Insights

Tudor Heart Pendant

Preserving Britain’s Royal Treasures
Preserving Britain’s Royal Treasures 925 670 James Hallam

What the ‘Tudor Heart’ Pendant Means for High-Value Jewellery Collectors

In recent months the stirring story of the Tudor Heart – a rare 24-carat gold pendant linked to Henry VIII and his first wife Katherine of Aragon – has captured public attention. The British Museum has launched a major fundraising campaign, seeking to raise £3.5 million by April 2026 to acquire the pendant and secure it for the nation.

Beyond its historic and cultural importance, the Tudor Heart illuminates several key lessons for high-net-worth jewellery collectors, especially those investing in pieces with royal or heritage provenance.

The Significance of the Tudor Heart

  • A unique survival – The pendant is believed to be the only one of its kind known to survive from the Tudor court. It features a heart-shaped locket of enamelled 24-carat gold suspended from a 75-link gold chain, attached via a clasp shaped like a hand emerging from a cloud.
  • Historically rich symbolism – The front is decorated with the Tudor rose (symbol of England) entwined with a pomegranate bush, the emblem of Katherine of Aragon, representing fertility and her Spanish heritage. On the reverse, the locket reveals the initials ‘H’ and ‘K’ united by a tasselled cord, and both sides carry the French motto tousiours (‘always’).
  • Possible royal occasion – Experts at the British Museum suggest the pendant may date to around 1518 and could have been created to commemorate the betrothal of the couple’s daughter Princess Mary to the French heir-apparent, a lavish Tudor-court spectacle blending dynastic ambition and pageantry.
  • Cultural and historical rarity – Few personal jewellery items from the Tudor court have survived meaning that much of what we know is through portraits and inventories. The Tudor Heart offers a rare material link to the realities of the early Tudor court, making it a potentially once-in-a-generation discovery.

What the Tudor Heart Means for High-Value Jewellery Collectors

Provenance & Authentication

For collectors with the means to acquire or invest in museum-grade jewellery, provenance is now more important than ever. A piece like the Tudor Heart – with clear historical context, documented discovery, expert research, and public interest – offers a level of credibility and heritage that few modern pieces can match. This provenance not only adds emotional and historical value but also helps in validating the piece for insurance, resale and legacy purposes.

Rarity & Uniqueness

The rarity of authentic jewellery linked to royal or historically significant persons dramatically increases its desirability. As we see with the Tudor Heart, items that connect to major historical figures or events — especially when few comparable objects survive — command special status. For high-net-worth collectors, such pieces effectively become heritage assets, not mere ornaments.

Market Value & Insurance Considerations

Pieces of this nature tend to appreciate in value, not just because of intrinsic material (gold, enamel) but because of their story, rarity, and collectability. However, these same characteristics also pose challenges: high volatility in market value, potential difficulty in resale, and a premium on proper conservation, security, and documentation.

Standard jewellery insurance is often insufficient. Collectors of high-end fashion, art and jewellery increasingly seek policies with features like agreed-value settlements, worldwide cover, and protection for provenance/documentation loss.

Why Specialist Insurance & Risk Management Matter

While the appeal of owning an object like the Tudor Heart is clear, so are the risks – theft, loss, damage, forgery, provenance disputes, fluctuating market demand, and logistical issues when transporting or lending pieces.

For high-net-worth individuals investing in heritage jewellery or antiques, specialist insurance via a broker experienced in ‘private client’ cover like James Hallam is often essential. Such insurance can provide:

  • Agreed-value cover to ensure the payout reflects current market or insured value rather than purchase price.
  • Worldwide cover is vital if items travel, are loaned, or exhibited.
  • Restoration/replacement flexibility is essential for rare or irreplaceable items where a simple cash settlement may be inadequate.

Without specialist cover, even a piece as historically priceless as the Tudor Heart would face disproportionate risk, especially given that standard insurance policies rarely contemplate the unique value and considerations of heritage pieces.

A Guide for Collectors Thinking of Museum-Grade Jewellery & Antiques

If you’re considering investing in royal or heritage jewellery it is worth bearing in mind:

  1. Demand rigorous provenance and authentication – Insist on full documentation of history, discovery/ownership chain, lab verification (where appropriate), and expert appraisal.
  2. Treat the piece as both heritage asset and collectible – Its value lies not only in materials but in historical significance, rarity, and provenance.
  3. Consider long-term stewardship and legacy – Think how the piece will be maintained, stored, inherited, or potentially loaned for display.
  4. Choose specialist, high-net-worth insurance cover – Ensure policies reflect the true value, importance, and unique nature of the object.
  5. Recognise that owning such a piece is a responsibility, not just ownership – As the campaign around the Tudor Heart show,  once a piece of high historical value appears, there is public and institutional interest.

 Visit the The British Museum to find out more about The Tudor Heart Appeal.

 Get in touch for help and advice

If you are thinking of investing in a piece of jewellery or have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.

You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk

smart home

Smart Home Vulnerabilities: Why UK High-Net-Worth Households Need Cyber Security Insurance
Smart Home Vulnerabilities: Why UK High-Net-Worth Households Need Cyber Security Insurance 1000 497 James Hallam

With UK luxury homes increasingly dependent on smart technology, cyber threats are now a significant risk for high-net-worth households. This guide explains smart-home vulnerabilities, the rise of cybercrime targeting affluent families, and why specialist cyber security insurance is essential.

