Cornish Mutual providing latest news on rural subjects within the Insurance sector The Cornish Mutual Assurance Co. Ltd http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog Tue, 21 February 2012 18:51:00 Tue, 21 February 2012 18:51:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farmers-get-lessons-in-health-and-safety/ More than 100 farmers from across Devon and Cornwall have taken part in a series of practical workshops to highlight health and safety and cut the number of deaths and serious injuries in agriculture. Sessions on working at height, manual handling, safe use of farm machinery, electrocution and handling livestock were delivered by Duchy College and Lantra approved trainers at two free events hosted by rural insurer Cornish Mutual. There were also practical demonstrations on how to deal with entrapment and machinery blockages, and what precautions to take around chemicals at the events at Duchy College Stoke Climsland and on Willey Farm, near Okehampton earlier this week. Run under the South West Regional Skills Programme delivered by Duchy College Rural Business School, the training was supported by Cornish Mutual as part of the rural insurer's 'Farmsafe' initiative launched earlier this year. Philip Wilson, Business Development Manager at Cornish Mutual, said: "By providing training like this and through other 'Farmsafe' activities, we want to raise awareness of safety issues and help to reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on farms - it could make a real difference. These events have also been a good opportunity for our farming Members to catch up with each other and share their industry knowledge and experience." Ian Davey, a farmer and Cornish Mutual Member from Trerulefoot in South East Cornwall broke his arm and dislocated his shoulder, after being electrocuted with 11,000 volts when his trailer tipped up and touched an overhead power line. Ian Davey said: "Farms are very dangerous places and there are lots of hazards which we're not always fully aware of. We're always in a hurry to get a job done, usually influenced by the weather, and often we don't stand back and look at the dangers involved. My message is to look up and be aware of power lines, ladders, quad bikes, tractors, farm buildings and working at heights. These events are very important to make farmers more aware of the situations they find themselves in." Mike Hambly from Westcott Farm, Callington in Cornwall, commented: "I've had friends that have actually been fatalities, particularly one through electrocution, so the messages really do need to be listened to. I think there are a lot of us in the industry that know of people that have been touched by serious accidents. It's beholden on all of us to want to protect ourselves if we're self-employed and obviously to make sure staff and contractors are protected as well. We're working in small teams and can't afford time off to be ill or have injuries, so these are really key events to make sure we keep everyone safe to avoid these downtimes." Rob Pearce, Principal Inspector in Cornwall and Devon for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), said: "Many farmers are self-employed or run small family businesses, so we want to make sure they're not putting themselves and their livelihoods at risk with poor health and safety. There have been a number of simple tips outlined that won't cost a lot to put into practice and could even help to boost productivity. It's an alarming statistic that farmers are ten times more likely than most workers to be killed while at work, and that someone is killed on a farm in Devon and Cornwall on average of once every two months." For more information on Cornish Mutual's 'Farmsafe' initiative, visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk/farmsafe . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farmers-get-lessons-in-health-and-safety/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farmers-get-lessons-in-health-and-safety/ Tue, 21 February 2012 18:51:00 Ashfords Solicitors http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farming-and-renewable-energy/ Recently, there has been considerable press coverage regarding solar farms, including the Government's review of the Feed in Tariff ("FIT") which is applicable to solar projects. Solar is just one of the technologies of potential relevance to the farming sector. It is important, however, to make a distinction between commercial schemes led by external backers  that happen to be leasing farm land, and smaller scale schemes that are used by farmers to provide power and an additional source of income. Although there are various risks associated with farm scale schemes, the chief risk is the ability of the electrical distribution network to handle the exported power. Whilst the problem can be overcome, it may take a long time or be expensive (or both) and needs to be taken into account at an early stage. Some may think this will not be an issue due to the farm's electrical requirements - but even those farms with very high electrical requirements are likely to have surplus power at certain times. The renewables technologies usually seen in the farming sector are; - Solar - Small-scale wind (usually only one turbine) - The use of slurry or crops (or both) in anaerobic digestion ('AD') - Biomass (generally using wood or straw but also crops such as miscanthus) - Ground source heating In addition, in some locations, micro hydro electric schemes are possible. A specific issue with solar in farm schemes is dust. The latest solar panels are self cleaning, but need a pitch of around 45 degrees to achieve this. If they are not kept clean, their generating capacity declines. Wind turbines need a suitable position, and planning permission is frequently an issue. AD needs a consistent feedstock. Maintenance of the chosen system needs to be considered carefully and there is some concern that quoted maintenance costs may be too low. Assuming the technical requirements can be met and planning permission can be obtained, there are real benefits. The FIT (applicable to solar and farm scale AD and small scale wind) and the Renewable Obligations Certificate ("ROC" - applicable to large scale wind, micro hydro and biomass used to generate electricity) both provide financial incentives. For ground source projects and heat generating biomass, the Renewable Heat Incentive ("RHI") is potentially available. The FIT, ROCs and the RHI will assist financing the chosen scheme since they provide a source of income on top of the value of the power or heat produced. For more information, and for advice on the suitability of your farm in producing renewable energy, contact Mark Northey, Head of Energy at Ashfords Solicitors. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farming-and-renewable-energy/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farming-and-renewable-energy/ Wed, 15 February 2012 09:14:00 Verity Dodd http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/free-health-safety-workshops/ You are probably well aware that agriculture now has the highest number of fatalities and serious injuries of any industry in the UK. As an insurance company with our roots in farming and an interest in the welfare of rural communities throughout the South West, we take health and safety issues very seriously and would like to encourage the reduction of risk in agriculture.  For this reason, we will be running an awareness-raising initiative called ' FarmSafe ' throughout 2012, to help reduce the number of health and safety-related incidents and accidents on farms.  An important part of this initiative takes place next week, when we will be holding two health and safety workshops in association with Duchy College. The workshops, which will be provided by Lantra trainers, are free to Cornish Mutual Members  and will consist of eight different sessions on the following topics; • Chainsaw safety • Telehandler best practice • Working at heights/manual handling • Livestock handling • Safe use of ATVs • Entrapment/machinery blockages • Electrocution • Chemicals and dust The first workshop takes place on Wednesday 15th February at Duchy College, Stoke Climsland; the second on Thursday 16th February at Willey Farm, Sticklepath (near Okehampton). Refreshments will be provided on arrival along with lunch. It is hoped the sessions will demonstrate how health and safety can be practically implemented into the everyday running of a farm; if you would like to attend a workshop, please let our Marketing Assistant, Verity Dodd, know on 01872 246481 or by emailing marketing@cornishmutual.co.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/free-health-safety-workshops/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/free-health-safety-workshops/ Fri, 10 February 2012 11:48:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/strangest-insurance-requests-are-revealed/ A helicopter, Faberge egg collection, a pair of false teeth and a village phone box tops a list of the strangest items that rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual has been asked to cover, it has been revealed for the first time. The company, which has nearly 24,000 Members across the Westcountry, has been asked to provide insurance cover for a stately home worth more than £5 million, a family of camels, medical gasses and a bronze statue marking the 1497 Cornish rebellion. Other more unusual requests for cover include vast and expensive porcelain, art and antiques collections and a road bicycle with no lights for daytime use only - all of which were refused. One Inspector working for Cornish Mutual in North Devon also handled an insurance claim where a sunbathing sheep was startled by a postal van and managed to jump through a person's front room window and disembowel itself, dying on the owner's lounge floor carpet. In 2010/11 more than 5,800 insurance claims were handled by Cornish Mutual in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset and the company paid out over £10 million. Philip Wilson, Business Development Manager at Cornish Mutual, says: "I would like to say that we have seen and heard it all before when it comes to strange requests for insurance cover or the more unusual claims, but now I'm not so sure! On a serious note, it is very important to ensure that you have the right type of insurance cover in place for your personal belongings or items of any value, however bizarre or unusual they may be. It's worth checking that you are adequately insured to the right level because if you need to make a claim, you may find yourself underinsured." He adds: "Compared to other insurers, we pride ourselves on our very straightforward claims service where we make it as easy as possible for our Members to claim. Although these examples are some of the more unusual ones we've handled, our Member Services team and local Inspectors do a great job of dealing with claims and requests for insurance and do their best to help wherever they can. "Because we provide a very personal, flexible service and range of bespoke insurance products, we can tailor our cover around the specific needs of the individual wherever possible, so it is always worth checking with us first." http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/strangest-insurance-requests-are-revealed/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/strangest-insurance-requests-are-revealed/ Thu, 09 February 2012 16:57:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/insurer-creates-new-space-for-support-(1)/ Farmers across Cornwall in need of help and support can visit the county's agricultural chaplain in a new shed at the Truro Livestock Market, thanks to rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual. Chris Batt (pictured), who is the Farm Crisis Network's Cornwall Co-ordinator, will be taking up residence at the shed every Wednesday morning from 9am until lunchtime, when local famers and members of the agricultural community can drop in for a confidential chat if they are experiencing any problems. The new facility, a 22 x 8ft wooden shed has been bought and paid for by the Truro-based insurer to support the Cornwall Agricultural Chaplaincy. Chris Batt said: "Having the shed at Truro Market is really important, as it gives members of the agricultural community a place where they can come for advice, support, or just a general chat with a friendly face. Farming can be a very stressful and isolating job - for example, someone I saw last week said I was the first person they'd spoken to in three weeks - so just being there can make a really big difference. "Farmers are very self-sufficient and don't like to ask for help, but small worries can snowball and things can go rapidly downhill when you don't have someone to talk to. When I speak to people I try to pre-empt problems and point them in the right direction before things become a major issue, as well as acting as the first point of contact for charities like RABI and the Addington Fund." Paul Hawkins, local Insurance Inspector for Cornish Mutual added: "The work the agricultural chaplaincy carries out here in Truro is so important to the local farming community, including many of Cornish Mutual's Members, which is why we wanted to support them by providing a new shed for the market. It will give an excellent base for Chris and a place where people know they can go for private help and guidance." http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/insurer-creates-new-space-for-support-(1)/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/insurer-creates-new-space-for-support-(1)/ Thu, 09 February 2012 16:47:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/protect-gold-to-avoid-valentine’s-heartbreak/ As the price of gold soars, rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual is warning people in the Westcountry that their valuables may not be adequately insured in the lead up to Valentines Day next week. With experts predicting the precious metal will reach an all-time high of $2,000 per ounce later this year, the insurer is urging people with expensive valuables, such as gold jewellery and watches, to get them re-valued. During 2011, the price of gold saw an increase of 50 per cent and Cornish Mutual is concerned many people in the South West will have items that are significantly undervalued and could find themselves losing out if they had to make an insurance claim for an item being lost, stolen or damaged.  