#NEWS

Microsoft, a top software provider for both individuals and businesses, recently announced plans to discontinue support to several of their major products as part of an effort to invest in newer technologies and services.

Winter weather can create serious risks for both your organisation’s property and your employees.

It’s no surprise that working from height comes with elevated risks. However, recent HSE data revealed that UK employers across industry lines are failing to implement the necessary safety measures to protect their employees during such operations.

In the midst of an ageing workforce and constant increase in demand for digital expertise, the UK skills shortage certainly isn’t going anywhere in 2020.

A ferry operator has been fined after an employee suffered severe injuries from a moving vehicle incident.

We are all tired of waiting for this to conclude, whatever the outcome! 31st March 2019, 31st October 2019 now 31st January 2020 – who knows? Whether a General Election makes a difference remains to be seen.

The UK insurance market is the fourth largest in the world and includes Lloyd’s, probably the industry’s most revered institution.

A manufacturing company has been fined after an employee suffered multiple injuries due to a 'fall from height' incident. The worker was unloading a lorry at the manufacturing site when he fell from the lorry bed.

According to the HSE, stress accounted for over 40 per cent of all work-related ill health cases and more than 50 per cent of all working days lost due to ill health over the last year. Read this guide for 7 strategies to reducing workplace stress.

Although summer has come and gone, there are still some burning-hot risks hiding in your workplace. Indeed, regardless of the temperature outside, an on-site fire could wreak havoc within your organisation at any time.

It's no secret that SMEs face unique risks when compared to the average business, given their size and financial limitations. However, recent research revealed that the biggest concern facing SMEs has nothing to do with managing costs, but rather following the law.

‘52% of businesses would cease trading in under a year if a key person died or became critically ill’ reports Legal & General’s ‘State of the Nation’ SME research. Although small and medium enterprises are more vulnerable, losing a key person can be detrimental to businesses of any size.

Although it has been nearly two years since the historic hashtag made its debut, recent data revealed that organisations throughout the UK are continuing to experience a significant rise in sex discrimination claims as a result of the #MeToo movement.

We're pleased to announce that on 1st January 2020, Finch will rebrand as Verlingue.

A new chapter is beginning for our company, and we're very excited about continuing our journey with you as Verlingue.

Former Director sentenced after lorry spike incident

The former director of a now-dissolved landscaping company was recently prosecuted following a lorry spike incident that left a worker with life-changing injuries.

As a result of increased economic uncertainty for UK markets over the last couple of years, leading UK pension providers have been changing their default fund investment strategies to increase returns for investors.

Brexit has been an elephant in the room for the past three years, however, with the Government committed to the 31st October deadline, now is the time for employers to be very clear about the possible implications of employing EU citizens.

Throughout this year we have seen a rising trend in Wellbeing provision across all employers in the UK.

Lord Chancellor David Gauke recently announced a new Ogden Rate (also known as the Discount Rate) of -0.25 per cent for personal injury awards.

While your organisation is likely to have measures in place to protect your employees from common workplace risks, such as slips and trips or asbestos exposure, a recent survey discovered that many firms are failing to account for far more prevalent staff risks.

Although cyber-security has remained a top concern for UK organisations, recent data revealed that senior managers have yet to join the conversation.

Following a serious accident on-site, many employers respond by re-evaluating their workplace risks and controls to determine what went wrong and how they can reduce the likelihood of future incidents.

It's vital for your employees to feel comfortable and supported in sharing any worries or concerns they have regarding their health at work. Nevertheless, recent research found that this is rarely the case for UK workers - especially in the realm of mental health.

Today, Verlingue announces a new external growth operation in France with the acquisition of the Groupe Eyssautier (Paris, Marseille, London), ...

Today’s evolving risk landscape contains a wide range of intangible threats—cyber-attacks, broken supply chains and the mental health of your employees, to name a few — that all have the potential to cause noticeable business interruption within your organisation.

Theft is a serious concern for any organisation, regardless of size or industry. Worryingly, recent research has revealed that theft against businesses is on the rise.

The last few years have seen a significant increase in directors and officers (D&O) being held legally accountable for organisational mistakes or failures.

