, and the highest point of its roof must not be more than four metres from the ground.
  • The shepherd’s hut, along with other outbuildings and developments, cannot take up more than 50% of your land beyond your home. This might not be an issue if you have a large garden, or an extensive plot of land. But if you already have sheds or other outbuildings on your land, you may have to demolish some older structures before you add anything new.

You can read the full government permitted development rights guidelines.

Properties Excluded From Permitted Development Rights

You may not have permitted development rights if your property is a listed building, or if it is located in a conservation area, an area of outstanding natural beauty, or a national park.

If your property is a listed building, or if it is located in any such area, then you should seek guidance and permission before you consider building a shepherd’s hut.

When Will You Need Planning Permission For Your Shepherd’s Hut?

You may need planning permission for your shepherd’s hut if:

  • The hut would not meet any of the criteria outlined above.
  • You intend to make money from your shepherd’s hut.

Permitted development rights do not extend to any structures you build for commercial use. This includes building shepherd’s huts for use as holiday accommodation. It may also include building a commercial hut to use as a home office, or as the premises for a home business.

Often, you may not necessarily need planning permission for the hut itself. The permission will be for “change of use” – meaning that you will be applying to change the use of your land from domestic, or agricultural, to commercial. This means that you will likely need to seek permission to build a shepherd’s hut on a plot of land that is separate from your main domestic property.

How To Get Planning Permission For Your Shepherd’s Hut

First, contact your local planning authority. You can find contact information for your local planning authority on the Planning Portal.

Tell your local planning authority about what you intend to build, where you intend to build it, and how you intend to use it. They will then be able to advise you on the type of application you may need to put together, including the key documents and drawings you will need to supply.

You may have to pay certain fees as part of the planning process. The planning authority may come back to you with questions about your application, and with requests for additional information.

What Else Will I Need To Build a Shepherd’s Hut?

Beyond planning permission, the most important thing to consider is insurance.

It is a very good idea to get dedicated insurance for your shepherd’s hut, regardless of where you build it, and how you intend to use it.

You will certainly need specialist insurance if you plan to lease your hut to holidaymakers. But even if you are building a shepherd’s hut for personal use in your back garden, a dedicated policy will help fill any gaps in cover that are not provided by your main home insurance policy.

Learn more about shepherd’s hut insurance, and what it covers.

Get Specialist Shepherd’s Hut Insurance From James Hallam

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. We will cover you whether you keep your shepherd’s hut on your own land, or on a separate plot of land.

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

Crime Insurance vs. Fidelity Bonds – What’s the Difference?
Crime Insurance vs. Fidelity Bonds – What’s the Difference? 500 334 James Hallam

All businesses and professionals should get insurance cover for any potential losses that may arise from criminal activity. In this post we will outline the differences between two key forms of cover: crime insurance, and fidelity bonds.

What are Fidelity Bonds?

Fidelity bonds may also be referred to as employee dishonesty insurance. Fidelity bonds can cover your business for any losses that may arise as a result of fraudulent or dishonest acts committed by your employees.

For example, if an employee embezzles or steals money from the business, such as through credit fraud or forged cheques, your fidelity bonds can cover your financial losses up to your pre-agreed cover limit.

What is Crime Insurance?

While fidelity bonds offer specific cover for employee dishonesty, crime insurance can provide much broader cover. Like fidelity bonds, crime insurance can cover your business for losses arising from employee fraud. However, a crime insurance policy can provide additional cover for losses that result from third party criminal activity, including robberies and forgeries.

Crime insurance can also provide cover for losses resulting from cyber breaches and data theft – though a dedicated cyber insurance policy can offer the broadest cover here.

The Key Differences Between Fidelity Bonds and Crime Insurance

  • Fidelity bonds offer narrow, specific cover for employee dishonesty. Crime insurance provides much broader cover for losses stemming from a wide variety of criminal activity – including criminal acts committed by third parties.
  • Fidelity bonds may not cover all losses that arise from employee activity. The insurance may only extend to specified acts of employee dishonesty. This means you will not be covered for losses stemming from poor sales performance, or from business risks that do not pay off.
  • In certain regulated sectors, there may be a legal requirement to put fidelity bonds cover in place, as it can provide such a strong deterrent against insider fraud.
  • There are often strict reporting requirements and timelines for claims made on fidelity bonds. Crime insurance policies, though, can be a lot more flexible. You may, for example, be able to choose between claims-made or occurrence-based policies, which can result in a more streamlined claims processed.