Luxury living in the UK increasingly means sophisticated smart-home systems, digital convenience, and interconnected technology. With this transformation comes a new type of exposure, cyber risk.

Where once criminals targeted physical access points such as windows and doors, today many attacks occur digitally through home networks, connected devices, and unsecured smart systems. For high-net-worth households, the financial and reputational stakes are significantly higher.

This guide explores the growing cyber threat landscape, why wealthy UK households are now prime targets, and how specialist cyber insurance protects against these evolving risks.

Smart Homes: Convenience with Hidden Vulnerabilities

UK luxury homes now incorporate a range of connected technologies:

  • Smart locks
  • Multi-room audio systems
  • Digital assistants
  • CCTV and security systems
  • Heating and lighting automation
  • Wi-Fi-enabled appliances
  • Children’s smart devices

Every connected device increases convenience but also creates an entry point for hackers.

When these systems sit on a single home network, a breach in one device can compromise all others, including personal data, private emails, and financial information.

Why High-Net-Worth UK Households Are Attractive Targets

Cybercriminals target affluent individuals for several key reasons:

  1. Greater financial capacity – Hackers view HNW households as more likely to pay ransoms or fall victim to financial fraud.
  2. Rich digital footprints – Affluent individuals often store sensitive personal, business, and financial data.
  3. Valuable digital assets – From investment accounts to cryptocurrency wallets, digital assets hold real monetary value.
  4. Sophisticated home systems – Smart security devices, if compromised, can be used to monitor, track, or access a property.

Common Cyber Threats Affecting UK Homes

High-net-worth households increasingly face:

  • Ransomware attacks on personal devices and home networks
  • Smart-home takeovers affecting cameras, lighting, gates, and alarm systems
  • Email interception and invoice fraud
  • Identity theft
  • Financial scams and phishing attacks
  • Unauthorised access to digital assets

These attacks are often automated and indiscriminate but the consequences for affluent families can be severe.

Why Standard Home Insurance Is Not Enough

UK home insurance policies typically do not include robust cyber cover. Where cyber protection is included, it is often limited and not designed for the needs of HNW households.

Specialist personal cyber insurance offers far broader and more meaningful protection.

What Specialist Cyber Insurance Covers

High-net-worth personal cyber insurance often includes:

  • Cybercrime & financial loss – Reimbursement for fraudulent transfers or cyber-enabled theft.
  • Ransomware & extortion management – Expert assistance and negotiation support.
  • Smart-home restoration – Including system reconfiguration and device replacement.
  • Identity theft assistance – Legal support and credit monitoring.
  • Data recovery – For family photos, documents, and digital media.
  • Reputational support – Public relations assistance if private information is leaked.
  • Family-wide protection – Cover extends to partners, children, and live-in staff.

For more tips on physical home security – read our article here.

Strengthen Your Home’s Cyber Protection

If your home relies on smart technology, or if you hold valuable digital assets, robust cyber insurance is essential. Please note that this protection cannot be arranged as a standalone product and is only offered within our high-net-worth household insurance portfolio.

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover including cyber insurance, please don’t hesitate to speak to us. You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk.

row of records

Protecting Your Vinyl Collection: A Specialist Insurance Guide for UK Record Collectors
Protecting Your Vinyl Collection: A Specialist Insurance Guide for UK Record Collectors 1000 667 James Hallam

Vinyl has reclaimed its place at the centre of the UK music world. What was once considered a nostalgic medium has evolved into a thriving collector’s market, where rarity, condition and provenance can turn a £20 record into a four-figure investment. From first pressings and deleted sleeves to limited-edition coloured runs and signed jackets, the value of vinyl is growing at a pace many collectors never anticipated.

For high-value collectors, records often represent far more than musical enjoyment. They are cultural artefacts, passion projects, and financial assets rolled into one. As more collections grow in both size and value, so does the need to consider whether they are properly protected.

However, many UK collectors still rely on standard home insurance policies, often without realising that their records may not be covered at all. This guide explores why that gap exists, how to protect rare and valuable vinyl effectively, and how specialist insurance ensures your collection remains safe for years to come.

The Growing Value of Vinyl in the UK

Vinyl has experienced a remarkable resurgence over the past decade. Limited-run pressings often sell out within minutes, and collectors are increasingly willing to pay premium prices for rare or high-grade records. Early pressings from iconic artists, misprints, unusual label variations and imported editions regularly appear at auction, sometimes achieving unexpectedly high results.

A record’s condition has a significant influence on its value. Mint or near-mint copies, particularly those still in shrink-wrap or with original inserts, can be worth many times more than well-played versions. This rarity drives demand and strengthens the argument for protecting collections as you would any other appreciating asset.

With collectors now routinely spending thousands of pounds annually on rare records, it’s clear that vinyl has shifted from a nostalgic interest to a meaningful investment category.