Cornish Mutual, which has nearly 24,000 Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, has seen a number of cases where a re-valuation on lost valuables has resulted in a drastic increase in value. Glenys Wilkins, owner of Wilkins Jewellers in Bridgwater, Somerset, says: "People are often not aware of the value of their gold jewellery until they actually lose it and want to make a claim. They usually can't believe the amount the price has increased, even in the past two or three years. Most insurers require an up-to-date valuation, as well as proof of ownership, so I would recommend that people carry out a re-valuation at least every three years. We hold a valuation day on the last Wednesday of every month, so anyone with items they think may have increased in value can come to get a professional opinion." Not all insurance firms will allow a re-valuation after a claim has been made, which is why Cornish Mutual is encouraging its Members to obtain new valuations for any gold they have insured. It is also important for people to make sure their home contents cover is correct, so when it comes to making a claim they do not find they are underinsured. Nick Howe, local Inspector for Cornish Mutual in Somerset, explains: "When someone first comes to us for an insurance quote, we ask for an up-to-date valuation on valuable items like gold jewellery, but as many of our Members have been with us for a number of years, some of those valuations are now out of date. Because of the drastic increase in the price of gold recently, it's worth making sure that you are adequately insured for your valuable items." He adds: "Some insurers will only allow claims to the amount of the original valuation. Although nothing can replace the sentimental value of jewellery gifted to you by a loved one, by correctly insuring your valuables and having them valued regularly you can at least be sure of recovering the financial loss." http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/protect-gold-to-avoid-valentine’s-heartbreak/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/protect-gold-to-avoid-valentine’s-heartbreak/ Wed, 08 February 2012 11:11:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/nutrition-key-to-reducing-lamb-mortality/ Farmers in the South West need to think carefully about their ewes' diets as lambing season approaches, according to one expert. Kate Phillips, livestock consultant at rural development organisation ADAS, told Farmers Guardian that nutrients such as vitamin E and Selenium play a "crucial role" in keeping the animals alive. She explained that both of these substances are important for nurturing a lamb's vigour, while Selenium also helps a lamb's immunity to diseases and their ability to generate heat. "Feeding carefully formulated in-lamb ewe diets will pay dividends later. If you feed a diet that meets ewe energy, protein and mineral needs pre-lambing, and body condition is good, then lamb losses will be reduced," said Ms Phillips, adding that farms should be aiming for 15 per cent lamb mortality or less. In her opinion, the majority of farmers have the ability to reduce the number of animals that die during the lambing season. While nutrition is vital for ewes due to give birth, one farmer has described to Cotswold Journal how he is aiming to improve his farm's lambing success by giving ewes a haircut. Jake Freestone of Overbury Farms explained: "There are many positive reasons to winter shear ewes. Firstly, they will be more comfortable and cooler as they are naturally an outdoor-all-year-round species, resulting in less strain on the sheep, shearling put to one side, but once a year they should get that anyway. "They should also eat less and be more efficient with what they eat, as they are not using energy to keep cool." Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/nutrition-key-to-reducing-lamb-mortality/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/nutrition-key-to-reducing-lamb-mortality/ Thu, 02 February 2012 17:39:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/'robotic-milking'-benefiting-cornish-farmers/ A number of farmers in Cornwall are taking advantage of new technology which allows for the 'robotic milking' of cows. As well as giving farmers time to attend to other areas of their business, 'robotic milking' is also helping farmers to increase their milk yields and improve their herd management. Andrew Julian, who works at Tratford Farm in Looe, is one of the farmers already experiencing the benefits of investing in milk robots. In an interview with thisiscornwall.co.uk, he explained how the robots were helping him run his business more efficiently. He said: "Milking was taking six hours a day, and now the daily time with the cows is typically just two-and-a-half hours and is totally flexible and we are not tied to the unit. "We have seen yields increase by up to 15 per cent since the robots were installed and we are managing the cows far better with less labour - but the improved quality of life is as important as anything." According to Farmers Guardian, robotic milking systems are also allowing to farmers increase their herd because there is no longer huge time constraints involved with milking them. Another user, David Talbot of Lower Alston Farm in Lancashire has estimated that the machines are saving him at least £1,200 per month in labour costs for his herd of 200 cows. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/'robotic-milking'-benefiting-cornish-farmers/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/'robotic-milking'-benefiting-cornish-farmers/ Thu, 02 February 2012 17:35:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/cornwall's-food-industry-creates-£14-billion-a-year/ Cornwall's food industry is worth an estimated £1.4 billion a year to its economy, according to a new report. The study, which was commissioned by Cornwall Development Company, took into account every aspect of food created in Cornwall from the growing of crops to sales in the supermarket. It was suggested that nearly £300 million a year is created via farm produce, whilst tourists are currently spending an estimated £450 million a year on food during trips to Cornwall. The report also indicated that the food industry is responsible for 30 per cent of jobs in the county.  Reacting to the figures, Cornwall Development Company rural delivery manager David Rodda claimed it would take a lot of hard work for the region to maintain these impressive figures. In an interview with insidermedia.com, he indicated an urgent need to develop a strategy which will make it easier to do so. He said: "It is clear from the studies that Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly have an incredibly strong, vibrant and important agri-food industry. However, no-one should be complacent at the current time. The key thing is that we don't allow the opportunities to pass us by." Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/cornwall's-food-industry-creates-£14-billion-a-year/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/cornwall's-food-industry-creates-£14-billion-a-year/ Wed, 01 February 2012 16:43:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/devon-wfu-'honoured'-to-host-national-conference/ The Devon branch of the Women's Food and Farming Union (WFU) is excited to host the organisation's national conference this spring. Rosemary Berry, chairman of the Devon group, described to the Farmers Guardian how happy she and her team are to be organising the event, which will take place at Bicton College from April 11th to 13th. "Devon WFU is extremely honoured to host this year's national conference and delighted that so many distinguished speakers and guests have already pledged their support for the event, including our national patron Baroness Byford and president Helen Bower," she remarked. The theme of this year's occasion is 'Food for Thought', with food security due to be at the top of the agenda and several experts lined up to speak to delegates. Farming Monthly reported that the University of Exeter's Professor Michael Winter, director of the school's Centre for Rural Policy Research, is one of those scheduled to speak about the topic. Other speakers so far confirmed are chief veterinary officer for Wales Dr Christianne Glossup, microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan, MEP Richard Ashworth, Devon farmer Richard Haddock and local cheesemaker Mary Quicke. Among the other topics on the agenda are the Slow Food Movement, fair trade and animal health, with the WFU hoping to see members as well as non-members attending the event. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/devon-wfu-'honoured'-to-host-national-conference/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/devon-wfu-'honoured'-to-host-national-conference/ Wed, 01 February 2012 16:06:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/national-beef-association-hails-badger-cull-breakthrough/ The National Beef Association (NBA) hopes to see ten more badger cull licences granted now that two pilot projects look set to go ahead, reports South West Farmer. Bill Harper, TB Committee chairman at the NBA, explained that the culling of badgers is needed to help stop the "horrendous" spread of bovine tuberculosis (TB), which is why ten further applications are being planned for 2013. The two pilot areas for the project are in West Somerset and Gloucestershire, with the system coming into effect in autumn. Local farmers will be invited to apply for a licence to take part. Mr Harper said: "We are still a long way off a badger cull taking place, but the attitude of all involved is very encouraging and we remain positive that licences will be granted and everything put in place for the two pilot areas to surge into action this autumn." BBC News' environment correspondent Richard Black pointed out that the scheme's cost-effectiveness is still being debated, but the need to do something to stop the spread of bovine TB is undeniable. He cited statistics released by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, which demonstrated that the disease is costing about £100 million each year, while also leading to tens of thousands of cattle being put down. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/national-beef-association-hails-badger-cull-breakthrough/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/national-beef-association-hails-badger-cull-breakthrough/ Tue, 31 January 2012 18:49:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/mary-king-brings-chilli-morning-into-her-stables/ South West event rider Mary King has brought in a new horse called Chilli Morning to her stables, much to the delight of his owners. Speaking to Horse & Hound, owner Chris Stone explained that he and ex-rider Nick Gauntlett are "thrilled" that the talented stallion will be used by King - one of Great Britain's Olympic hopes at London 2012. He accepted that Chilli is not of the same standard as some of King's world-class horses that may go to the Olympic Games, but suggested this is actually something of a relief. The decision to move the horse to another stable was taken after it became clear that he would not qualify for the Olympics. Mr Stone said: "Nick and I set off on the dream of the London Olympics together on the day that we were awarded the Games, and he did a great job in finding and producing the horses to give them, and him, a shot at selection." King spoke to Sidmouth Herald 24 this week about her decision to take Chilli into her stables, describing the move as "very exciting" and saying he may be used at Badminton Horse Trials in May. Source: Vertical Leap   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/mary-king-brings-chilli-morning-into-her-stables/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/mary-king-brings-chilli-morning-into-her-stables/ Tue, 31 January 2012 12:30:00 Verity Dodd http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/top-10-inexpensive-ways-to-add-value-to-your-house/ If you're trying to sell your home, you'll want to do everything you can to impress potential buyers and increase its value. While not everyone can afford improvements like a loft conversion or kitchen refit, there are some inexpensive steps you can take to add value to your house. 1. Smarten up the outside of the house First impressions are incredibly important - a bad view of the outside of your house could put off buyers before they've even opened the door. Give it a new lick of paint, clean the windows and gutters and make sure the front door looks smart - and make sure your house name or number is clearly visible. 2. Tidy the front garden Similarly, a well-presented front garden will help to create the right impression when viewers arrive. Clear the driveway, trim the grass, and maybe add a few potted plants. 3. Create a bright, airy hallway It's the first part of the house people will see, but often an area which is forgotten about. Remove any clutter like shoes, bikes or unopened post, and make the most of a narrow corridor by painting in light colours and hanging mirrors to create the illusion of a bigger space. 4. De-clutter This applies to all rooms in your house - the more mess and clutter there is, the smaller the rooms will feel. In the kitchen, tidy away recipe books, food and drink bottles and boxes, recycling and utensils., iIn the bathroom tidy away excess toiletries and cleaning products, and in the living rooms and bedrooms put away any children's' toys, books, DVDs etc. 5. Clean It sounds obvious, but a dirty or untidy house will put people off buying. Sweep floors, vacuum carpets, wipe down worktops and cupboards, polish taps, take out the rubbish and don't leave any unnecessary items lying around that might look messy. 6. Show off storage Adequate storage is important to most buyers, especially families, so make sure you show off what you have. Tidy out and clean all your cupboards so they look more spacious, if you have a garage or shed clean that out too, and if you have roof space available for storage make sure there is easy access in case house viewers want to have a look. 7. Bring décor up to date A few little tweaks can make your house feel modern, fresh and clean. Choose light, airy colours for the walls, and don't forget the ceiling, especially in the kitchen where paintwork discolours the quickest. Choose blinds for the kitchen and bathroom, get rid of any net curtains, swap your shower curtain for a glass screen and choose un-fussy soft furnishings. 8. Make the house smell good Although it is a bit of a cliché, freshly baked bread and freshly brewed coffee make a house much more attractive than the smell of smoke or last night's curry. Don't overdo the air freshener either, neutral smells are best. 9. Hide family and pets Although you obviously still have to live in your house while you're trying to sell it, it can be off putting for potential buyers if the whole family is there when they visit, and if they're not pet lovers themselves the sight of a cat or dog might make them imagine the house is dirty or smelly, even when it's not. If you know you have a viewing, send the children to a neighbour's house or get your other half to take the dog for a walk. 10. Consider your target buyer Take into account the area you live in, the size of the property and the asking price, and think about who your target buyer is. You can then present the house accordingly, whether it needs to be child-friendly, an office space instead of a third bedroom, or have space for a car instead of a front garden. A house with all mod-cons, perfect for a young professional couple is unlikely to sell in a retirement village, so know your audience! Finally, if you do move home, don't forget to inform your home insurance provider.