To sum up, crime insurance policies may include the employee dishonesty cover you would get from fidelity bonds, but fidelity bonds will not provide the broad cover you might get from a crime insurance policy.

Crime Insurance or Fidelity Bonds – Which is Right For My Business?

Some people may use the terms “fidelity bonds” and “crime insurance” interchangeably. But as we have seen, these are two different insurance products offering different levels of cover for your business.

So, which form of cover is right for your business?

You could tailor your crime insurance policy to include some cover for employee dishonesty. However, fidelity bonds can be particularly useful for businesses that offer certain financial and professional services.

If your business handles large amounts of cash, or if you deal with sensitive financial information, you may face an increased risk of insider fraud. In this case, you may need to get dedicated employee dishonesty cover in addition to your broad crime insurance cover.

At James Hallam, We Can Help Your Business Get The Cover You Need

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

We will take the time to get to know you and your business, so that we can advise you on your specific business insurance requirements.  can advise you on your business insurance and regulatory requirements. We can then help you get the cover you need for the crime risks your business is facing, whether this means a broad crime insurance policy, or a more specific fidelity bonds policy.

Learn more about our professional risks insurance services.

 

Marina and Boat Yard Safety Essentials
Marina and Boat Yard Safety Essentials 500 334 James Hallam

 

Marinas and boat yards can be hazardous environments. In this post, we will discuss some of the main risks that exist in marinas and boat yards. We will also outline some safety essentials, including key safety equipment and fire safety procedures.

What Are the Common Risks in Marinas and Boat Yards?

Due to the hazards present in these environments, the three most common risks in marinas and boat yards tend to be relating to fire, flood and injury. It’s important to recognise these risks and what causes them so you are able to make changes to mitigate them.

Fire
Marinas and boat yards are full of flammable substances, such as oil, fuel, and certain cleaning products. These are often kept in close proximity to the sort of materials that can quickly catch fire, such as sails, tarps, and wooden structures. All of this means that even a small fire can escalate rapidly.

Flood
It might seem obvious given their proximity to water, but marinas and boat yards should not underestimate the risk of flooding. Floods can strike without warning, and floodwater could cause a huge amount of damage if you do not take precautions to secure your premises and equipment.

Injury
Any large body of water will be inherently hazardous. But as well as life jackets and lifebuoys, you should also look to safeguard against slips, trips, falls, and other injuries.

Key Safety Equipment for Marinas and Boatyards

To help reduce these risks and the scale of the damage or injury they can cause, it’s essential to have safety equipment within quick and easy access.

First-aid equipment
The marina or boatyard should have:

  • onshore first aid kits
  • offshore first aid kits
  • at least one member of staff trained in first aid

Any first aid kits stored on boats should be fully waterproof, and the offshore first aid equipment should include foil blankets for people rescued from the water.

Water safety equipment
In terms of safety equipment and rules, you should always make sure there are:

  • lifebuoys or throw lines within easy reach wherever anyone might fall in
  • plenty of easily accessible ladders so that anyone who falls into the water will be able to quickly climb out again
  • enforced rules that nobody should ever take to the water without wearing a life jacket

Fire safety equipment
To help mitigate the risk of fire, you should:

  • thoroughly assess the fire risks in your marina or boatyard
  • get an adequate number fire extinguishers to cover these risks
  • ensure that your extinguishers are suitable for fighting the sorts of fires that are likely to break out (e.g. wood and paper, chemical, electrical etc.)

Marina and Boat Yard Safety Essentials

  • Take the time to understand the risks you are facing. Perform a thorough risk assessment for your marina or boatyard. Identify all of the things that could possibly go wrong. Assess how likely it is that each risk you have identified will lead to harm, and also how severe the harm might be for every possible risk.
  • Invest in the equipment you need. Your risk assessment may have revealed certain gaps in your current safety procedures. Invest in new equipment wherever necessary. Also be sure to check any existing equipment for use-by dates, and get adequate replacements as soon as you can.
  • Invest in training and development. All staff should be familiar with your health and safety protocols, and all should know how to use your key safety equipment. Get first aid training for as many members of staff as possible, and make sure that all new members are given safety drills as part of their induction. Everyone, including all staff and all members, should receive refresher training at least once a year.
  • Prevention is better than a cure. Stay on top of your routine cleaning and maintenance and you can help prevent many common accidents. Servicing engines and other machinery can help prevent fires. Keeping areas free from clutter can prevent slips, trips, and falls.
  • Be prepared for an emergency. Make sure everyone knows exactly what course of action to take in the event of an emergency. For example, where should people gather if you need to evacuate the premises? Which emergency services will you need to contact, and who will be responsible for contacting them? Also be sure to take precautions to secure your premises against possible floods.