Why Standard Home Insurance Is Often Insufficient

Many collectors assume that their vinyl library is simply another household possession. Unfortunately, this is rarely the case. Home insurance policies often include low value caps for individual items, along with broader exclusions that can leave vinyl collectors exposed.

Common issues include:

  1. Insufficient single-item limits: Single-item limits may sit far below the value of a rare record. A high-value first pressing worth £2,000, for example, might only be insured for £500 under a standard policy.
  2. Low total cover limits: Even if individual records are insured, the overall collection limit may be too low.
  3. Exclusions for collectibles: Some policies exclude items considered ‘for display or collection purposes.’
  4. Limited cover for accidental damage: many collectors are surprised to learn that accidental damage is not automatically included. A warped record, a torn sleeve or water damage from a leaking pipe may fall outside standard cover.
  5. Inadequate protection during transit: Standard cover often excludes damage occurring during transport.
  6. No cover for appreciation in value: Values can rise quickly, particularly after an artist’s passing or when a rare variant gains recognition.

For committed collectors, these gaps can be costly.

How Specialist Vinyl Collection Insurance Provides Proper Protection

Specialist insurance is different because it recognises the unique nature of vinyl collecting. Rather than treating the collection as a generic category, it provides cover tailored to the specific risks and values associated with records.

One of the biggest advantages is the ability to agree the value of your collection upfront. This creates certainty. If something is lost, damaged or stolen, you know what will be paid out. This is especially important for rare editions where market values can fluctuate.

A specialist policy can also protect against wider risks that standard home insurance may overlook. Transit cover, accidental damage, and protection during storage or loaning are often included as standard. For collectors who regularly transport records to fairs, restorers or storage units, this expanded protection is incredibly valuable.

Documenting and Valuing Your Collection

To secure the right level of cover, it’s helpful to build a clear record of what you own. A well-maintained inventory is invaluable, not only for insurance but also for future valuations, sales, or estate planning.

A good inventory typically includes details such as:

  • the artist
  • album title
  • pressing information
  • catalogue numbers
  • the condition of both vinyl and sleeve

Photographs add another level of clarity, and many collectors also keep written valuations for exceptionally rare items. Digital catalogue platforms such as Discogs can be useful tools for tracking purchases and identifying pressings.

For larger or more valuable collections, regular professional valuations are worth considering. The vinyl market moves quickly, and a valuation that was accurate three years ago may be significantly out of date today. Reviewing your insurance every year ensures your cover keeps pace with the market.

Preserving the Condition of Your Vinyl

Insurance provides financial protection, but preserving the condition of your collection helps maintain its value and reduces the likelihood of a claim. Good storage practices make an enormous difference to the longevity of vinyl.

  • Environmental control

Vinyl is sensitive to heat and humidity, and even a few hours of high temperatures can cause irreversible warping. Keeping your collection in a cool, stable environment away from direct sunlight is essential. Records should always be stored upright, not stacked, and heavy shelves or solid furniture can help support larger collections.

  • Protective sleeves

High-quality inner sleeves prevent static, dust and scratches, while thick outer sleeves protect artwork from wear and tear. A record-cleaning routine not only improves sound quality but also reduces long-term damage.

  • Secure packaging

For collectors who frequently move house, visit record fairs or loan items, careful handling and secure packaging are vital. Accidental damage in transit is far more common than many collectors realise- an issue that specialist insurance can address if properly arranged.

Why Working with a Specialist Broker Matters

Every vinyl collection is different. Some collectors focus on a single genre, some build extensive libraries across decades, and others concentrate on ultra-rare or investment-grade records. The right insurance must reflect this individuality. A specialist broker ensures that your policy is tailored precisely to the size, scope and value of your collection.

For high-value collectors, this personalised approach offers both clarity and peace of mind.

With James Hallam you can protect your vinyl collection as part of your high-net-worth household insurance portfolio

Get in touch for help and advice

If you have any concerns or queries on your insurance cover please don’t hesitate to speak to us.

You can call any of the team on 0203 002 9859 or email pcl@jameshallam.co.uk

Fam Trips for Travel Agents: What to Look Out For
Fam Trips for Travel Agents: What to Look Out For 1000 667 James Hallam

A familiarisation trip, also known as a fam trip, allows travel agents to seek out potential new destinations and experiences for their customers while networking with other travel professionals.

In this post, we will discuss some key things you should look out for on your fam trips. We will also explore the insurance implications of fam trips, to help you and your staff stay safe and secure while making the most of the experience.

What is a Fam Trip?

A fam trip is a dedicated excursion for travel agents, usually organised by tour operators, tourist boards, hotel and resort groups, and cruise lines. Often, these groups will organise a fam trip when they have a new package or property to promote. But established destinations may also run a fam trip when they want to improve their experiences or increase awareness among travellers.

How Does a Fam Trip Work?

There are a number of different types of fam trips:

  • Hosted fam trips. This means that the tourist board, resort, hotel, or cruise line will take care of everything. They may partially fund the trip, or they may even fully fund it. Joining such a trip is often by invite only.
  • Self-funded fam trips. You will have to contribute to the costs of such a trip, but you will usually get a significant discount for travel or accommodation. If this results in more bookings in the future, a self-funded fam trip could ultimately provide a significant return on your investment.
  • Virtual fam trips. Rather than travelling in person to a destination, you will join live tours online, and take part in Q&S and other sessions remotely.