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/top-10-inexpensive-ways-to-add-value-to-your-house/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/top-10-inexpensive-ways-to-add-value-to-your-house/ Tue, 31 January 2012 12:07:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farmers-responsible-for-increasing-land-purchases,-claims-report/ Almost half of all land purchases in 2011 came from farmers wanting to expand their reach, reports fwi.co.uk . A mix of hard cash and loans has allowed the proportion of farmers buying and to increase by five per cent last year, meaning that just over six out of 10 land purchases are made by farmers. Comparatively, "existing non-farming landowners" accounted for 10 per cent of purchases, while lifestyle buyers were "constrained". That's according to Savills director Alex Lawson, the firm behind the figures, who also note that the proportion of farmers selling land fell by four per cent to 43 per cent - the lowest level since 1993. "The arable sector is doing OK at the moment and farmers are feeling quietly confident," claimed Lawson. "They have benefited from some fantastic commodity prices recently and crops in the ground are looking pretty good." More than 100,000 acres of equipped land was up for grabs this year - the highest level since 2008. Farmers are snapping up land as quickly as possible and for good reason, noted Lawson. "Anyone who bought land three to four years ago or earlier has seen their investment double in value - no other asset has performed as well. For some it is looking like a good time to sell," he added. According to Yorkshire Evening Post , Savills predicts an average of five per cent value growth when it comes to farmland. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farmers-responsible-for-increasing-land-purchases,-claims-report/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/farmers-responsible-for-increasing-land-purchases,-claims-report/ Mon, 30 January 2012 17:56:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/school-children-to-get-lessons-in-farm-safety/ More than 1,300 primary schools across the South West will be encouraged to teach children about the dangers on farms and in the countryside with the help of a new initiative being launched this week. Cornish Mutual is targeting youngsters in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset as part of an initiative covering six key topics including farm, road and rail safety, how to behave around animals, electricity, hygiene and the Countryside Code. 'Farmsafe for Schools' is a free online teaching resource which includes lesson plans and downloadable practical worksheets to be used in the classroom, with 16 different activities designed for children between the ages of 5 and 11. The materials also offer detailed teachers notes, as well as a number of presentations and two colourfully animated posters. Developed by educational experts and health and safety consultants, the programme is linked to the Key Stage 1 and 2 curricula for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE), Geography and Citizenship.  Over 2,600 teachers and head teachers across the region will start to receive letters about the new free online resource from this week, along with a poster to display in the classroom. It is expected that the teaching materials will be available to around 260,000 school children in the Westcountry. Alan Goddard, managing director at Cornish Mutual, says: "As an insurer for the rural community, we understand that farms and the countryside can sometimes be a dangerous place for children. We have developed this online teaching resource in order to help pupils identify some of the dangers and learn how to deal with them. "We have tried to open up new and exciting possibilities for learning and we hope that our 'Farmsafe for Schools' initiative will provide primary school teachers in the South West with everything they need to deliver engaging lessons and help their students to stay safe in the countryside." Teacher Justin Vernon from Topsham School in Devon adds: "The pack provides an imaginative and engaging programme covering a number of subject areas. It is ready to go and a great resource to use in the classroom. We have found that it is highly relevant to children of this particular age and provides a good deal of interactivity. The teaching materials in the 'Farmsafe for Schools' resource gives the opportunity for young people to be creative, but at the same time highlights some serious issues and concerns in a very motivational way." The first poster being sent out reminds children about the existence of the 'Countryside Code' and encourages youngsters to plan ahead and follow signs, leave gates and property how they found them, protect plants and animals, take their litter home, keep dogs under close control and think about others. The second focuses on safety around animals, giving pupils pointers on moving slowly and quietly, approaching from the front, leaving animals alone if they are sleeping, eating or with their young and washing their hands after touching an animal. For more information about Cornish Mutual's 'Farmsafe for Schools' initiative and to download any of the free teaching resources, visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk/farmsafeforschools . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/school-children-to-get-lessons-in-farm-safety/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/school-children-to-get-lessons-in-farm-safety/ Thu, 26 January 2012 18:54:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/south-west-farmers-alerted-to-funding-opportunities/ Farmers in the South West should consider applying for grant funding if they have expansion plans. This is the view of William Trinick, a rural surveyor at land agent Smiths Gore, who told South West Farmer there is "huge scope" for people to install renewable energy schemes on country properties or to pursue other business ventures. Mr Trinick said: "There is £20 million of grant funding ring-fenced for Cornwall to improve and diversify the rural economy specifically. If you are a farmer wanting to improve your business or diversify into processing, or someone wanting wanting to start a small business from a rural unit, grants are available." He made his comments after the firm announced that he had been appointed to Smiths Gore's Truro office due to growing demand for professional services in the region. In terms of green power ventures, Mr Trinick stressed that his confidence in such investments comes despite the reduction of the feed-in tariff incentive offered by the government. With or without this incentive, the construction of new renewable energy projects in the South West could be set to accelerate in the next few years, as the Western Morning News reported that the UK is currently struggling to meet European Union (EU)-set targets for 2020, citing a EurObserv'ER report. Chief executive of West Country energy agency RegenSW Merlin Hyman responded by saying that the environmental goals are achievable, even if the country is currently a long way off. The UK is lagging behind all 26 other EU member states in terms of renewable energy. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/south-west-farmers-alerted-to-funding-opportunities/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/south-west-farmers-alerted-to-funding-opportunities/ Fri, 20 January 2012 10:28:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/do-you-need-insurance-for-your-farmers’-market-stall/ Farmers' markets have seen a huge increase in popularity in recent years, and can be really beneficial to farmers and small businesses. As well as providing a base for you to sell your products, if you don't have your own shop, they are a great way of meeting potential new customers and introducing more people to your products.   As with any aspect of your business, there are insurance considerations associated with trading at a farmers' market, so we've put together a list of some important things to think about before setting up your stall.   -    Make sure your Insurance company know that you are selling at a farmers' market.  If you fail to tell them you may not be covered in the event of a claim.    -    Although it is not illegal to trade at a farmers' market without public liability cover, it is a requirement of most market organisers that you have cover in place before joining. Your public liability insurance will cover costs arising from your legal liability where another stallholder or a member of the public has sustained injury or suffered damage to their property through your negligence.   -   It would be wise to consider taking out products liability cover. This will cover your legal liability for any injury or damage your products may cause to others such as a home-made pie causing food poisoning.   -   Whilst your farm policy may extend to cover you selling your own goods at market it may be different if you are selling someone else's stock or produce. It is therefore important to check with your insurer that your cover is adequate.   -    If you keep a large amount of stock, it is advisable to take out property cover, which can offer cover against damage by fire or flood amongst other things.   Theft cover may be available but some insurers will only offer this cover if the property is in a locked building.   -     If you have anyone working for you on your stall, you are legally obliged to take out employers' liability insurance, as you would be if you employed people in an office or on a farm. This includes any 'back office' staff such as bookkeepers or stock takers, as well as the front of house staff running the stall. If people who usually work for you help out on the stand, they will likely be covered by your existing employers' liability policy - however you should make your insurer aware that they are also working at the market.   -    If you are using a van or truck to transport goods and produce to a farmers' market, you may need to include commercial vehicle cover on your insurance policy. You may also want to think about goods in transit insurancewhich covers loss or damage to your goods whilst they are in your vehicle.   Finally, if you are planning on selling any type of food product on your stall, you will need to register with your local authority. They will carry out an inspection of your food premises and will be able to advise you of any certifications or licenses you need depending on what you are selling.   Cornish Mutual offers a range of insurance services including a business insurance package which can cover employers' liability, public liability, property insurance and goods in transit cover. For more information, call our Member Services team on 0845 017 5513 or contact your local Insurance Inspector . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/do-you-need-insurance-for-your-farmers’-market-stall/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/do-you-need-insurance-for-your-farmers’-market-stall/ Tue, 17 January 2012 13:33:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/british-poultry-farming-rep-calls-for-eu-action/ Where British poultry farmers have complied with cage farming guidelines, 14 European member states have failed, reports Farmers Guardian . Katy Lee, spokesperson for UK farming unions in Brussels, stressed how important it is for other countries to fully implement the ban on battery cages, which should all have been discarded in favour of 'enriched cages' by the start of this month. She pointed out that the European Union is due to ban sow stalls - prohibited in the UK since 1999 - next year, making the need to stamp out this trend for non-compliance even more significant. "In good faith the UK poultry industry has fully complied with the new laws on the welfare of laying hens and now we are told 14 member states have failed to meet the deadline. This is unacceptable," said Ms Lee. More than 46.7 million hens are estimated to still be in battery cages in countries such as Spain, France, Greece, Bulgaria, Belgium and Romania. According to BBC News , a chicken that was named Britain's last remaining battery hen was rehoused just before the end of 2011 after being taken in by Jane Howarth, a representative from the British Hen Welfare Trust. She told the broadcaster that about 6,000 battery hens were given new homes in December 2011, including that final bird, which was appropriately named 'Liberty'. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/british-poultry-farming-rep-calls-for-eu-action/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/british-poultry-farming-rep-calls-for-eu-action/ Mon, 16 January 2012 11:45:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/farmers-discuss-high-tech-solutions-with-t-mobile/ Agricultural leaders have embarked on a brainstorming session with top communications specialists to discuss how smartphone applications can help around the farm. The aim of the event - hosted by T-Mobile - was to raise awareness about how mobile technologies can improve everyday duties in the agricultural industry by making processes cheaper, more manageable and more efficient. Topics such as security and livestock management - as well as health/safety matters - were all discussed, as these were recognised as the areas where technology could help from farmers throughout the UK the most. Many practical ideas came out of the session; one of which was the implementation of QR codes - a scannable, detailed barcode - that could be sprayed onto a cow's hide to identify its provenance and vaccination history, reports Farming UK . Another was an anti-rustling application that would be able to spot when livestock were on the move. This would be achieved by placing an infrared camera in the cattle field which detects an animal's heat signature. Should it move away, its heat signal would decrease, triggering an alarm to the owner's phone number or other landowners in the area for example. Designing technological solutions for the farming industry has long been overlooked, according to Martin Stiven, vice-president for business at UK mobile network T-Mobile. "I think the farming sector is one that high-tech organisations probably haven't spent as much time on as they could," Stiven admitted when speaking to BBC News . However, not implementing the ideas generated at the brainstorming session would be a missed opportunity for the industry, he added: "The technology is there, it's about applying it. And it's about thinking about the particular issues that farmers have and building those specific applications that will help them." Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/farmers-discuss-high-tech-solutions-with-t-mobile/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/farmers-discuss-high-tech-solutions-with-t-mobile/ Wed, 11 January 2012 13:53:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/workshops-to-cut-farm-deaths-and-injuries/ Cutting the number of deaths and serious injuries on Devon and Cornwall's farms will be the main focus of practical workshops being supported by Cornish Mutual, working in association with Duchy College next month.  