Specialist Insurance For Marinas and Boat Yards

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need for your marina or boat yard, to cover you, your staff, your members, your premises, and your equipment for a range of risks.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Event Sustainability: Essentials for Sustainable Event Planning
Event Sustainability: Essentials for Sustainable Event Planning 500 264 James Hallam

This post is an essential introduction to sustainable event planning. We will outline some principles and practices you can adopt to help make your events more sustainable without compromising on quality.

Setting Sustainability Goals for Events

What exactly do you wish to achieve in terms of event sustainability? Set some clear goals and you can track your progress while assessing what works, and what might need rethinking.

Possible goals to track could include:

  • Lower carbon emissions.
  • Carbon offsetting projects – such as planting more trees.
  • Reduced waste to landfill.
  • Reduced energy use.

To set your sustainability goals, you will first have to establish some benchmark figures. For example, what is your business’s current carbon footprint? How much energy do your current events use, and how much waste do you currently produce?

How to Find Sustainable Event Venues

Aim to establish partnerships that take sustainability as seriously as you do. Here are some things to look out for:

  • Energy – A sustainable venue might generate its own energy using solar panels or turbines, or it might use biofuel to reduce emissions from temporary generators.
  • Waste – A sustainable venue will commit to sending zero waste to landfill. It may even have found a way to recycle its waste so that its used to generate energy.
  • Food Miles – A sustainable venue will aim to reduce its food miles through working exclusively with local producers.

For an example of a venue that prioritises sustainability, take a look at Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre’s sustainability page.

Planning and Incentivising Greener Transport for Delegates

Another important thing to consider when choosing venues – will it be possible for the majority of delegates to reach the venue using public transport links?

There are many extra things you can do to make things as easy as possible for your delegates. If there are no nearby train stations, bus stops, or tram stops, for instance, you could organise green shuttle buses to ferry delegates from the nearest transport hub.

You could also run initiatives to encourage as many delegates as possible to choose greener transport options. For example, you could offer vouchers for free food or drinks for any delegate that arrived via public transport.

Supplier Sustainability Audit – Gifts, Catering, and More

Audit your event planning operations to identify any potential areas of waste, along with any areas where you might make improvements.

Earlier we mentioned the importance of sustainability in catering. Regardless of whether your business is handling this, or the venue, you should look to prioritise seasonal ingredients, low food miles, and zero waste to landfill.

Also think about the gifts and marketing materials you might supply. Aim to reduce packaging, and to prioritise authenticity and personalisation over sheer quantity. Here is a useful introduction to how you can apply sustainability principles to your gifting and marketing strategy.

Finally, think about the extra materials you provide as part of your events, from flipcharts to notepads to technology. As well as focusing on sustainability in procurement (such as through choosing recycled or low-carbon alternatives), also think about waste management. How can you encourage delegates to responsibly dispose of any wastepaper they produce at the event, for instance?

At James Hallam, We Are Committed to ESG

As part of your commitment to event sustainability, you should ensure that every organisation you work with shares your goals.

We have already mentioned the importance of choosing sustainable venues and suppliers. But what about your professional partners?

Choose James Hallam as your event sector insurance partners, and you can rest assured that your dedicated insurance brokers will be just as committed to sustainability as they are to getting you the specialist cover you need.

Learn more about our ESG commitment here.

Marine Cyber Security: Threats to the Marine Industry
Marine Cyber Security: Threats to the Marine Industry 1000 503 James Hallam

 

Every business in every sector must take cybersecurity seriously. Businesses in the marine industry are no exception.

In this post we will outline some of the major cybersecurity threats in the marine industry and discuss some ways you can keep your business safe from cybercriminals.

Which Marine Systems are at Risk of Cyberattacks?

Marine businesses across the world are increasingly relying on a mix of information technology (IT) and operation technology (OT) to maximise operational efficiency. Both IT and OT systems are vulnerable to cyberattacks:

Maritime IT Systems

These are largely the systems used onshore to manage the maritime operation as a whole. Cybercriminals may target data such as:

  • accounts
  • crew lists
  • staff rotas
  • payroll
  • permits
  • certificates

If they gain access to this data, they may steal it outright and sell it to other cybercriminals. Or they may encrypt the data as part of a ransomware attack. IT system breaches can result in a significant financial and reputational hit for maritime companies.