What Happens on a Fam Trip?

Most fam trips work in essentially the same way: You will be invited to personally experience the travel experience, whether in person or virtually. There might be a guided tour, or you might be free to inspect things in your own time. Throughout, there will be opportunities to ask questions, and there will likely be hosted dinners and networking events too.

The Benefits of a Fam Trip

  • Increase your portfolio and your expertise. You will be able to offer your customers a broader range of destinations and experiences. And as you will have sampled these locations yourself, you will be able to offer expert advice that could encourage more customers to book.
  • Marketing opportunities. You will be able to take lots of photos and videos which could help you create compelling blogs, email campaigns, and social media content.
  • Networking opportunities. You will meet travel operators, sales reps, suppliers, and other travel agents. Expanding your network in this way could lead to further opportunities in the long-term.
  • Opportunity to identify possible future risks. You’ll be taking the same trips as your customers, so take time to identify any risks they could face that could lead to cancellations or issues you might be able to mitigate.

What To Look Out For on a Fam Trip

Here are some tips to help you make the most of a fam trip:

  • Make sure you are sufficiently prepared. Research the area in advance, including the weather, popular local sites, and important local customs. Also make sure you bring everything you need, including appropriate clothing, notebooks, electronics, and chargers.
  • Ask lots of questions. This will show you are curious about the destination, and genuinely engaged in the experience, which may make suppliers more willing to work with you. It might help to plan your questions in advance, so that you are never floundering for anything to say.
  • Brief your staff. If you will not be taking the fam trip yourself, make sure that whichever employee or employees you send are fully briefed on what you expect to achieve from the experience.
  • Record as much as you can. Take lots of notes, photos, and videos. The more you document, the easier you will find it to create powerful content afterwards.
  • Be nice. Be as polite and courteous as possible with everyone you meet, whether they are a host, a supplier, a sales rep, or another travel agent. Be sure to formally thank your hosts afterwards too, and to follow up on any connections you make.
  • Be transparent. When talking about your experiences, whether in a blog, an email, or on social media, make it clear that you travelled to the destination at the host’s invitation. Tag or link to the hosts directly wherever possible. Your hosts will appreciate the publicity, and your customers will appreciate the transparency.

What Are The Risks of a Fam Trip?

  • Squandered opportunities. If you do not make enough of an impression, or if you do not take enough photos or gather enough information, you may struggle to generate any business as a result of your fam trip.
  • Damaged reputations. If something goes wrong on the trip – if you miss an appointment or inadvertently offend a host or another individual, for example – then it could damage your reputation in the wider travel industry. You may struggle to find further travel or networking opportunities as a result.
  • Damaged trust. If you do not properly disclose the fam trip arrangement when creating content or talking to customers, it may damage the trust they place in you, which could affect your sales.
  • Missing potential issues. There might be issues that cause certain activities or accommodation options to be impractical for your customers. It’s important to use this trip to identify potential hiccups, safety risks or accessibility issues that might impact your customers later down the line.
  • General travel risks. Finally, there are the risks associated with any business travel: Lost baggage, accident and injury, delayed flights, and so on.

Taking the time to prepare for your fam trip will mitigate most of these risks. But when it comes to the general travel risks, it is important to ensure you are fully covered for anything that might happen.

Are You Insured for Fam Trips?

Whether you make the fam trip yourself, or you send an employee or a group of employee, it is important to ensure you have appropriate cover in place should anything go wrong:

  • Employer’s liability insurance. You have a legal duty to get employer’s liability insurance to cover your staff for any accidents or injuries they sustain on the job. If you send employees on fam trips, be sure to tell your employer’s liability insurance provider. A fam trip is not considered “clerical” work, so your insurer will need to be aware that your employees may need cover for certain additional risks.
  • Travel insurance. You will also need a dedicated business travel insurance policy, which should ideally be a corporate group business travel policy. A general “off-the-shelf” holiday travel insurance policy will not provide the cover you need, as these packages will typically not cover you for any time spent working.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with access to a hand-picked selection of A-rated insurance providers. We have provided specialist business insurance for tour operators and travel agents for over 20 years.

We provide a one stop shop service for the travel industry, and over 700 travel agents and tour operators depend on us for dedicated business insurance services. Also, we act as the trusted insurance advisor to ABTA and AITO.

Find out how we can help you today.

Do I Need a Landlord Licence?
Do I Need a Landlord Licence? 1000 667 James Hallam

Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently caused controversy when it emerged that she had broken housing rules when renting out her family home. It seems she had failed to obtain a “selective” rental licence when renting out her London home.

This news prompted many to wonder about the specific rules for letting out property in the UK: Do you always need a landlord licence? And if not, when exactly do you need one?

What is a Landlord Licence?

A landlord licence is exactly what it sounds like: A document that gives you the legal right to let property in the UK.

The type of licence you need will depend on the type of property you are looking to let, as well as your location.

When Do I Need a Landlord Licence?

If you are letting property in Scotland or Northern Ireland, then you will need some form of licence or registration no matter what kind of property it is. In England and Wales, it all depends on what sort of property you want to let.

