Small businesses must be on full alert this Christmas - says
Towergate insurance broker
At the back of their minds many business people know that cases
of fire and theft always increase in a recession. They also know
that the Christmas and New Year holiday is open season for
criminals, because most businesses are more vulnerable when they
shut down for the festive period.
However, Simon Gifford, Claims Director of Towergate insurance
brokers says many local businesses are ill prepared for the
significant increase in thefts over Christmas and in the first
quarter of 2009.
"We can see all the danger signs coming together," he says.
"Unvetted seasonal employees are being taken on for the Christmas
rush, businesses are now closed down for up to a fortnight over the
holiday and stock levels are at their annual peak. But, worst of
all, consumers are feeling the pinch and are looking for bargains
for Christmas from market stalls, the internet and car boot sales…
thus inadvertently driving up criminal activity."
High stock levels also increase the risk from fire and, with
many fire claims occurring over the Christmas period, this is no
time to take short cuts on fire protection measures either.
The heightened crime risk over Christmas and the New Year calls
for extra caution from small businesses, say the advisers.
Retailers, in particular, need to ensure they're properly
protected, otherwise profits can be seriously affected. In fact,
there is no better time than Christmas to reassess your risks and
to ensure that your insurance protection is fit for purpose.
"We are talking to our clients about simple ways in which they
can reduce risks," says Simon Gifford. "We're asking them take a
few minutes to consider what measures they can take to protect
themselves against crime. And we've produced a five-point reminder
of some of the elementary steps they can take to reduce their
exposure to both theft and fire."
Towergate five simple tips for reducing fire and theft risk in
your business are:
Theft
- Make a comprehensive list of all your business assets and
review your insurance policy to ensure that you have adequate cover
should anything happen. Talk to your insurance broker about
Business Continuity Planning to ensure you protect against a
substantial loss or loss of vital data
- Keep a close and regular check on your stock levels and check
you have appropriate levels of insurance cover
- Check your security alarms are in working order and that
someone is contactable in the event of a crisis
- If you employ seasonal staff have them properly vetted and hire
them from a reputable source
- Ensure you have nominated staff to respond to calls and
customer contact over the festive season and make them aware of the
increased risk of crime.
Fire
- Fit a smoke alarm, regularly check it works, and replace
batteries annually
- Check all seasonal decorations and ensure electrical appliances
are safe and not left on overnight unless checked by qualified
electricians
- Make sure additional Christmas and New Year sales stock is
safely stored under approved warehousing conditions
- Provide extra fire extinguishers and ensure your staff are
properly trained in their location and use
- Don't leave your premises unattended or unsupervised over the
Christmas period.
Media Contacts
Russell O'Connor
Group Communications Manager
Towergate
Tel: 01622 656782
Mobile: 07760 282586
Email: Russell.o'connor@towergate.co.uk