On-Board OT Systems

These can include onboard systems such as:

  • PLCs
  • SCADA
  • ECDIS
  • GPS
  • systems for controlling engines and cargo remotely

It is easy to imagine the chaos that could ensue if a cybercriminal gained control of any of these systems. Along with the financial and reputational damages, there would also be potential for environmental damage, destruction of property, and even loss of life.

One increasingly critical area of concern is the Automated Identification System (AIS), which transmits vital information about a vessel’s identity, position, and course to nearby ships and coastal authorities. Originally designed to improve navigation and safety, AIS was not built with cybersecurity in mind. It is vulnerable to attacks such as spoofing and data manipulation, which could mislead vessels about the presence or movements of other ships, increasing the risk of collisions or grounding. As the marine industry becomes more interconnected, protecting systems like AIS is becoming a key focus for cybersecurity strategies and specialist marine cyber insurance policies.

How Big is the Risk of Cyberattacks For Marine Businesses?

The latest World Economic Forum report on cybercrime revealed that there were historic levels of data breaches in 2024. The forecast for 2025 predicts increasingly sophisticated attacks, largely fuelled by advances in artificial intelligence and marine learning technologies.

Despite the growing risk and sophistication of cybercrime, it seems that too many maritime businesses are either unaware of the risks, or unprepared to meet them. According to a recent DNV Maritime Cyber Priority report, only 40% of surveyed marine organisations are investing sufficiently in IT and cybersecurity.

Cybercriminals do not discriminate. They do not care what sort of business they target. No business is too big, or too small, for them. If they find a vulnerability, they will exploit it. And thanks to AI and machine learning technologies, they can quite easily target multiple businesses in multiple sectors with multiple attacks at once.

If your maritime business is not taking cybersecurity seriously, it may only be a matter of time before you fall victim to a cyberattack or a data breach. As the global maritime industry becomes increasingly aware of the risks of cybercrime, any business that does not take steps to secure itself may eventually struggle to get charters.

Regulations and Guidance for Mitigating Maritime Cyber Risks

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has set regulations for cybersecurity onboard vessels. This means that shipowners, operators, and managers have a legal duty to meet certain cybersecurity requirements both onboard and offshore.

The IMO has also issued a set of guidelines on maritime cyber risk management. They outline the marine technology and assets that may be vulnerable to cybercrime, along with the operational, safety, and security implications of cyberattacks.

The guidelines also include some tips for identifying, analysing, assessing and communicating cyber risks in the marine industry.

You can access the full IMO cyber risk guidelines.

Key Cybersecurity Principles For Marine Businesses

No two maritime businesses are quite the same, so every business involved in shipping and logistics may face a unique set of cybersecurity risks.

Nonetheless, here are three key principles that every maritime business should consider as part of their cybersecurity strategy:

  • Perform a thorough audit of all of your key systems, so as to identify any possible points of vulnerability. Once you understand the specific cybersecurity risks your business is facing, you will have a better understanding of the steps you will need to take to mitigate or minimise these risks.
  • Staff training. Make sure that all staff, including onboard crews and onshore support workers, understand the risks of cybercrime. Everyone should be able to spot the signs of a potential cyberattack – such as a phishing email – and all should know what to do if they ever suspect that key data, or a key system, has been compromised.
  • Software updates. Cybercriminals are constantly looking for vulnerabilities to exploit. Keep on top of updates for all of your key systems, both onboard and onshore. This can help to minimise the possible points of entry for cybercriminals.

Cybersecurity and Seaworthiness

As ships rely more on digital systems, cybersecurity has become a key part of seaworthiness. Recent legal guidance suggests that if a vessel does not have proper cyber risk management, including cyber insurance, it could be classed as unseaworthy. This could mean that marine insurance policies are invalidated in the event of a claim. For newbuild vessels especially, having strong cybersecurity protections and specialist cyber insurance is becoming essential, not just for safety but to meet legal and operational standards.

Specialist Cyber Insurance For Marine Businesses

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your marine business for all cybersecurity risks, both onshore and at sea.