Types of Landlord Licences

Broadly speaking, there are three types of landlord licences:

  • Mandatory HMO Licensing
  • Additional Licensing
  • Selective Licensing

What is Mandatory HMO Licensing?

An HMO is a House in Multiple Occupation. This is a situation where unrelated tenants live in the same property, with their own private rooms, while sharing facilities such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Since 2006, it has been a legal requirement in England and Wales to apply for an HMO Licence when letting out a property to five or more unrelated tenants. This applies to any property where these unrelated tenants form two or more households. And to get your licence, your property will have to meet all applicable HMO standards in terms of room sizes, safety measures, and so on.

Usually, an HMO licence will last for five years. But if the council has any particular concerns about your property, then your licence may be shorter. Depending on your specific location, and the specific size of your property, an HMO Licence may cost between £600 and £1,200.

What is Additional HMO Licensing?

As we mentioned above, it is a legal requirement in England and Wales to get an HMO Licence for any property let to five or more unrelated tenants who form two or more households. In some areas, local councils require you to get an HMO Licence for smaller shared houses too, where three or more unrelated tenants form more than one household in the same property.

Check your local council’s licensing laws to find out whether you will need a licence for your property, depending on its size and the number of tenants.

What is Selective Licensing for Landlords?

Some local councils designate areas where all privately rented homes require a licence. This is known as Selective Licensing, and councils usually introduce this measure to regulate the rental market in high-density neighbourhoods.

Depending on the council, a licence can cost between £400 and £900 per property. If you fail to get a licence, you may face a fine of up to £30,000. On top of this, the court may impose a Rent Repayment Order, which would require you to pay up to 12 months of rent back to your tenant.

How Do I Find Out If I Need a Landlord Licence?

As we have seen, if your property is based in Scotland or Northern Ireland, then you will likely need a licence to let any private property. In England and Wales, if you are renting out an HMO to more than five people, then you will certainly need a licence. But beyond that, it depends on your local council’s specific rules.

Head to your local council’s website, and look for their Housing or Private Renting section. Many councils have online tools where you can enter your property’s postcode, and they will instantly tell you if any Additional or Selective Licensing laws apply to your area.

If you are still in doubt, then contact your council directly.

Note that, even if you do not need a landlord licence for your property, you will still have to meet a number of legal responsibilities as a landlord.

Get the Cover You Need For Your Property

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

Whether you let a single private property, or you have a portfolio of properties, we can help you get the specialist insurance you need as a landlord at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you today.

What To Look For In Cyber Insurance Cover
What To Look For In Cyber Insurance Cover 1000 666 James Hallam

Every business in every sector should take cyber security seriously. Cyber insurance will offer essential protection during a cyberattack, while also giving you the cover you need to recover from an attack.

Be sure to read our guide to why your business needs cyber insurance.

In this post we will list some key things to look out for in a cyber insurance policy; to help you ensure you get the cover and the support you need for the cyber security risks you face.

Make Sure You Get A Dedicated Cyber Insurance Policy

First, it is important to choose a dedicated, standalone cyber insurance policy, rather than just relying on existing insurance products for cover.

The only way to ensure that you have all the cover you need is to invest in a dedicated cyber insurance policy. This is one area where you simply will not be able to get by with a standard business insurance package.

Does Standard Business Interruption Cover Cyber Attacks?

A standard business interruption insurance policy, for example, won’t cover you for any of the risks associated with a cyberattack, including loss of income while you are unable to trade following a breach. It also won’t cover any legal fees or other expenses that may arise as a result of the cyberattack.

Pay Attention to the Policy Wording on Cover Limits and Exclusions

In particular, you need to pay attention to the policy’s cover limits, and to any specified exclusions.

Cover Limits
The cover limit is the maximum amount your insurer will pay out should you ever make a claim on your cyber insurance policy. A single cyber breach could cost your business thousands. But some cyber attacks carry a much bigger cost. Jaguar Land Rover, for example, recently faced £50m in losses per week as a result of a cyber security breach.

With this in mind, it is best practice to pick a policy offering limits on an ‘any one claim’ basis rather than ‘in the aggregate’. A policy on an ‘any one claim’ basis would be reinstated for each separate claim, meaning you would be covered if you suffered more than one cyber breach during the year you are covered.

Specified Exclusions
Also pay attention to any cover exclusions or conditions. These will vary from policy to policy. It is important to ensure that the policy’s exclusions will not result in any potential gaps in your cover.

Ongoing Support is Everything

The main reason why you need to get a dedicated cyber insurance policy is because only a standalone policy will offer ongoing support during an incident. In fact, when comparing cyber insurance policies, the support you will get during an incident may be a more important consideration than the final settlement you would receive following an incident.

A good cyber insurance policy will include a dedicated support helpline that you could call for support in the event of a cyberbreach or a ransomware attack. This may include assistance in notifying your clients and customers about the breach, and in advising them in action they could take to protect themselves.

The cyber insurance policy may also offer certain risk assessment services. These could help you strengthen your systems in order to make a cyberattack less likely to occur in the first place.