Every year, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport releases their annual Cyber Security Breaches Survey. This year’s data allows organisations to take a closer look at top cyber-threats, analyse the impacts of disruptive breaches and understand the importance of managing cyber-security.

It is general knowledge that it’s illegal to drive a vehicle without necessary corrective eye-wear and drivers who break the law can be fined, have points on their licence or even be jailed in extreme cases.

As flames engulfed the Notre Dame Cathedral this April, the tragedy emphasised the grim reality that no building is immune to the costly consequences of a fire.

Sometimes convincing senior management of the benefits of spending money on Employee Benefits (EB) can be a challenge. HR requests for additional budget will be assessed against other business requirements and often EB spend is moved to the category of 'nice to have but non essential'.

Less than a year after buying London firm ICB Group, Verlingue has announced a new operation in Switzerland as part of its external growth: the acquisition of Bern-based insurance broker MEEX.

The past few years have seen a significant increase in directors and officers (D&O) being held legally accountable for organisational mistakes or failures.

Lat month yet another substantial, seemingly unshakeable company had collapsed into liquidation. The compulsory liquidation puts 5,000 jobs at risk, as well as endangering 20,000 more in the supply chain, according to the BBC.

Our online benefits solution, Connect, continues to grow in popularity with our clients, who are looking at better ways of delivering their benefits to employees whilst at the same time, streamlining HR and Payroll administration.

2018 was the worst year for motor thefts in a decade and was largely driven by sudden increases in both keyless and more traditional types of theft.

Finch technology expert, Mark Robinson, has been announced as the Co-Chair of Pro-Manchester's Technology sector group.

Vision care is rapidly becoming an essential healthcare management tool for many employers in the UK and overseas.

Whether you plan to take your family on a continental road trip in the coming months or work for a transport organisation that frequently enters the EU, the results of Brexit may alter your current travelling agenda.

Finch’s Medical and Healthcare specialist, Emma Thornton, joined representatives from over 60 healthcare and life science companies for the Department for International Trade’s (DIT’s) Northern Powerhouse: Mission to Arab Health 2019.

Pension auto enrolment legislation came into force in October 2012, making it compulsory for all UK employers to have a pension scheme in place for their employees, enrol their employees in the scheme and pay pension contributions for them.

Finch were delighted to sponsor the ‘International Company of the Year (£50m + turnover)’ award at Insider’s prestigious North West International Trade Awards which took place at the Lowry Hotel in Manchester last week.

We are delighted to announce that Finch have been awarded the prestigious Gold award by independent customer experience organisation, Investor in Customers (IIC).

Specialist corporate insurance broker Verlingue announced it has acquired independent UK broker ICB Group. Financial details of the deal were not released.

A Surrey-based insurance broker has been acquired by Verlingue in a deal which triples the size of the French acquirer's presence in the UK market.

Verlingue and ICB announced that ICB Group, one of the UK’s leading insurance brokers, joined the Verlingue group.

Verlingue’s acquisition of ICB Group triples its size in the UK market

Finch Employee Benefits are delighted to announce the appointment of David Farebrother as a Senior Consultant.

Finch Insurance Brokers are delighted to announce the appointment of Mark Robinson as Client Director with responsibility for leading Finch’s Technology Practice.

A fascinating conference! It was great to immerse ourselves in another industry, get a better understanding of the issues they face and improve our understanding of our clients' and prospective clients' challenges. We had a great day, met some interesting people and learnt a huge amount.

Data Protection law is changing, and recent research shows that preparing for this is a top three concern for most Directors.

Finch Employee Benefits are delighted to announce the appointment of Andy Russell as Senior Consultant responsible for heading up their Flexible Benefits proposition.

We are delighted to announce our membership of the NWAA, as part of our commitment to the aerospace and advanced engineering sectors.

As part of our ongoing commitment to the Hospitality sector, we are delighted to announce our membership of BKHospitality, a new trade body formed by the merger of the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers (the ALMR) and the British Hospitality Association (the BHA).

The Government has announced an extension to the deadline for joining the Childcare Voucher Scheme for a further six months. The Scheme was set to close to new entrants at the start of April, but the Government has now agreed to allow employees until at least October 2018.

Good pensions scheme governance has always been important, but more so now than ever.