Our specialist marine cyber insurance policies can offer protection against a wide range of digital threats, including breaches of onboard operational technology (OT) systems like GPS, ECDIS, and the Automated Identification System (AIS). With targeted attacks on maritime navigation and communication systems on the rise, comprehensive cyber coverage is essential for safeguarding your assets, operations, and reputation.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

Contract Works Insurance vs Contractors’ All Risk Insurance: What’s the Difference?
Contract Works Insurance vs Contractors’ All Risk Insurance: What’s the Difference? 500 333 James Hallam

People often use the terms “contract works insurance” and “contractors’ all risk insurance” interchangeably. However, they are two distinct insurance products. To ensure you have all the cover you need for your project, it is important to understand the difference between the two.

What is Contract Works Insurance?

Contract works insurance provides cover for in-process construction projects. Usually, the cover lasts from a specified start date up to a specified completion, or handover date.

Contract works cover essentially provides cover for fire and other risks that might affect a structure while it is being constructed or renovated. The policy will provide enough cover to return the structure to the condition it was in before it was destroyed or damaged.

Who Needs Contract Works Insurance?

Certain construction contracts make contractors directly responsible for buildings and structures throughout the construction or renovation period.

For example, if a new home is being built, but the structure catches fire before it is completed, the contractor would be liable for damages. In this case, contract works insurance would give the contractor all of the cover they need to return the house to the condition it was in before the fire, so that they can finish the build.

What is Contractors’ All Risk Insurance?

Contractors’ all risk insurance gives contractors and property developers a diverse suite of cover. This can include cover for:

  • Personal injury
  • Professional liability
  • Public liability
  • Employer’s liability
  • Tools, plant, and equipment – including any equipment hired specifically for the project
  • Temporary buildings

What is the Difference Between Contract Works Insurance and Contractors’ All Risk Insurance?

The key difference is that Contract Works Insurance is cover specific to the destruction of an in-progress project, whereas Contractors’ All Risk Insurance is a suite of insurance cover for the broader range of risks of a construction project.

Essentially, contract works insurance covers in-progress construction projects for fires and other risks, in such contracts where the contractor would be liable for any destruction or damage. It covers the costs of repairing or redoing projects that have been affected by fire, flood, vandalism, theft, and other risks. This can include cover for any necessary tools, materials, and labour, but the policy will only provide enough cover to return the project to the state it was in before the incident.

While contractors’ all risk insurance gives contractors a suite of cover for the many risks associated with a construction project. This can include cover for personal injury, for loss or damage to tools, plant, and equipment (whether it is owned or hired), and for public, professional, and employer’s liabilities. This may even include contract works cover.

Do You Have All The Cover You Need For Your Construction Project?

Here are some key things to consider:

  • Some contractors’ all risk insurance policies may include contract works cover. Check your policy wording for more information and talk to your insurer if it is not clear exactly what cover you have in place.
  • Check the construction contract, to see who is liable for damage and destruction to the project while it is in progress. This may determine whether or not you need a dedicated contract works policy.
  • If the construction project is an extension to, or renovation of, an existing building, then contract works insurance may not cover the costs of repairing the original building if it is damaged during the works. For this, the property owner may require specialist renovations cover as part of their home insurance policy.

If you are not sure whether you have all the cover you need for your construction project, we are here to help. We will take the time to understand your project and your contracts to ensure you get comprehensive insurance, with no gaps in your cover, at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you.

How Long Does It Take To Get Manufacturing Insurance?
How Long Does It Take To Get Manufacturing Insurance? 500 334 James Hallam

With dedicated manufacturing insurance, you can get all the cover you need for your manufacturing business on a single policy.

There are many risks associated with manufacturing products and materials. You should not proceed with your operations until you have sufficient insurance in place to cover all of these risks.

What Is Manufacturing Insurance?

Manufacturing insurance is specialist cover for businesses that manufacture products or materials. A single policy can include cover for your buildings, equipment, stock, products, and your workers.

A manufacturing insurance may include:

  • Buildings insurance.
  • Business interruption insurance.
  • Vehicles insurance.
  • Product liability insurance.
  • Public liability insurance.
  • Employer’s liability insurance.
  • Goods-in-transit cover.
  • Stock cover, including any raw materials or finished products you keep in storage.

How Long Does It Take to Get Manufacturing Cover?

Depending on a number of factors, it could take a matter of days to arrange for manufacturing cover.

Insurers may need to tailor your policy to ensure it meets all of your requirements, and to ensure that they have thoroughly assessed your business’s unique risk profile. The bigger and more complex your manufacturing operation, the longer it may take to get the cover you need.

Note that many of these factors will also affect the price of your manufacturing policy.

What Can Affect the Time it Takes to Get Manufacturing Insurance?