Running under the South West Regional Skills Programme delivered by Duchy College Rural Business School, the events in both counties will target farmers and agricultural workers and are aimed at highlighting health and safety issues.  According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), agriculture has the worst record for deaths and serious injuries compared to any other UK industry, including construction. There were eight fatalities and 2,120 people suffered major injuries in the South West during 2010/11.  The two events will be delivered by Duchy College trainers, who are Lantra approved, and will cover a whole range of subjects, such as working at heights, manual handling, safe use of farm machinery, electrocution and handling livestock.  Practical demonstrations will also be given on how to deal with entrapment and machinery blockages and what precautions to take around chemicals and dust. As part of the rural insurer's new 'Farmsafe' initiative, Cornish Mutual will be working with Duchy College to host the training events, which makes the workshops free to farmers.  The Cornwall event will be held on Wednesday 15 February at Duchy College Stoke Climsland, near Callington and the Devon event will be held on Thursday 16 February at Willey Farm, Sticklepath, near Okehampton - both will run between 10.30am and 3.30pm. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.  Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, says: "As a responsible insurer working in the region's rural communities, reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on South West farms is the number one priority for us. We place a huge importance on good practice and that's why we've launched our new 'Farmsafe' initiative to raise more awareness of the seriousness of the issue. We're delighted to be working with Duchy College and the HSE to support these workshops. We would encourage anyone involved in agriculture to sign up for a place."  Andrew Counsell, Head of Duchy College, adds: "The Rural Business School at Duchy College has been delivering vocational training events and short courses to farmers across the South West for over 10 years. We work to ensure that the training is always timely and relevant, meeting the needs of the industry. The latest report on farm deaths from the HSE highlights the dangerous nature of many tasks farmers carry out and we are pleased to have been able to help make this training available through the South West Regional Skills Programme."  It is anticipated that around 100 people will attend each event - there are some places still available, however, they will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. If you would like to attend either event, contact Verity Dodd at Cornish Mutual on 01872 246481 or by email marketing@cornishmutual.co.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/workshops-to-cut-farm-deaths-and-injuries/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/workshops-to-cut-farm-deaths-and-injuries/ Wed, 11 January 2012 12:50:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/no-room-for-complacency-in-farming-sector,-claims-environment-secretary/ There's no room for complacency if British farming is to meet the challenges associated with growing sustainably-produced food, claims the Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman. Reported by This Is Cornwall , Spelman told an audience at the Oxford Farming Conference the farming sector was "changing at speed" and that farmers need to concentrate on their strengths, such as exports, during this period. The minister cites the example of Dorset Cereals, whom she believes is a shining example to farmers. The Westcountry-based cereal makers doubled its international sales within the last five years (to £5 million) after cushioning up to the export market. Spelman explains: "This represents a fifth of the company's turnover last year. This company's award-winning products are a great example of a small company with overseas ambitions - and my challenge to you is that we need more of them." The Environment Secretary assures farmers the government is doing everything it can to help support rural economies and communities, as well as supporting innovation and entrepreneurialship in agriculture. According to The Telegraph , climate change can also be a useful tool for farmers in order to combat emerging economies such as Brazil and China. It could bring longer growing seasons and the opportunity to introduce new crops and livestock, cites Spelman. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/no-room-for-complacency-in-farming-sector,-claims-environment-secretary/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/no-room-for-complacency-in-farming-sector,-claims-environment-secretary/ Tue, 10 January 2012 10:11:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/message-to-all-farmers-from-the-environment-agency/ Although we have just experienced one of the mildest Decembers for several years, recent reports warn the weather is set to change as we enter 2012. Cold winter weather can bring significant challenges for farmers - one of which, currently being highlighted by the Environment Agency , is the spreading of manure and/or waste milk on waterlogged or frozen ground. The following advice has been produced by the Environment Agency to help farmers prepare for harsher weather. Manure and other organic waste Farmers should never apply any manure or other organic wastes to land when the soil is: waterlogged frozen hard snow covered or cracked down to field drains or backfill   This also applies if heavy rain is forecast in the next 48 hours. The spreading of manure/other organic waste in these conditions can create a serious risk of causing pollution by run-off to rivers and streams or leaching to groundwater. Farmers should also not spread slurries, manures and other materials with high available nitrogen content during closed periods in Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs). On other land, the Code of Good Agricultural Practice (CoGAP) advises not to spread unless there is a crop requirement. To do otherwise wastes valuable nutrients.    With sufficient safe storage for slurries and manures - including dirty water - farmers should be able to cope during most winters. However, there may be occasions when we suffer exceptional weather conditions. The Environment Agency has specific advice for these conditions, including the following points;   In the case of prolonged extreme weather, spreading may be done following a declaration by the Agency. Make sure you notify the Agency in advance of any spreading that is done under a declaration. This allows them to check that your proposals are reasonable, and gives them information to help assess the overall impact of the conditions on the environment after the event. Take every precaution you can to avoid pollution; the responsibility is with you as a farmer, and the Agency may prosecute you if pollution does occur.   Waste milk   There may be times when freezing conditions make it impossible for milk to be collected, and farmers have no practical alternative but to dispose of it on their land. If you wish to spread milk on your land, you must hold a relevant exemption. However, even if you have an exemption, it does not allow you to spread on waterlogged, snow covered or frozen ground. In those circumstances, a relaxation of the rules may be allowed.   In many cases, farmers will have already registered their exemption. If you do not already have an exemption, you can obtain one by calling the Environment Agency's National Customer Contact Centre on 03708 506 506.    The Centre can also provide you with advice on what to do if you are affected by extreme weather conditions, and will be able to tell you if any declarations have been made and whether they apply to the area you live in. Of course it is also advisable to insure against the loss or non-collection of milk. Cornish Mutual can consider appropriate cover as part of their farm insurance; for further information about this cover, please contact our Member Services Team on 01872 277151. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/message-to-all-farmers-from-the-environment-agency/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/message-to-all-farmers-from-the-environment-agency/ Mon, 09 January 2012 13:25:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/somerset-farmer-hails-fleckvieh-cow/ Fleckvieh cows have been labelled "perfect" by a Somerset dairy farmer. Tom Voizey, who has kept the animals at Marsh Farm near Crewkerne for four years, described to the Farmers Guardian how he "fell in love" with the cows when an agent took him to see some in The Netherlands. He explained that the cows average about 7,000 litres of milk each year, but this is not the only benefit of the breed. They also boast good fertility, good feet and strong fitness - in his opinion. Mr Voizey predicted that Fleckvieh could be the future, even if they are not currently bred much in Britain. He said: "I really believe the Fleckvieh has a lot to offer the UK dairy industry as a pedigree breed, and not just as part of a cross-breeding programme." Although cross-breeding is typical practice, in-breeding is something which is an increasing issue for UK farmers. Farmers Weekly revealed that in-breeding levels in the UK stand at about two per cent, but are rising by 0.13 percentage points annually. Writing for the agricultural publication, UK Worldwide Mating Service genetic consultant Neil Greggor urged farmers to first find out the levels of in-breeding in their stock and then work on reducing them, since the problem can lead to losses in productivity. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/somerset-farmer-hails-fleckvieh-cow/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/somerset-farmer-hails-fleckvieh-cow/ Mon, 09 January 2012 11:40:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/new-senior-inspector-for-dorset-and-somerset-insurer/ Rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual is looking for further growth in Dorset and Somerset during 2012 with the appointment of a new Senior Inspector.   Naomi Phillips (pictured) will take responsibility for leading a team of five locally-based specialist Insurance Inspectors across Dorset and Somerset. The company has appointed three new Inspectors to work in Somerset over the last 18 months and is also looking to appoint another two new Inspectors to work in Dorset to support its growth plans.   The role of Senior Inspector has been newly created by the company and Naomi will help to grow the business in the two counties by mentoring and supporting the five current Inspectors, to deliver Cornish Mutual's current Members and new Members with their usual high level of personal and customer service.  Born and schooled in Taunton, 32-year old Naomi attended Queens College in the town before studying for her Fellowship of the Chartered Insurance Institute (FCII) and management degree from Bridgwater College. Naomi has worked in the rural insurance company sector as an insurance agent and then sales consultant for more than ten years.  Naomi, who lives just outside Bridgwater with her husband Simon and two springer spaniels, started working for Cornish Mutual in December and says she is relishing the opportunities: "Being a dairy farmer's daughter from Taunton and a South West girl at heart, what I love about working for Cornish Mutual is that it has a locally-based team and the company really understands and supports the rural community.  Cornish Mutual has the flexibility, personality and potential to grow in Dorset and Somerset and I'm very hopeful that my experience and knowledge will make a real difference."  Naomi's role will involve visiting local farmers and Members across Dorset and Somerset, as well as assisting her team of Inspectors with their technical insurance knowledge and giving training on new products.  She adds: "I have always worked in the region and because I know Dorset and Somerset so well, I have a genuine connection with these two counties and the people that live in them. Having the freedom to work in the countryside, meeting rural businesses, getting to know my team and seeing them develop and succeed will provide me with huge personal satisfaction."  Philip Wilson, Cornish Mutual's Business Development Manager adds: "Proactively expanding our business in Dorset and Somerset will remain a key focus for us over the next 12 months and Naomi will be critical to helping the company succeed in doing this. She has a great team of motivated Inspectors who are eager to work with her and use this opportunity as a springboard to further raise the profile of Cornish Mutual across their respective areas."   In her spare time, Naomi enjoys dressage and has five of her own horses stabled near her home. She says she regularly takes part in both regional and national dressage championships and travels extensively across the country: "I've ridden from a young age and been involved in breeding, showing, eventing and dressage for many years. It takes up a lot of my spare time, but I wouldn't have it any other way."   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/new-senior-inspector-for-dorset-and-somerset-insurer/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/new-senior-inspector-for-dorset-and-somerset-insurer/ Wed, 04 January 2012 14:31:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/road-salt-thefts-could-put-lives-in-danger/ West Somerset police are sending warnings to residents after a number of opportunist thieves have stolen valuable rock salt left at roadsides, reports Somerset County Gazette . Bags of salt distributed by Somerset City Council for use on the roads during particularly icy days have been going missing, leaving the Highways Authority in a precarious and potentially dangerous situation when it comes to a snowy day. Inspector Lisa Simpson is urging the thieves to consider their actions: "By stealing the salt the thief is compromising both the safety of residents and visitors to the area and adding extra strain to the local budget. "This is a theft and we will deal with those involved robustly," she added. Since the bags of salt have gone missing, commuters, farmers and travellers in West Somerset have been urged to err on the side of caution when it comes to using roads in the winter months. Conservative councillor Harvey Siggs has lambasted the thieves, telling BBC News : "The victims of these crimes will be the motorists stranded alone in the most inhospitable and remote places in Somerset, because I can't guarantee we'll be replacing every stolen bag." Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/road-salt-thefts-could-put-lives-in-danger/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/road-salt-thefts-could-put-lives-in-danger/ Tue, 03 January 2012 11:47:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/cla-hails-olympic-drive-to-succeed-of-rural-firms/ The determination of rural businesses to succeed matches the will of any Olympic athlete, a representative from the Country Land and Business Association (CLA) has claimed. Speaking to the Farmers Guardian , CLA president Harry Cotterell explained he believes that 2012 will be the "year of the countryside" regardless of how well Great Britain fares at London 2012. In his opinion, the farming sector in particular is going through something of a renaissance, adding: "Whether we are farmers, producing excellent British food for the domestic or export markets, or small businesses, often start-ups, with a thirst for success, or even tourism and leisure businesses battling against the tide of recession, there is a resilience in the countryside." Mr Cotterell made his comments in an Olympics-themed New Year message in which he urged farmers and rural business owners to capitalise on the media coverage being brought to the UK thanks to the sporting competition. One way in which a huge number of towns and cities across the country are hoping to ramp up excitement about the event is through the Olympic Torch Relay. London 2012 organising committee chairman Lord Seb Coe believes it will get even hardened cynics on board, according to The Guardian . The torch will be carried by 8,000 people through more than 1,000 places ahead of its final destination in the capital. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/cla-hails-olympic-drive-to-succeed-of-rural-firms/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/cla-hails-olympic-drive-to-succeed-of-rural-firms/ Tue, 03 January 2012 11:45:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/uk-farm-land-strongest-performing-asset,-say-savills/ The capital value of UK farm land will grow quicker than many other property markets including residential housing and London office spaces, according to Savills rural research. In a Property Wire report, the global property group says that the average value of farm land will rise by 36 per cent over the next five years, with many expecting a five per cent growth in 2012 alone. Its predictions follow a strong growth in average farm land values over the last five years - up 138 per cent. This is significantly more than the average values seen in residential and commercial property assets. However, it is only the best quality farm land that is likely to increase its value dramatically, says Alex Lawson, director of Savills Farms and Estates. Mr Lawson explained that Savills' expectations of a 9.7 per cent increase in average farm land value for 2011 were pulled down by the quality of land seen in some regions. Therefore the actual rise was muted, at just 5.7 per cent. "This average however, masks the strong demand for the best arable land which recorded growth of 8.9 per cent," he said, according to IBTimes.com . Going forward into 2012, Mr Lawson expects land values to at least maintain their value, if not rise. "Against a backdrop of economic uncertainty the farmland market is likely to become more diverse in terms of performance, we expect the continuing tightened supply and low interest rates to maintain values for all but the worst quality land," he added. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/uk-farm-land-strongest-performing-asset,-say-savills/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2012/january/uk-farm-land-strongest-performing-asset,-say-savills/ Tue, 03 January 2012 11:42:00 Stephens Scown http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/employing-migrant-workers/ The recent case of a dairy farmer from Oxfordshire given a conditional discharge after using an unlicensed labour provider shows the importance of making the right checks when employing migrant workers, says Stephens Scown's immigration lawyer Judith Hockin… If a farmer wants to take on temporary staff, one option might be to use a labour provider. However, the farmer must make sure the provider is properly licensed by the Gangmasters Licensing Authority (GLA) first.  It's illegal for the labour provider to operate without a license. It's also illegal for the farmer, as a labour user, to knowingly employ workers from an unlicensed provider - it's up to the farmer to make regular checks.  The GLA was set-up following the tragic deaths of 21 Chinese immigrants during the Morecombe Bay cockling disaster. GLA legislation covers farming, as well as forestry, horticulture, shellfish gathering and food processing and packaging.  In the case of farmer Brian Barnett, he'd struggled to find suitably qualified herdsmen and so used a labour provider to employ two experienced Filipino men.  The judge said he was satisfied there was no question of Mr Barnett exploiting cheap labour and that it was a purely technical offence. The farmer satisfied all the regulations, but missed the need for a GLA license.  There may be farmers in the Westcountry who find themselves in a similar position, so it's always advisable to take the following steps as a precaution:  Firstly, check the labour provider is licensed with the GLA's register www.gla.gov.uk - note the name of the authorised persons or postholders and keep a copy of the registered entry. You can also confirm entries by phone or fax and arrange for a copy to be sent to you to keep on file. If a labour provider contacts you, don't take their word that they have a license - still check the GLA register.  Secondly, when you're handling contractual matters you must only deal with the authorised person or postholder at the registered labour provider. Make sure all documentation sent to you, as required by the GLA's Standard License conditions, comes from the licensed business and there's nothing to suggest it's been prepared by or originates from anyone other than the authorised person or postholder. Make sure invoices are identified for the services rendered by the licensed labour provider business you entered into an agreement with.  If documentation appears to come from a business other than the licensed business with which you made the arrangement, contact the labour provider directly and ask them whether it's being provided by a third-party. If they confirm they're no longer providing the labour, terminate your arrangement and contact the GLA to let them know.  If documentation comes from the licensed business, but not from the authorised person or postholder, ask the labour provider whether they've requested a change to their registered entry with the GLA. Wait 25 working days and check the GLA register to see if there's been a change to the authorised person or postholder since you last checked. Keep a copy. If the person with whom you are now dealing is still not shown on the register as an authorised person or postholder, terminate your agreement and contact the GLA.  When dealing with day-to-day administration of an existing contract or making initial enquiries about establishing a new arrangement, you can deal with anyone in the labour provider business.  If you have an arrangement with a labour provider for more than three months, check the GLA's register at three monthly intervals and keep a copy, or register an interest in the labour provider with the GLA 'Active Check Service'.  If when you check the GLA register you find your labour provider's business is no longer listed, or you receive notification under the 'Active Check Service', terminate your arrangement with the labour provider.     If the authorised person or postholder you deal with is no longer named on the licence, you should ensure in future you deal on contractual matters with an authorised person or postholder currently shown on the register entry.  If you use the services of a labour provider to recruit people who become your employees, you don't need to make further GLA checks after you've received the labour provider's invoice on completion of the recruitment service.  Although this might seem quite draconian, the onus is on you, as an employer, to keep checking. It's an on-going duty and not knowing is certainly no defence.  In some cases, labour providers don't need to hold a licence, but other service suppliers such as some farmer-led organisations will do - if you're unsure, check with the GLA.  If you've any questions, concerns or doubts contact your legal advisor, your trade organisation or the GLA. More information can be found at www.gla.gov.uk . Judith Hockin qualified as a solicitor on 1 April 2004 and has been with Stephens Scown since July 2006. Judith specialises purely in immigration and nationality issues, particularly business related matters. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/employing-migrant-workers/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/employing-migrant-workers/ Wed, 28 December 2011 09:58:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/the-dangers-of-slurry-pits/ The tragic death of a teenager from Cornwall who fell into a slurry pit in his tractor serves as a timely reminder about the very real dangers that are ever present on farms.  Only last month, an inquest ruled that 16-year old Jordan Orriss from Wadebridge suffocated as a result of an accident near Padstow in 2010, when the clutch system on his Massey Ferguson failed. The vehicle crashed through a wall and turned over, trapping him beneath the slurry. In court, the health and safety inspector described this failure as a 'freak event'.  In 2009, six-year old Xander Shaw drowned in a slurry pit while playing with his sister on a farm in Shropshire and two men were killed when they became trapped in a slurry pit in a separate incident in Essex in July this year.  Thankfully cases like these are rare, but when they do happen, they touch so many lives - families, friends and loved ones. We know and understand that farms are homes, as well as workplaces and because of this, children and teenagers are often present.  Most of us recognise that agriculture has the highest rates of death and serious injury compared to any other industry in the UK - in 2010/11 there were 34 deaths among farm workers and eight members of the public died on farms.  Farmers need to make sure they meet their general duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and the provisions of the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992.  The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has undertaken a lot of work to highlight the risks of slurry pits or liquid stores and now Cornish Mutual's Farmsafe initiative is raising the profile of health and safety in agriculture.  In the majority of cases, accidents on farms are preventable and there are steps that farmers and landowners can take to reduce the risks. When it comes to confined spaces such as slurry pits, the truth is that taking some simple measures like putting up fencing, gates or covers can help to reduce the risk of death or serious injury.  The HSE recommends that children should be deterred from accessing the store itself by surrounding the perimeter with a wall or fence, and below-ground stores, such as reception tanks or sheep dips, are covered completely when they are not being used.  It suggests the fences are properly erected and maintained, constructed using suitable material and have an overall minimum height of 1.3 metres with at least two strands of barbed wire at the top. If it doesn't have barbed wire, consideration should be given as to whether the fence should be two metres in height. It is also a good idea to make sure that gates and openings have the same level of security and that children cannot open them - either by using chains, padlocks or latches on the inside of the gate.  When it comes to covering below-ground stores, the HSE recommends making sure the cover(s) can withstand the weight of vehicles, humans or animals, that there are no gaps and that there is suitable signage nearby to deter against unauthorised access. It advises making sure the cover is hinged so it doesn't fall into the store, it remains closed when access is not needed and is heavy enough to stop children opening it or is fitted with a padlock or other locking device.  It's a good idea not to stack anything near the fence or wall, so that children are unable to climb up and over and similarly, remove any ladders from nearby.  It is fair to say that some of these recommended measures may not have prevented the deaths highlighted earlier from happening, or made a difference in these particular cases, but it is certainly worth bearing them in mind and doing what you can for your farm to stop the worst from happening.  For more information, advice and guidance, visit the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) www.hse.gov.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/the-dangers-of-slurry-pits/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/the-dangers-of-slurry-pits/ Thu, 22 December 2011 10:08:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/dorset-farmer-describes-fit-scheme-as-no-brainer/ A Dorset dairy farmer has labelled the feed-in tariff (FiT) scheme a "no-brainer" and hailed the future returns of his solar power facility. Speaking to the Farmers Guardian , David Tory claimed that as long as people install a quality system, then the return on investment is still worthwhile - despite the cuts announced by the government recently. He said: "I expect my solar PV system to start paying for itself within five and a half years, I have looked at all the costs involved and with reductions in manufacturing costs for solar PV panels it is still a viable investment." Mr Tory is set to spend £135,000 on his solar farm, but he is predicted to enjoy £850,000 in energy savings and a profit of £650,000 over 25 years. This is in spite of the government's decision to halve the FiT incentive. What's more, a recent survey by the Cornish Guardian suggested the public are not against the installation of more solar panels in the South West. Many local residents have even noted how commonplace such technology is and how much money can be saved by utilising it. They were asked about the idea of installing solar panels on a church - as opposed to a separate solar farm or residential property - and the general feeling was that if the local diocese approved it, then it would be accepted by the community. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/dorset-farmer-describes-fit-scheme-as-no-brainer/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/dorset-farmer-describes-fit-scheme-as-no-brainer/ Wed, 21 December 2011 16:31:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/rural-communities-to-prepare-for-winter/ Make sure you are prepared for winter and identify potential health and safety risks in plenty of time - that's the rallying call for communities across the South West from one rural insurer.   With two successive severe winters, regional insurance firm Cornish Mutual is encouraging people to think ahead and take preventative measures before potentially tough weather conditions wreak havoc in the Westcountry again.  