Adequate cover is important. But when it comes to cybercrime, you will need more than a cash settlement following a claim. You should be able to rely on your cyber insurance policy for immediate support the moment you realise that something has gone wrong.

Get Tailored Cyber Insurance For 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 find the cyber insurance you need at the best possible price.

Get in touch for a free quote today.

How Driver Shortages Affect Haulage Risk Management
How Driver Shortages Affect Haulage Risk Management 1000 666 James Hallam

The UK’s commercial motor industry has been dealing with a driver shortage for some years now.

In this post we will take a look at the current state of the UK’s HGV driver shortage, before exploring how this might affect risk management in haulage firms. We will then discuss some strategies for managing a driver shortage in your business.

The Current State of the HGV Driver Shortage

The Road Haulage Association (RHA) recently released figures suggesting that the UK may have lost over 117,000 qualified drivers over the past 12 months.

This figure is based on the number of driver qualification cards (DQCs) that have lapsed in this period. And the RHA has pointed out that the data shows that many drivers in their 30s and 40s have left the workforce, not just retirees.

The RHA also mentioned that their figures are “supported by anecdotal evidence”, with numerous fleets reporting that they are struggling with driver shortages.

How Can Driver Shortages Affect Haulage Risk Management?

When there is a general shortage of drivers, any existing drivers will face increased pressure, which can cause a range of issues for haulage fleets.

Increased risks of accidents
This could increase the risks of accidents as a result of:

  • More pressure on drivers which can increase driver stress and fatigue, as they may feel the need to work longer shifts so as to meet demanding deadlines.
  • Regulatory issues, as drivers may feel compelled to exceed their drivers’ hours.
  • Recruitment of younger drivers. As they are less experienced on the road, younger drivers may be more likely to be involved in accidents.
  • Encouragment of older and retired drivers to return to the workforce. This too could affect your risk management, as older drivers may have slower reaction times than younger drivers, or they may have certain medical conditions that could affect their abilities to safely operate HGVs.

Increased staff loss
Overstretched drivers may even choose to leave the workforce if the job becomes too demanding, which will make a bad situation even worse.

Increased insurance costs
To cope with a driver shortage, we can see that fleets will often recruit , the more you may have to pay for your haulage fleet insurance.

How to Address the Driver Shortage in Your Business

  • Recruitment and Training – Outreach programs, apprenticeships, and internships can help you attract the next generation of HGV drivers. Invest in extensive and ongoing training for all new and existing drivers to ensure that every driver in your fleet meets all necessary road safety standards.
  • Driver Wellbeing – Prioritising driver wellbeing can make recruitment easier, while also helping to reduce staff turnover. Introduce initiatives to help your drivers manage stress and burnout, which can contribute to effective risk management. Creating a culture of open communication between drivers and managers can make a huge difference to driver wellbeing, while also helping to improve your overall operational efficiency.
  • Invest in Technology – Advanced telematic and fleet management systems can help you plan more efficient routes and rotas, while also giving you real-time insights into driver behaviour. You can minimise downtime and ensure that no driver ever feels the strain. And if you ever spot any potential issues with any drivers, vehicles, or routes, you can take action as soon as possible.

Get Dedicated Haulage 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 fleet and your drivers.

We can help you with effective haulage risk management through getting you a comprehensive haulage insurance package that can cover your business at a competitive price.

Find out how we can help you today.

How Businesses Can Save Energy Over Winter
How Businesses Can Save Energy Over Winter 1000 667 James Hallam

Between 2021 and 2024, the average energy prices for UK businesses increased by over 90%. Prices fell a little towards the end of 2024, but they were still 75% higher than they had been at the start of 2021.

In this post we will explore some ways that businesses can save energy over winter, a period when short days and low temperatures have traditionally forced businesses to increase their energy usage.

Conduct an Energy Audit

To begin with, conduct a thorough energy audit for your business. This involves assessing how much energy each process consumes. Doing this may help you identify some areas where you can reduce your energy consumption.

As part of this, you might review your energy bills from previous years. This could help you pinpoint the key days or weeks in which your business was using the most energy. And if you have not done so already, you could invest in a smart meter, which could provide more immediate insights into how much energy your business is using at any given time.

Quick and Easy Ways to Reduce Business Energy Use

There are many “quick wins” that could help you make significant savings on your business’s energy use over the winter:

  • Replace as many lights as possible with efficient LEDs.
  • Use motion sensors in corridors, bathrooms, and other areas with comparatively low footfall, to save you from having to light them at all times.
  • Ensure that all windows and doors are kept closed when the heating is on. If you cannot afford to get new insulated windows and doors, you can reduce the amount of heat that escapes with curtains and draft excluders.
  • If you have a thermostat, do not place it in an area where the heat might fluctuate. Keep it away from anywhere there might be a draft, and do not place it near any machinery that could generate heat. This will prevent the heating from coming on when it is not needed.

Get Your Staff Onboard with Saving Energy

Your staff can actively support you in helping to cut your energy costs, so long as you communicate just what you are trying to achieve, and why.