  • Comparing quotes. You may choose to approach a number of insurers to get multiple quotes for the cost of cover. This is good practice but bear in mind that the more quotes you get, the longer it will take to arrange for cover.
  • The nature of your manufacturing business. The size of your business, including the number of employees you hire, will affect the cost and the complexity of your cover. Insurers will also consider the specific products you manufacture, including whether they use any potentially hazardous materials or processes in their construction, and whether they will pose any particular risks to your end customers. The size and complexity of your supply chain will also make a difference, as it will determine whether you need any additional cover for vehicles and drivers.
  • The type of cover you choose. Some insurers may offer a standard suite of cover for all of their manufacturing customers. Others may choose to tailor their cover to meet your exact needs. Getting bespoke cover can prove more cost-effective, as you will not pay for any cover you do not need. However, it can take longer to arrange for a tailored policy than it can to get an off-the-shelf product.

No Matter How Long It Takes, You Need Manufacturing Insurance

Apart from some forms of cover, such as employer’s liability insurance, there is no legal requirement to get manufacturing insurance. However, you should not start manufacturing any products without first getting adequate insurance in place.

Product liability is a vital form of cover for all manufacturers. If any of your products are ever found to be faulty or hazardous, you may need to issue a product recall. You may also face legal action and compensation payments should any customers or stockists take legal action against you.

Without adequate manufacturing insurance, you would be liable for covering all of these costs yourself. A product recall alone could prove so expensive that it could sink your business entirely.

Never start manufacturing any products or materials until you have all the cover you need, no matter how long it takes to get a policy.

Get The Manufacturing Insurance You Need As Soon As Possible

Working with an insurance broker can help speed up the process of getting manufacturing cover.

An expert broker will take the time to get to know you, your business, and your products. They can then liaise with their approved insurers in order to arrange an insurance package that gives you all the cover you need at a competitive price.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance brokers who are committed to protecting your manufacturing business. We can arrange specialist niche insurance packages for manufacturing businesses to ensure you are covered for all risks.

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

How to Write a Risk Assessment for a Sport Club
How to Write a Risk Assessment for a Sport Club 500 341 James Hallam

A risk assessment involves conducting a thorough audit of your sport club, to ensure that all of your members, volunteers, staff, coaches, spectators, and other participants are as safe as possible.

A good risk assessment for a sport club will take into account your activities, your equipment, and your facilities. It should also assess certain aspects of governance, such as your recruitment and safeguarding policies.

National governing bodies (NGBs), active partnerships (APs), and insurance providers generally require sport and activity clubs to carry out thorough risk assessments. A risk assessment may also be necessary for complying with health and safety law.

How To Write a Risk Assessment for a Sport Club

Below we outline five steps that should form the basis of your sport club’s risk assessment.

Who Should Be Writing the Risk Assessment?

You should not have to do this alone. Assembling a risk assessment team will not only lighten the workload. It will also ensure you get expert insights from across the club.

The risk assessment team could involve committee members, trustees, safeguarding leads, and any trusted individuals with relevant experience. This might include coaches and certain volunteers.

The more varied your risk assessment team, the better you will be able to consider risks from all aspects of your club’s operations.

How to Identify the Risks in Your Sports Club

Thoroughly inspect all of your current facilities and equipment. Also review your activities, including those that do not take place in your own facilities, such as away games and overnight trips.

You should also review certain aspects of your governance, including your safeguarding policies and procedures, your recruitment policy, and your systems for reporting and responding to accidents, injuries, and other incidents.

Review any previous incidents at your club. What went wrong? How did you respond to them, and what steps did you take to prevent the incident from reoccurring?

How to Assess Risks

Having identified the risks in your club, the next step is to assess these risks. This means considering:

  • Who is at risk – whether it is coaches, participants, spectators, or volunteers.
  • How likely it is that each risk you have identified will lead to harm.
  • How severe each possible instance of harm will be for each risk you have identified.

Take Action Against Risks

According to the HSE, you are not expected to eliminate all risks in your sport club. However, you are expected to do “everything reasonably practical” to protect people from harm.

Appoint an appropriate member of the risk management team to monitor every individual risk you have identified and assessed. This person will then be responsible for assessing the risk while implementing any measures to manage them. They will also be responsible for providing routine updates to the trustees and management committee on how they are managing their risks.

Strategies for managing the risks in your club might include:

  • A safeguarding audit, to review and improve certain aspects of your club’s governance.
  • Revising your policies and procedures, and ensuring they are clear and accessible for everyone.
  • Investing in appropriate training for staff and volunteers.
  • Reviewing your induction processes for new members.
  • Maintenance and repairs, and investing in new equipment if possible.