Heavy snow has fallen and icy conditions have already hit many parts of the country this month and in Surrey, the County Council has recruited a team of 50 local farmers in advance to help clear the roads using their tractors and ploughs if necessary.  Cornish Mutual is now urging villages and towns in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset to work together to come up with solutions that help to minimise disruption in rural areas.  "Help each other out and do what you can in advance," says Alan Goddard, managing director of the Truro-based insurer. "In extreme weather conditions, communities can do a lot to help themselves and others. Look at last year and remember what caught you out. Get ready and anticipate what might happen - check your property or vehicles that might be particularly vulnerable to bad weather.  "Make sure that your neighbours are prepared, particularly elderly residents. Devon County Council has a snow warden scheme in place, where a dedicated person in each community or parish delivers advice, training and salt to volunteers - what a great idea!"  He adds, "Although we've just experienced the warmest November for many years, don't let that lull you into a false sense of security. It is always a really good idea to think ahead and prepare for the worst. We must not forget that this time last year dozens of rural villages were cut-off with sub-zero temperatures and 30 centimetres of snow falling across much of the region."  Although the Met Office is not predicting snowfall before the end of December, Cornish Mutual, which has around 23,000 Members in rural communities, says farmers should also join forces. Mr Goddard says contingency planning with neighbouring farmers is a good idea, "We know that in the agricultural industry there are already tight-knit groups - farmers are used to working together as part of the community, this is what they do best. Sharing resources can help to ensure that your livelihood is not interrupted.  "Check that you have got enough feed and bedding supplies for livestock and consider back-up plans. Think about securing and maintaining access, water, fuel and power during freezing conditions; do you need a generator as well as emergency supplies and extra storage areas?"  In Scotland, farmers and local authorities united last year to clear snow in remote parts of the country to ensure enough feed could be delivered for livestock.  Mr Goddard adds, "Think about your stock and whether you would be able to get to them or move them in deep snow, particularly in remote areas. Have you got a safe and accessible area where animals can be moved in bad weather? It is also a good idea to check that your vehicles have been properly maintained and serviced now - in particular, think about snow-clearing equipment and stockpiling salt and grit to keep your farm accessible."  Deep snow on roofs can result in damage or the building collapsing and Cornish Mutual says farmers should think about health and safety risks, before clearing snow or undertaking repairs.  Rob Pierce, Principal Inspector of Agriculture for the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), says, "Working at height is high risk work and it becomes even more so with snow and ice to contend with. In inclement weather, the pressure may be on to get jobs done quickly but stop and think first. Ask yourself if the work can actually be done from the ground. If not, make sure you've got the right kit or get a trained person to do the job for you.  "Remember that you don't have to be very high for the consequences of a fall to be serious. Deaths and injuries have occurred from falls less than two metres. This winter, make the promise to yourself and your family to come home safe."  The insurer also recommends that people review their insurance cover to make sure that they are adequately covered for severe weather and storm damage over the winter months. For more information visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk .  For more information from the Health and Safety Executive visit www.hse.gov.uk/agriculture/topics/falls.htm .  For more information on Devon County Council's snow warden scheme visit www.devon.gov.uk/snow-wardens.pdf . Cornwall Council also has dedicated snow and ice pages on its website www.cornwall.gov.uk/default.aspx?page=26632 . Image source: bored-now on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/rural-communities-to-prepare-for-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/rural-communities-to-prepare-for-winter/ Tue, 20 December 2011 11:03:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/badger-cull-will-proceed,-environment-secretary-reveals/ Caroline Spelman, the Secretary for the Environment, has announced that Britain will go ahead with a mass badger cull in a bid to cut down bovine tuberculosis (TB). According to  Mail Online , there will first be two trials in "secret locations", to assess the impact of the cull. If these are successful, a full nationwide cull may go ahead. However, the news was met with negative responses from a range of sources - including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). It believes the cull simply won't work and a spokesperson, Stacey Frier, expressed her frustration at having to repeatedly tell the government this. "We and so many others have been telling the government for years that this cull is not the answer to the problems with bovine TB but they are just not listening," Frier revealed. "We feel like we are banging our heads against a brick wall." What's more, MP Paul Flynn suggested the move was "founded on greed and bad science"; whilst the People's Dispensary for Sick Animals (PDSA) called the aims of the cull "spurious at best". Spelman did confirm why she believes the cull is necessary though, speaking on behalf of many farmers who have been forced to slaughter their TB-infected cows. The Secretary claimed the situation is only "getting worse" and that she was standing up on behalf of the "farmers" who have experienced "devastating" consequences as a result of the disease. She added that the nation cannot disregard the "evidence" that a cull would work,  www.telegraph.co.uk  reported. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/badger-cull-will-proceed,-environment-secretary-reveals/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/badger-cull-will-proceed,-environment-secretary-reveals/ Mon, 19 December 2011 15:15:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/tractor-sales-increase-throughout-november/ Tractor sales experienced a year-on-year rise of 7.5 per cent in November 2011, with 716 sold during the month. The figures were released by the Agricultural Engineers Association, which also confirmed that annual sales had risen by four per cent. According to a writer for Farmers Weekly Interactive , David Cousins, the annual increase was recorded in the first 11 months of 2011. The news may come as no surprise to farmers throughout the UK, as back in March 2011, sources on Farmers Guardian revealed that demand for tractors was beginning to rise. Back then, it claimed that demand was rising so fast, it may soon outstrip supply; warning farmers who were in the market for a new tractor to buy quickly to avoid disappointment. Although the year's overall increase could rise if December's figures match those seen in November, this may be unlikely, Cousins revealed. He stated: "December tends to be the slowest month of the year for tractor sales, with just 450-500 new tractors being sold. That would bring the end of year total for 2011 to not far short of 14,000. "However, the change in tax allowances could well affect that," Cousins concluded. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/tractor-sales-increase-throughout-november/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/tractor-sales-increase-throughout-november/ Thu, 15 December 2011 13:51:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/south-west-farmers-to-benefit-from-autumn-statement/ The South West's farming community may benefit from a raft of proposals to support the economic recovery made in the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, reports Farmers Guardian . On Tuesday, George Osborne announced that there would be less inspections on farmland, cutting the red tape that so often holds back the everyday duties of agricultural landowners. Supporting more women in the industry and eliminating further barriers preventing the export of local food and drink produce were other initiatives put forward in the statement. There were also proposals to reform the planning system, simplify tax for small businesses and overhaul the broadband infrastructure for rural communities. Various unions and business associations throughout the country have welcomed the £20 million fund to provide superfast broadband to rural communities in particular; as well as a £25m fund for rural tourism for promotion. Another initiative that is set to benefit rural businesses - as well as ordinary families right across the UK - is a cancellation and reduction in fuel duty, scheduled to come in next year. ThisIsMoney.co.uk reports that the government was to introduce a price hike of 3p on each litre of fuel from January 1st 2012 and another 5p rise in August. However, the planned 3p duty will now be deferred until August 2012, while the 5p hike will be dropped altogether. Edmund King, AA president, said that motorists could finally breathe a "heavy duty sigh of relief." He also praised the chancellor for seeing "sense on this vital issue." Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/south-west-farmers-to-benefit-from-autumn-statement/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/south-west-farmers-to-benefit-from-autumn-statement/ Thu, 15 December 2011 13:44:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/insuring-yourself-against-accidents-and-injuries-this-winter/ Winter has arrived, and if this one follows the pattern of recent years, we all need to take extra care as the ground turns icy. Minor accidents such as slips and trips happen all the time, and life carries on as usual - but have you thought about how you and your family might cope if you were to sustain a more serious accident or injury this winter? Should the worst happen, and an accident or injury leaves you unable to work, you could, for example, find yourself in a very vulnerable financial situation. While accidents and injuries sustained in the workplace are likely to be covered by your employers' liability insurance, it's actually more likely that an accident will happen outside of work. Research carried out by ROSPA found that, at the extreme end of the scale, 4,996 people were killed in accidents at home in 2009, compared to 171 being killed in accidents at home in 2010/11. If something happens in your own time which prevents you from working, your employers may not have any responsibility to pay you while you are off, and you could even lose your job if you cannot return to work quickly enough. Similarly, if you are self-employed you may already have cover whilst at work, but if an accident happens away from the workplace, you may be left without any source of income, for an indefinite amount of time. One way to protect against this happening is by taking out a personal accident insurance policy. Although no one thinks or expects an accident will happen to them, it is advisable to be prepared just in case. Depending on the type of injury sustained, different personal accident policies offer different levels of cover, which can be in the form of either a weekly or monthly payment or a lump sum payout (usually in the case of more serious or permanent injuries). The money you receive could enable you to remain in a stable financial position whilst you recover, giving you and your family one less thing to worry about. Cornish Mutual's personal accident insurance offers a weekly benefit at 75% of your income, payable for up to two years. If a more serious accident costs you life or limb, then the policy will pay a lump sum to you or your family. To find out more about Cornish Mutual's personal accident insurance , contact  our Member Services Team on 01872 277151. Image source: RobotSkirts on flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/insuring-yourself-against-accidents-and-injuries-this-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/insuring-yourself-against-accidents-and-injuries-this-winter/ Thu, 15 December 2011 09:52:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/britain's-largest-steer-putting-somerset-on-the-map/ A Somerset farm has become a must-see destination after finding out it is home to Britain's largest bull. At Dulhorn Farm and Caravan Park in Somerset, tourists are likely to run into Field Marshall: a six foot four inch Charloais, who is heavier than a Mini Cooper. The castrated steer, who allegedly still has room to grow, was adopted by farmer Gary Bowden after his previous owner, Arthur Duckett, died last May, the MailOnline reports. Mr Bowden will take advantage of Field Marshall's immense size to raise money for the Dorset Air Ambulance while he awaits official confirmation that he is indeed, Britain's biggest bull. He is to throw a 'guess the weight competition' just as Mr Duckett used to. "He was entered in a similar competition two years ago and I would say although he hasn't grown in height since then he's definitely thickened up," Mr Bowden said. He added that the docile beast may well even be a contender for the world title: "I've done some research and haven't found any bigger in the world - so he may well be the world's biggest." With a bit of luck, Field Marshall may well just be the largest. Somerset has a history of record-breaking cattle, as OddityCentral.com reveals that Chilli, a black and white Friesian bull, won the title of biggest bovine in the world back in 2008. The Friesian, from Ferne Animal Sanctuary in Ferne, Somerset, held similarly impressive figures. Chilli stood a massive six foot, six inches tall, and weighed a whopping 1.25 tons. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/britain's-largest-steer-putting-somerset-on-the-map/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/britain's-largest-steer-putting-somerset-on-the-map/ Mon, 12 December 2011 13:54:00 Safety Cornwall http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/home-safety-at-christmas/ With just over three weeks until Christmas, many of us are starting to prepare our homes for the festive season. Whilst decorating the house can be fun, there are a few things to bear in mind so that your family and home remain safe. David Shepherd at Safety Cornwall Ltd has the following advice: Decorations Christmas trees should not be sprayed with hair lacquer in an effort to prevent the needles from falling. A lacquered tree will burn readily. Also bear in mind that real Christmas trees can burn very quickly indeed if they are left to dry out, so remember to keep the needles moist. Decorative lights fitted to trees and elsewhere should be checked to make sure that there are no missing bulbs or loose wires, and the plug should be fitted with a 3 amp fuse. Lights should be kept well away from combustible decorations and should be unplugged at bedtime or other times when they are not in use. Non-combustible decorations should be used in preference to combustible decorations made of paper, or anything else which easily catches fire. Where paper decorations are used they should be kept well clear of fires (fixed or portable), lights and any other electrical equipment or open flames. All decorations should be kept away from exit/escape doorways and escape routes - if they do catch fire, this will compromise a safe exit. Heating Open fires should always be guarded, and mirrors should never be placed above any type of fire because they encourage people to move too close to a fire, risking setting their clothes on fire. Fancy dress and party dresses may burn particularly well. Used wrapping paper should be carefully disposed of outside the house. Chimneys and flues should be swept at least once every six months. Portable heaters should be kept away from furniture and furnishings, in a position where no objects can fall on them. It is wise to fix them in place so that they cannot be knocked over. Electric fires should be unplugged at night. Children should never be left alone in a room where there is a portable heater, and matches and lighters should always be kept well away from children. Candles Real candles should not be used to decorate a Christmas tree. If you use candles, you should: o Fix candles in a holder of the correct size o Keep lighted candles out of the reach of children o Keep lighted candles away from curtains, decorations and other flammable materials. o Extinguish candles before retiring for the night Batteries Do not be tempted to `borrow' the smoke alarm battery to use in a present. Without its battery a smoke alarm is useless and you would be at a much greater risk from the effects of a fire. If a fire breaks out, make sure that the door of the room where the fire is located is closed - this will help to contain the fire and restrict the spread of poisonous fumes. Warn the household and get everyone out by the safest route, then call the Fire Service by dialling 999. Finally, do not go back in to the house for any reason. Image source: Chiway on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/home-safety-at-christmas/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/home-safety-at-christmas/ Thu, 01 December 2011 12:24:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/colic-is-biggest-risk-to-horses-this-winter/ Horses are at more risk of colic during the winter months compared to any other time of the year warns South West rural insurance company Cornish Mutual.   The insurer, which has Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, says if the symptoms of surgical colic are not spotted in the early stages and you don't seek the help of a qualified vet, it could prove fatal.  Equine colic is defined as abdominal pain - the most common forms of colic are gastrointestinal in nature, often related to small intestinal or colonic disturbance and may need surgical intervention.  Although there has been a good spell of mild weather lately, Cornish Mutual is concerned that it might see an increase in the number of cases of colic during the colder months, as owners in the South West bring their horses in for the winter.  Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, explained, "It is not the cold weather that is the problem; it is the potential change in the management of the animal, because of the change in season. For example, if the horse has been outside in a field grazing all summer and is then brought into and kept in the stable for the winter, the change in their feeding or exercise regime could cause problems. If the animal is suddenly fed less fibrous and more concentrate food, this could be a risk factor for colic."  There are over 216,000 horses in the South West, according to the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA).  Bob Barker, veterinary surgeon at St Davids Equine Practice in Exmouth and Okehampton, has over 30 years veterinary experience in the South West. He said the practice sees three or four cases of colic on average each week, "There are two types of colic - medical and surgical - and the latter can be life-threatening if not treated. Horses are the animal most affected by gut problems and we see more cases when there is a change in nutrition or pasture or they change to new hay too early in the autumn. If, during the colder months, their water freezes and they don't drink enough or they eat snow that can also be problematic."  Classic obvious signs of colic include pawing the ground, looking at their abdomen, excessive sweating, rolling, lying down and getting up frequently and not wanting to eat.  Bob added: "As vets, we are able to assess the degree of pain and other clinical signs. Surgical cases are much more likely to be successfully treated if it is caught at an early stage. Horses are not able to vomit, they have a small stomach and a very large intestine and if there is a blockage in their digestive problem this is a serious issue."  Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, said: "Colic is a commonly seen insurance claim but it is something that all horse owners worry about, whether they are insured or not. The best advice is not to delay, contact your vet and call them out to you as soon as possible - this is the best way of diagnosing the problem and understanding the severity of the situation.  "The chances of a horse being treated and surviving are much better than they used to be. However, if the colic needs surgery, this is pretty serious and the costs can run into several thousand pounds. Most horse insurances will provide around £5,000 worth of vets fees, medical treatment or surgery, so it really does pay to be covered."  Cornish Mutual offers a wide and flexible range of bespoke equestrian insurances. Various levels of cover for horses and ponies of all ages can be provided including vets fees, liability to third parties, theft, loss of tack, and disposal and loss of foal.  The company arranges cover for personal accident, death or serious injury caused by the horse or while out riding. Should a horse suffer injury or illness, loss of use can be covered to up to 100 per cent of the value of the animal (depending on the policy).  The company also provides access to a free 24-hour helpline for Members to get advice in an emergency, as well as a round-the-clock vet helpline in the event that the owner is unable to contact their own vet, and legal protection cover. For more information about Cornish Mutual's horse insurance product, visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk/index.php/horse-insurance or call 01872 277151. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/colic-is-biggest-risk-to-horses-this-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/december/colic-is-biggest-risk-to-horses-this-winter/ Thu, 01 December 2011 11:16:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/south-coast-readies-gritters-for-winter/ Poole Borough Council has invested in two new gritters, 1,300 tonnes of road salt and additional grit bins in a bid to combat any potentially dangerous winter weather, reports BBC News . The council claimed it wanted to be "prepared" for the winter weather and will keep a fleet of five gritters on 24-hour standby over the course of the season. In addition, other authorities would be able to lend further supplies of salt should the council require it. Another authority, Torbay Council, will be handing over £150,000 for winter preventative measures and will be keeping six gritters on standby in order to treat more than 100 miles of roads in the region. Cllr Robert Excell, executive lead for Safer Communities and Transport, commented on the initiative by the council to This Is South Devon : "The Bay's road network covers a total of 345 miles, including residential streets and cul-de-sacs. TOR2's fleet of gritters can cover priority routes across the Bay, but they simply cannot treat the entire network of roads and footpaths. "In line with councils up and down the country, we have to assess which roads should be treated in bad weather, as well as consider what we can do elsewhere," he added. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/south-coast-readies-gritters-for-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/south-coast-readies-gritters-for-winter/ Mon, 28 November 2011 13:59:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/2011-south-west-growers-show-enjoys-record-numbers/ The 2011 South West Growers Show has been hailed as a success in terms of developing business in the region. Mark Taylor, chairman of the event's committee, told South West Farmer that it was "fantastic news" that so many exhibitors and visitors had come to the occasion, with record numbers of both recorded. He highlighted how the whole point of the event is to help suppliers develop business contacts, so it was great to see large numbers of potential clients attend. More than 100 exhibitors appeared at the 2011 South West Growers Show at the Matford Centre in Exeter last month and television presenter Toby Buckland was on hand to officially open it. Mr Buckland, who is also an author and gardener, said: "It's a tremendous honour to be asked to open The South West Growers Show. It continues to go from strength to strength as a show for growers run by growers." Another indication of the strength of farming in the South West appeared in the Western Morning News this week, where it was suggested that the region's local branch of the Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group could continue in spite of the impending collapse of its parent organisation. The national body is expected to go into receivership soon, but the continued profitability of the South West group may allow it to carry on as a separate operation. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/2011-south-west-growers-show-enjoys-record-numbers/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/2011-south-west-growers-show-enjoys-record-numbers/ Fri, 25 November 2011 14:01:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/is-your-vehicle-fit-for-winter/ When the sun is out and it's a calm autumnal day with not a cloud in the sky, it is hard to cast your mind back to the scenes of last winter - one of the coldest on record. At Cornish Mutual, we had over 60 claims totalling more than £153,000 for vehicles damaged as a result of sliding on ice last winter. Winter is the busiest time of year for vehicle breakdown companies and many will be bracing themselves for the worst. As Alexander Graham Bell, the inventor of the telephone once said: "Before anything else, preparation is key to success" and, of course, the Scouts are well-known for their motto "Be prepared". And that, in essence, is the message behind this particular blog - there are steps you can take now to make sure you and your vehicle (whatever it might be) are ready for the potential onslaught from Jack Frost and friends. Checking your vehicle in advance could pay dividends in the end. So we've put together some timely advice for winter motoring and a bit of a list to make sure that you don't forget anything… Firstly, invest in a scraper and de-icer and keep them in your vehicle - you will probably need these to clear your windows before you've even started the vehicle and gone anywhere. You can also use your air conditioning to speed up the process. Fuel - it sounds obvious but make sure that you have plenty of diesel or petrol in your tank, particularly if you're planning on a long journey or travelling to remoter areas where there might not be a garage for some distance. Keep the tank topped up! Batteries generally last between 3 and 5 years, so make sure your battery is not coming to the end of its life, just as we come into winter. Turn off lights, heaters, wipers, the air conditioning and your stereo before starting the engine - it means that there will be less demand on the battery. If there are problems with starting your vehicle take a good look at the battery, starter motor and alternator. These can all be affected by cold weather and are often some of the most common problems. Oil - again, check that this is topped up and use your dipstick to make sure the level is right! Coolant - the damage done by a lack of anti-freeze in coolant could mean the end for an engine. You need to have a 50-50 mix of anti-freeze and water in the cooling system for winter - this will give you maximum protection down to -34 degrees centigrade. Check your levels are right on a regular basis. Your local garage can help you to check the level and mix of coolant in the engine. se your dipstick to make sure the level is right! Screen wash - make sure you have topped up your screen wash and that it has a 50% mix to help reduce the chance of your wind screen or back window freezing over on the road. Tyres - as a minimum precaution, check your tyre pressure regularly and ensure you have at least 3mm of tread. Winter tyres make a big difference, so although it might be an extra expense, you might want to think about investing in winter or 'all-season' tyres which give a better grip in cold and wet conditions. The experts say they give much better handling and reduce stopping distances in winter weather. Wind screens - make sure your wind screen is kept nice and clean and clear of any obstruction. It also goes without saying that if you have a chip or a crack in your wind screen, get this seen to as soon as possible. Check your wiper blades are doing the job they should be and replace ones that are worn out. Lights - in the darker winter months, so you will need to use your lights more often. Make sure they are clean and clear of any snow, ice or dirt and check on a regular basis that they are all working correctly. It is a good idea to carry an extra set of bulbs in your vehicle too. Driving in snowy and icy conditions - if you really need to be out on the road, remember to keep your speed down, drive in higher gears to reduce the risk of skidding or your wheels spinning. Make sure that you leave more distance than normal between your vehicle and the one in front, as the stopping distance is greatly increased in icy conditions. If you do start to slide, don't panic, take your foot off the accelerator and don't break suddenly, but try to steer the vehicle safely. Finally, the AA recommends that you have the following items in a winter emergency kit in your vehicle: • Blanket, rug or sleeping bag • Shovel • Bits of carpet or thick cardboard to place under wheels to help regain traction on snow or ice • Salt, sand or cat litter - to help clear snow and ice • Reflective jacket(s) • Ice scraper and de-icer • Torch and batteries • Tow rope • Snow chains (if you live in a remote or rural area) • Bottled water • Snacks • Extra screen wash And if bad weather is forecast, warm winter coat, scarf, hat, gloves and warm clothes, waterproofs, sturdy boots and a flask of a hot drink. By taking precautions now and allowing a bit more time, it is much more likely that you will have a safer and smoother driving experience this winter! http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/is-your-vehicle-fit-for-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/is-your-vehicle-fit-for-winter/ Thu, 24 November 2011 16:53:00 Paul Hawkins http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/taking-on-a-smallholding-–-is-it-for-you/ Over recent years, more and more people have given up city living, escaped the 'rat-race' and moved to the countryside in search of 'the good life'. Here in the South West, we are lucky enough to have some of the best countryside in the UK, so it is not uncommon for people to do just that and change their lives forever! For many, the idea of running a smallholding conjures up idyllic images of spending time among lush green rolling hills in the sunshine, lots of animals, being self-sufficient enjoying home grown produce, and a laid back way of life. But running your own smallholding is no mean feat - be under no illusion, whilst it can be extremely rewarding, it can also be hard work! It is a big investment in terms of money, time and commitment and you need to be sure that you are making the right decision.  