Following years of speculation as to whether or not the Government will abandon the current childcare voucher scheme, Finch's Head of Employee Benefits, Mark Pugh, looks at how it will be phased out, and its replacement - Tax-Free Childcare.

An example letter wording of how employers could communicate with employees re the childcare voucher changes and new Tax Free childcare scheme.

On the 6th April 2018, and then again on the 6th April 2019, employer and employee minimum contributions rates will increase for defined contribution qualifying schemes.

On the 6th April 2018, employer and employee minimum contributions rates will increase for defined contribution qualifying schemes.

We recommend informing employees of the changes - please see our sample letter which can be adapted for your own use.

2017 took the world by surprise with its unprecedented number of devastating terror related attacks. Whilst we are all aware of the ever-increasing threat of terrorism, few would have predicted the extent of damage and destruction we saw last year.

Could your business be saving 13.8% on its employee pensions schemes contributions?

The Pensions Regulator announced earlier this year that they were undertaking spot checks (in the form of short notice inspections) to ensure employers, regardless of size, name or industry, are complying with their auto-enrolment duties, with Manchester being one of the first target areas.

The parent of corporate broker Finch Insurance, based in Manchester, has taken a majority stake in leading Swiss commercial insurance & Employee benefits firm S&P Insurance Group, which is headquartered in Luzern.

For the last 12-15 years, buying liability insurance has been like sailing on calm seas with a following wind on a warm, quiet Saturday afternoon. Yes, there have been exceptions (the waste industry for instance) but for most businesses, the market has been very straightforward.

Finch are to hold a ladies only charity fashion show by Lucy Cobb in aid of Cornerstone on Wednesday 18th October 2017 between 6pm-9pm at St Ann's Church in Manchester.

Tickets are £10 and include a glass of Prosecco.

Insurers, clients and solicitors joined Finch in a charity fundraiser which raised nearly £3,000 for their Charity of the Year, Cornerstone Day Centre, who also entered a team.

Well, if you believe the doom mongers, some fleet premiums could be about to soar following the recent Government changes to the Ogden tables and I can’t imagine anyone being happy about paying higher premiums.
Will all fleet premiums rise? Probably not, but those businesses with poor claims records

In a recent legal case, over 800 women have launched legal action against the NHS and the manufacturer of a vaginal mesh implant used to treat pelvic organ prolapse after childbirth, alleging that the devices ruined their lives, leaving them in debilitating and lifelong pain.

A rare opportunity to ask former Pensions Minister and Director of Policy at Royal London about Employee Benefits, Pensions and his predictions for the Autumn budget.

Finch's Robert Smith joined Jay Bhayani in hosting May’s HR Exchange last week.

Finch is delighted to announce the launch of a 3 year strategic partnership with Medilink (in the North West, North East and Yorkshire &Humber) as its exclusive Insurance and Employee Benefits partner.

New tax years often bring change. This year is no exception! Here’s a summary of the main changes taking effect from April 2017.

Cornerstone Day Centre has won the staff vote to be Finch’s new Charity of the Year.

Finch would like to extend a huge thank you to clients, insurer connections and everyone who has supported our drive to raise money for our Charity of the Year, Macmillan.

We are excited to announce that we have become an affiliate member of techUK, demonstrating our commitment to delivering insurance excellence to members.

Finch Director Neal Lumb’s top ten tips on how to buy insurance for your business. Practical advice on the key things to consider and easy ways to make significant savings.

The Finch team attended the 2017 WBN Conference in Edinburgh in January, with 100 delegates from around Europe.

It's always fabulous when you can help a client in their hour of need and know that you have really made a difference.

We are delighted to announce that Ged Smith has been appointed as Client Director.

The impact of a cyber attack can be devastating. Finch Director Neal Lumb's fascinating insight into cybercrime explores the impact it can have and provides practical tips on how to protect your business.

Finch's Robert Smith looks at imminent changes to funding of pensions and retirement advice.

Helping to organize this global conference in Paris is symbolic of the international presence achieved by Verlingue over recent years.

Our parent company, Verlingue, are to host the Worldwide Broker Network’s global conference in Paris in October this year.

How to motivate your employees to improve engagement and retention was the focus of February’s HR Exchange forum.