Creating a Record and Review Process

A risk assessment is not a one-off task. It is an ongoing process that works like a tool for keeping anyone who interacts with your club in any capacity as safe as possible.

Keep good records throughout the risk assessment process. Record all of your key findings, along with the steps you are taking to address the risks in your club. Also record which individual is responsible for monitoring each risk.

Having completed your first risk assessment, date it, and make sure it is accessible throughout your club. You should then aim to regularly review the risks you have identified while also staying on top of any new or growing risks.

Sport and Activity Club Risk Assessment Templates

Your NGB or AP can offer further advice and support. You will also find risk assessment templates online:

Make Sure Your Insurance Covers All Risks

Your NGB or AP may already provide some form of liability coverage as part of your membership. However, this may not mean that your club is covered for all risks. There may be gaps in your cover, for risks such as damage to your facilities and equipment.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance brokers who are committed to protecting your sport club. We can arrange specialist niche insurance packages for sport clubs to ensure you are covered for all risks.

Find out how we can help your sport club manage your risks.

A Guide to Cosmetic Boat Repairs and Hull Maintenance
A Guide to Cosmetic Boat Repairs and Hull Maintenance 500 334 James Hallam

 

In this post we will provide an essential introduction to cosmetic boat repair and hull maintenance. We will cover the importance of regular upkeep while outlining some of the key tasks you might consider as part of your routine boat maintenance.

How Often Should You Service a Boat?

You should give your boat a thorough servicing at least once a year, before the boating season begins. You should conduct certain other checks and maintenance procedures more frequently. For example, you should check fluid levels, including oils and coolant, as often as possible – on a daily basis, if you regularly use your boat.

You should also aim to check your boat’s key systems, including the engine, the electricals, the coolant system, the hydraulics, the steering, and the propulsion, at least once every three months.

Read our full guide to winter boat maintenance. We also have a guide to safely storing your boat out of season, and a guide to servicing your sailing equipment.

The Importance of Committing to Boat Repairs and Hull Maintenance

  • Safety and security. Corrosion and degradation can lead to leaks. A well-maintained boat will remain seaworthy.
  • Long-term cost savings. Routine boat maintenance can help you find and fix errors long before they become truly problematic, potentially saving on costly repairs in the long-term.
  • Keep your boat looking new. For many, this is the most important reason to stay on top of boat maintenance. If you take personal pride in your vessel, then of course you will want to do all you can to keep it looking beautiful.

Hull Maintenance – Key Areas to Focus On

To monitor your hull’s integrity, assess it’s:

  • Structural condition
  • Transom
  • Rudder
  • Stringers
  • Look for any cracks or chips
  • Any signs of leaks or corrosion

Essential Hull Maintenance Tasks

If your boat has a fibreglass and gelcoat hull, first look for any signs of wear and tear. As well as a visual inspection, you can tap the hull lightly with a hammer. If it sounds hollow, it could mean there is a void in the core. Cut out any section that seems compromised, laminate it with new fibreglass, and then bond it with either polyester resin or marine epoxy.

If there are any cracks or gouges in the gelcoat, first sand the hull down to expose the laminate, before applying a fresh coat to reseal. A layer of polish can also further protect the gelcoat layer.

Also check for any marine coat, and be prepared to scrape back some layers of paint to apply some antifouling if necessary.

Cosmetic Boat Repairs

To check the cosmetic condition of your boat, pay attention to the:

  • Deck
  • Windows
  • Key fixtures
  • Fittings
  • Interior upholstery

Cosmetic Boat Repair Tasks

Thoroughly clean your boat’s deck. You may wish to apply a new finish. Check the usage guidance on your chosen finish for tips on how often you may need to reapply.

Also pay attention to your boat’s various fixtures and fittings, including the thru-hull fittings. Give everything a clean and a polish, and always be on the lookout for signs of corrosion or damage.

Read our full guide to taking care of sails and sailing equipment.

When it comes to your boat’s interior, give every area a thorough vacuum, along with some deep dusting and cleaning. Wash all upholstery, and if it is looking torn or threadbare, get it repaired or replaced.

If you want to keep your boat’s interior fresh all year round, as well as routine cleaning, make sure it is as well-ventilated as possible. Also take care not to leave perishable food or drink for too long in your boat. As well as creating unpleasant smells, this can also lead to the accumulation of condensation and mould.