Ways to encourage staff to help save energy and reduce bills:

  • Appoint an energy efficiency champion, who is in charge of looking for ways to reduce energy consumption, and for getting other staff involved.
  • Try to make it a competition, with incentives for reducing energy consumption, rather than reprimands for wasting energy.
  • Use signs and posters to encourage staff to save energy wherever possible. For example, you could put small stickers next to light switches in bathrooms or storage rooms to remind staff to turn out the lights before they leave the room.

Do I Have to Put the Heating on In the Workplace?

The HSE specify that you should maintain a minimum temperature of 16°C in the workplace, or 13°C in environments where staff may carry out physically demanding work. You can read their full guidelines on workplace temperature.

This means that you do not necessarily have a legal duty to keep the heating on round the clock. However, you should still aim to keep your staff as comfortable as possible when they are at work. Intentionally keep your workplace cold during the winter and the result will be unhappy or uncomfortable employees. This could result in some costly mistakes, and it could even increase your staff turnover.

But if you want to save energy over winter, you could encourage your staff to wear additional layers on the colder days, and to only turn the heating on as a last resort. And wherever possible, you could encourage your staff to work from home. This might be a win-win situation for you and your staff: They could avoid a tiresome commute on a cold and dark winter morning, while you might be able to make savings on heating the workplace.

Ways to Save Money on Business Energy Use in the Long-Term

Above we mentioned how a smart meter could help you review your energy use through providing more accurate insights into how much energy your business is using at any given time. A smart meter could also lead to more accurate energy bills, as rather than paying for your estimated usage, you will only ever pay for the energy you use.

Often, utility companies will offer additional discounts if you set up a Direct Debit to spread the cost of your bills.

In the long-term, you could look to invest in additional insulation for your business. You could also aim to replace your systems, equipment, and machinery, including your boiler, with more energy efficient models.

Finally, if you want to save money on business expenses, you could review your business insurance package.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your business. Talk to us and we can help you ensure you are getting the cover you need at the best possible price.

Find out how we can help you save money today.

Defective Products: Legal Responsibilities of Manufacturers & The Role of Insurance
Defective Products: Legal Responsibilities of Manufacturers & The Role of Insurance 1000 667 James Hallam

If you are a manufacturer and you inadvertently produce some defective products, then you have certain legal responsibilities in how you respond to the issue.

In this post we will explain your legal responsibilities when it comes to defective products, and discuss the role that insurance can play in helping you fix the issue.

Legal Responsibilities as a Manufacturer of Defective Products

Under The Consumer Protection Act 1987, manufacturers are liable for any harm caused by faulty or defective goods. Under this legislation, manufacturers would be held legally responsible for any losses or damages arising from faults or defects, regardless of whether you were originally at fault.

It is against the law to sell defective products in the UK. As a result, suppliers and retailers may also face claims of negligence in cases involving defective products. But in any case, the ultimate liability would always come down to the manufacturer.

When is a Product “Defective”?

A defective product is any product that does not function like it is meant to. We might also refer to products as “defective” when they have the potential to damage an individual’s property (e.g. if it carries unintended fire risks); or if they have the potential to cause illness, injury, or even death (e.g. if a food product accidentally contains traces of allergens or other harmful substances).

The defect might be found in the product’s design, or it might arise due to a manufacturing error. For instance, if a machine or a piece of equipment on your production line is not working like it should, the final product might not operate as expected.

The defect might also be found in the product’s packaging. It might contain misleading instructions, for example, or it might not properly warn of certain potential risks in using the product.

What Are The Penalties For Distributing Defective Products?

You will face severe legal, financial, and reputational consequences if you accidentally produce a defective product, and you fail to adequately respond:

  • Legal action from customers, suppliers, and retailers.
  • Fines from regulators.
  • Personal injury claims and other legal action.
  • Bad reviews and long-term damage to your brand’s reputation.

How Manufacturers Should Manage Defective Products

  • Set clear terms and conditions. Outline exactly how you will manage returns, refunds, and repairs. This will help manage expectations which could ultimately help you avoid disputes.
  • Respond quickly. You need to act as soon as you become aware of the defect, whether you notice it yourself, or you receive a complaint from a supplier, a retailer, or a customer. At this point it is important to collect evidence and keep records of all communications, as you may ultimately have to demonstrate how you managed the issue.
  • Offer the correct response. Your exact legal responsibilities may differ depending on the particular situation you are facing. You need to follow the law when it comes to offering refunds, repairs, or replacements. For more information, check the Consumer Protection Act and the Sales of Goods Act.
  • Review your quality controls. If you accidentally manufacture a defective item, you should thoroughly review your processes, including your quality control systems, to determine just how this defect came about. This will help you avoid producing any further defective items in the future.

Reducing Defects in Manufacturing

  • Quality control is everything. You should implement robust quality control procedures at every step of the manufacturing process. These procedures should be capable of identifying errors as soon as they arise, so that you can address any potential issues immediately.
  • Train your employees. Your employees should know how to spot any potential issues that could lead to defects, and they should know how to respond effectively.
  • Set policies and procedures. You should know in advance exactly how you will respond to a defective product issue. Make sure you understand your legal requirements in responding to different types of defects, whether it is a harmless design flaw or a serious error that could potentially cause harm. The better you understand your legal responsibilities, the faster and more effectively you can act when you need to.