We Can Help You Take Care of Your Boat

Everard Insurance Brokers are the specialist marine trading division of accredited Lloyd’s brokers James Hallam Limited. We can help you ensure you have the insurance you need to cover your boat all year round.

Find out more about our dedicated marine insurance services.

A Hoteliers Guide to Managing Risk
A Hoteliers Guide to Managing Risk 600 400 James Hallam

For hoteliers, providing exceptional guest experiences is the top priority. However, ensuring the safety of both guests and staff, protecting the property, and managing operational risks are just as critical to running a successful business.

At James Hallam, we work closely with hoteliers to identify risks, implement proactive solutions, and ensure they have the right insurance coverage in place. Nick Maddox, our risk management specialist, shares his insights on the most pressing risks facing the hospitality industry today—and how hotels can stay protected.

Understanding the Biggest Risks

While fire remains one of the most significant concerns for the hospitality sector, advancements in construction and fire prevention have helped reduce the risk to life. However, the financial impact of a fire has increased, largely due to rising material costs, limited availability of skilled trades, and planning or heritage restrictions.

Beyond fire, slips, trips, and falls continue to be the most frequently reported incidents in hotels, making up nearly 50% of all accident claims. In fact, over the past year alone, we’ve seen a 13% rise in these incidents. This highlights the importance of maintaining a safe environment through proper flooring, lighting, and staff awareness.

Common Pitfalls in Risk Management

One of the biggest challenges we see is that while many hotels have detailed policies and risk assessments, they often fail to implement them effectively. Risk management should not be seen as a tick-box exercise but rather as a core part of daily operations.

To be effective, risk management should follow three key steps:

  1. Identify the specific risks to the business
  2. Develop practical and achievable control measures
  3. Ensure staff are properly trained so that risk management becomes part of the hotel’s culture

Taking a Proactive Approach to Risk Reduction

Every hotel has a unique risk profile, but there are key areas that all hoteliers must focus on, including:

  • Fire safety – Ensuring compliance with fire regulations and best practices
  • Food hygiene – Reducing the risk of contamination and foodborne illness
  • Health & safety – Preventing accidents through proper training and procedures
  • Property protection – Safeguarding the hotel’s physical assets
  • Cybersecurity – Protecting guest and business data from cyber threats

Beyond meeting legal and regulatory requirements, hotels must also demonstrate effective risk management to insurers. Without the right safeguards in place, claims may be delayed, reduced, or even declined. Regular internal assessments, or engaging an external risk management specialist, can help ensure compliance and minimise exposure.

The Importance of Staff Training

A strong risk management culture is key to protecting any hotel, and this starts with ongoing staff training. At James Hallam, we focus on four core principles that help embed risk awareness across teams:

  • Communication – Keeping staff informed about risk management policies
  • Consultation – Encouraging team input to identify potential hazards
  • Collaboration – Working across departments to ensure best practices are followed
  • Coordination – Ensuring all teams are aligned on risk mitigation strategies

Effective training not only reduces risk but also helps staff feel confident and engaged in their roles, creating a safer and more efficient working environment.

Mitigating Cyber Risks in Hospitality

Hotels rely on digital systems to manage reservations, guest data, and payments, making them a prime target for cyber threats. While most businesses outsource IT security to specialist providers, hoteliers should take an active role in understanding how their data is protected.

We always recommend:

  • Conducting regular cybersecurity assessments to identify vulnerabilities
  • Ensuring robust data protection measures are in place
  • Considering comprehensive cyber insurance to safeguard against potential breaches

How James Hallam Supports Hoteliers

At James Hallam, we work with hoteliers to tailor risk management solutions that go beyond just insurance. Our comprehensive risk audits assess both insurable and non-insurable exposures, ensuring that hotels:

  • Meet regulatory and compliance requirements
  • Implement best practice risk management
  • Provide insurers with clear and accurate risk assessments

By taking this proactive approach, we help our clients not only secure the right insurance cover but also reduce the likelihood of claims—ultimately protecting their business and reputation.

Final Advice for Hoteliers

Risk management isn’t about reacting to incidents; it’s about anticipating what could go wrong before it happens. Successful hoteliers are those who can predict the future by identifying emerging risks and taking action to mitigate them.

By adopting a proactive and structured approach to risk management, hoteliers can create a safer environment, protect their assets, and ensure long-term success. At James Hallam, we are here to help every step of the way.

Contact Nick Maddox
Email: nick.maddox@jameshallam.co.uk
Tel: 07876 204692

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