The Role of Insurance in Product Defects

Specialist manufacturing insurance can include product liability insurance. This can cover you for all the expenses that may arise should you manufacture a defective product, including product recall fees, the costs of notifying suppliers, retailers, and customers, and any potential legal fees or compensation payments that may follow.

Read our full guide to what manufacturing insurance can cover.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance brokers. We are committed to protecting your manufacturing business, and we can help you ensure you are fully covered for all risks relating to defective products.

Find out how we can help you today. 

How To Protect Your Shop Against Theft Over Christmas
How To Protect Your Shop Against Theft Over Christmas 1000 667 James Hallam

Shops across the UK lose millions to theft throughout the Christmas period. In this post, we will discuss how you can protect your shop against theft over the busy Christmas season.

Be sure to read our full guide to stopping shoplifters and preventing retail theft.

Is Shoplifting More Common Over Christmas?

Figures emerged in December 2024 revealing that more than 650 shoplifting offences a day had gone unsolved over the previous 12 months. This represented a 38% increase in the total number of unsolved shopping offences in the same period five years previously.

Why is Shoplifting More Common at Christmas?

Shoplifting offences may be more common over the festive period for a number of reasons:

  • Increased footfall – During the busy Christmas shopping season, shops may experience higher footfall than they do at any other time of year. This chaos can provide a lot of cover for opportunistic shoplifters.
  • Staffing issues – Existing staff may be more tired and stressed than usual. Temporary and seasonal staff may not have the training or the experience to identify and respond to shoplifting. And managerial staff may be too overstretched to provide any effective oversight.
  • Stock issues – Shops tend to increase their stocks over Christmas, and it is common to see large quantities of valuable products left in locations where it might be easy for shoplifters to steal them without being noticed.

How To Protect Your Shop Against Theft Over Christmas

To begin with, conduct a thorough security audit to ensure there are no vulnerabilities that shoplifters might exploit:

  • CCTV – Do you have full CCTV coverage of your entire shop floor? How often do you review your CCTV footage?
  • Visibility – Can staff see the entire shop floor from the checkout? If there are any blindspots, could you use mirrors or rearrange shelves to improve line of sight and help staff keep tabs on customers?
  • Signage – Could you increase the signage in the store to notify customers of your security procedures? A simple sign reading “CCTV in operation” could be enough to deter some thieves.
  • Keeping products secure – Do you have secure locations for securing and displaying high value items? If you will be increasing your stock over Christmas, will you have the facilities to securely accommodate a greater volume of valuable products?

Staff Briefing and Scheduling

Inform Your Staff of the Risks
Make sure that every member of staff fully understands the increased risks of shoplifting over the festive period. This should extend to everyone, whether they are permanent or temporary, and whether they work on the shop floor or in the stockroom.

Increase Staff Numbers
When it comes to staff rotas, if possible, you should ensure that no member of staff ever works a shift by themselves. A single member of staff will not be able to monitor the entire shop floor. Plus, shoplifters often work in pairs, where one will distract your staff while the other lifts items out of sight. The more staff there are on duty, the harder shoplifters will find it to work unobserved.

Extra Security Staff
Many shops employ temporary staff over the Christmas period to cope with the increased footfall. To prevent shoplifting, you should consider adding additional security personnel to your workforce during the festive period. Identify in advance the days that are likely to be the busiest, and ensure that you have the greatest security presence on duty at peak times.

Consider Your Store Layout

If you will be decorating your shop for Christmas, make sure your decorations do not create any new blindspots that shoplifters could exploit.

Take care when displaying products on the shop floor. If you currently keep any high value items in locked cabinets, for example, you should continue to do so over Christmas. If you want to display greater quantities of high value items on the shop floor, you could display empty boxes which staff could exchange for the real thing at the point of sale.

Introduce New Policies Where Necessary

If you familiarise yourself with some common shoplifting techniques, it could help you to outline new policies to help you mitigate the risks.

Increased Self-Service Staff
For example, in stores with self-service checkouts, one technique is for shoplifters to scan a barcode of one item in order to pay a lower price for a considerably more expensive product. You could deter this behaviour with an increased staff presence at the self-service tills, along with mandatory bag and receipt checks before customers leave the store.

Large Bag Policies
Also, it is common for shoplifters to carry big bags, or to push large prams, into which they can easily drop items without notice. You could introduce a policy limiting, or even outright preventing, customers from bringing large bags or oversized prams into the store.

Communication and Enforcement of Policies
Whatever new policies you introduce, make sure you communicate them as clearly and early as possible to all customers, while making it clear just why you are enforcing such restrictions. Signage can help, as well as well-briefed security staff who could calmly and politely explain to customers why they are not allowed in the shop with larger bags.

Review Your Retail Business Insurance

Finally, as you approach the festive period it might be a good idea to review your retail business insurance, to ensure it will cover you for the increased risk of theft over Christmas. For example, if you intend to increase your stock levels over Christmas, you may have to raise your cover limits accordingly.

James Hallam is an independent Lloyd’s broker with a dedicated team of experienced insurance professionals who care about protecting your shop, over the Christmas period and beyond. We can help you get specialist retail shop insurance, which can help your business bounce back from any significant losses.

Find out how we can help your shop today.

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