There are so many things to think about. Although it is not an exhaustive list by any stretch of the imagination, we have put together a small number of serious considerations anyone about to take their first steps towards running their own smallholding should think about first….  Most importantly do your research, make sure that you get to know people who have done the same thing to better understand the challenges and practicalities involved. Talk to other smallholders, farmers and breeders as much as you can. Visit your local agricultural show to see how things are done, read books and scour the internet and attend smallholding events or taster days to increase your knowledge and skills. Spend some time on someone else's smallholding before taking on your own.  Managing a smallholding requires a vast amount of knowledge and skill. Try and get some training, perhaps by taking a smallholding course at your local agricultural college - Cornwall College, for example, offers a specialist pathway in smallholding as both a full-time Foundation Degree or for one day a week, working towards a Higher National Certificate. Decide whether you want to run a smallholding as a hobby or as a commercial venture. Many people will want to live off their land, but you need to think about whether being self-sufficient is really practical. Are you going to continue working to bring in an extra income or do you intend to make the smallholding your full-time passion?  Think carefully about your location, property and land - you will need to decide where your smallholding will be located, how large it will be - whether it is two or twenty acres, the type of holding, the layout and the house and buildings. Obviously different areas of the country will be better suited to different types of farming - consider what is best for you. Decide whether you are going to live at the smallholding or whether it is practical to make regular trips there each week.  Decide on the livestock   you want to keep   and the fruit, vegetables or crops you want to grow. Whether you want to rear cattle, keep chickens, rare breed sheep or goats, each will require specific knowledge and training in order to be successful. Again, there are courses you can go on to better understand animal husbandry. Knowing about breeds, housing, feeding, equipment, health and well-being is critical. Land management is also a huge area for consideration - there are many things to think about including design and location, soil, crops, pests and pest control, maintenance, harvesting and preservation.  There will almost certainly be more work to be done than you think, so will you be able to manage it on your own? Running a smallholding requires teamwork and is a 365-day a year job, so if you want to be able to take holidays, you need to make sure you have someone reliable to run the smallholding while you are away.  Many people think about running a smallholding as a way to escape the stress of their current jobs. Although there are a lot of enjoyable aspects to running a smallholding, like every job, it comes with its own problems and stresses. Problems which may cause stress include finances and worries about animal health.  If you are looking for an easy way to make money, running a smallholding is almost certainly not going to be it. Income and profit can also be very hard to predict - anything from unexpected weather conditions to animal diseases can drastically impact on your financial situation.  For more information about running a smallholding visit  www.smallholder.co.uk ,  www.countrysmallholding.com  or www.smallholdingcourses.co.uk http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/taking-on-a-smallholding-–-is-it-for-you/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/taking-on-a-smallholding-–-is-it-for-you/ Fri, 18 November 2011 16:56:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/visit-to-cornish-flood-victims-one-year-on/ A year after heavy rain and gale-force winds caused flooding and massive disruption in parts of Cornwall, a St Austell-based insurance Inspector has been to see the work Cornish Mutual has done to get victims back on their feet. Cornish Mutual Inspector Joan Ball was involved in the aftermath of the severe flooding* in St Austell, St Blazey, Lostwithiel, Fowey and Mevagissey in November last year. The company helped people affected and organised a team of loss adjusters and flood damage restoration specialists to visit Members. Jim and Vina Lobb from St Ewe (pictured with Joan Ball) suffered significant damage to their two let properties in Pentewan. Mr and Mrs Lobb contacted Cornish Mutual who organised for a loss adjuster to visit the properties the same day. Vina said: "We saw the flooding on the news and I went down to the properties in Pentewan straight away. We called Cornish Mutual in the morning and the loss adjuster was there by the early afternoon. I spent the whole day helping the tenants however I could - it was really upsetting. "Around a foot of water had swept through the ground floors, underneath the doors and into the properties. It was filthy dirty, muddy, smelly and the scene was chaotic - completely unexpected. The tenants were brushing out and they'd lost a lot of their possessions, everything downstairs and the water had flooded the lower parts of the staircases," she said. Both properties were uninhabitable after the flooding. Luckily, Vina and Jim, who have been Cornish Mutual Members for more than 60 years, had buildings insurance and their policy also included cover for loss of rental income. Cornish Mutual paid £31,000 to restore the properties and the company spent £103,500 in total to settle 19 claims relating to the Cornish floods. It took around three months to get everything back to normal - plaster had to be stripped off the walls, skirting boards and floors needed to be ripped up and the kitchens required complete rebuilds. Both properties needed to be cleaned and dried out and then rewired, recarpeted and redecorated. Vina brought in builder Chris Lobb from Gorran Haven and plumber Dean Hancock from Trewoon, who following discussion and agreement with Spectrum Loss Adjusters, completed the remedial works required following the flooding. Vina Lobb, who met Prime Minister David Cameron during the floods, added: "Cornish Mutual, Spectrum and Richfords provided an absolutely fabulous service - it couldn't have been better. Whenever there were any problems or queries, we just called and they always had time for us. Cornish Mutual took a lot of the pressure off; they just took care of everything." Cornish Mutual Inspector, Joan Ball said: "It's always great to hear really positive comments about the service we provide and the team did an absolutely fantastic job of helping those affected by the flooding. Something like this is extremely distressing, it takes a long time to deal with and we wanted to make sure we did all we could to provide Members with the help, advice and reassurance that we would get it sorted out for them." Adam Smith from Spectrum Loss Adjusters added: "Whenever a major event of this scale occurs, a prompt response is required and we contact all policyholders to establish the position, reassure them of the claims process and assess the situation. We always endeavour to visit claimants on the same day, as we did with Mr and Mrs Lobb. We were able to liaise with them and their tenants, to explain our involvement and agree an immediate plan of action. "It's vital that services are checked to ensure safety at an early stage and we make arrangements for the properties to be cleaned and dried at the earliest opportunity, as these initial prompt measures will mitigate the final claim. We worked closely with the Cornish Mutual team to make sure Members got a prompt efficient service and, wherever possible we used local contractors to expedite the process." Mike Cooper from flood restoration specialists Richfords commented: "At Richfords we're in the business of giving people their lives back after fires and flooding. As the November flooding in St Austell, St Blazey, Lostwithiel, Fowey and Mevagissey was so local to us we were involved in drying and restoring over 100 properties. We were very pleased to have been able to help so many families within our community and to work closely with Cornish Mutual and Spectrum loss adjusters to deliver great service." *BBC News Online - In some areas flood waters rose up to 6ft (2m) causing widespread damage. Millions of pounds worth of damage was done to more than 600 homes and businesses. More than 100 houses had to be evacuated and search and rescue helicopters were used to help people trapped in their cars and homes. Main roads were closed, landslides stopped train services and schools were shut. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/visit-to-cornish-flood-victims-one-year-on/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/visit-to-cornish-flood-victims-one-year-on/ Fri, 18 November 2011 15:31:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/cornwall-to-take-control-of-its-own-trunk-roads/ Cornwall could take back control of its major trunk roads for the sake of its economic and social prosperity. According to saltashpeople.co.uk , Cornwall Council is to consider a proposal that would see it asking central Government to transfer the responsibility of Duchy trunk roads - the A30 and A38 - back into the hands of the local authority. Should the move go-ahead, it means that Cornwall Council would be responsible for the maintenance of the roads; both of which are considered the main arteries connecting Cornwall to the rest of England. Councillors say that local authority ownership would make the county's road network easier to maintain and therefore attract more tourists. It would also benefit local businesses who use the road network on a regular basis, as currently, the council has to wait until government allocations are available before necessary road repairs and maintenance work can begin. "The trunk roads in Cornwall, A30 and A38, are critical infrastructure to maintain and develop the economic and social prosperity of Cornwall," reads the proposal for government. "The congestion currently experienced on these roads is a cause for concern if Cornwall is to continue to attract tourism and business investment." Commenting on the issue of infrastructure in the county last year, George Eustice, Conservative MP for Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, agreed, telling the Western Morning News : "As a peninsula, Cornwall's economy depends on having good infrastructure, and I want to look at ways of accelerating its improvement." On Wednesday members of the council cabinet will discuss plans to take ownership of two strips of road specifically: the A38 from Bodmin to Saltash and the A30 from Penzance to Launceston. Even if the plans were approved, the Department of Transport, who claims to have not ruled out the possibility of such a deal, says that the handover of ownership would not likely take place until at least April 2014. Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/cornwall-to-take-control-of-its-own-trunk-roads/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/cornwall-to-take-control-of-its-own-trunk-roads/ Thu, 17 November 2011 14:02:00 Cornish Mutual News http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/new-recruitment-for-rural-insurance-firm/ Fourteen new full-time members of staff have been recruited by South West rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual leading to a large-scale expansion of its team. The newly-created positions will all be based in Truro and work in departments including member services, IT, accounts and operations. The team will be involved in providing Cornish Mutual's commercial and personal insurance products and services for its 23,000 Members in Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. They will also work closely with the company's 21 locally-based insurance inspectors across the region. Cornish Mutual currently employs more than 70 members of staff. Ria Murphy, Lisa Hitchens, Katie Harland, Rachel Donaldson, Megan Baker, Laura Wilkins and Jonathan Pollard take up the roles of member services advisors. Mauricio Morgado and Martin Reynolds are new IT support technicians, Chris Langley is software support and reporting analyst, Vanessa King is an accounts assistant, Clare Martin is business analyst, Nigel Meaby takes on the role of operations support and Carole Ham will act as front-of-house administrator (all pictured). Sharon Plowright, head of operations for Cornish Mutual, said: "The creation of these fourteen new roles is really important to the future strategic growth of the business. In the current economic climate, I think it really demonstrates that we take the recruitment of new people very seriously and sends a clear signal that we are continually looking to invest a lot of time and resources into making sure that our Members receive the very best service possible. We're delighted to be welcoming them on board and significantly expanding our team at the same time." Lisa Hitchens from St Austell said: "I was looking for a fresh start following maternity leave and, having worked for an insurance broker for ten years, joining Cornish Mutual has given me the best of both worlds. I have the opportunity to use the skills and knowledge I've gained so far, but in a company with a great reputation that is focused on future growth and committed to the development of its staff members which, in this industry, makes a refreshing change." Jonathan Pollard from Penzance said: "My family have a strong connection to the farming community that has spanned generations, so I jumped at the chance to work for Cornish Mutual. What interested me about Cornish Mutual was the fact they operate purely for the Member's benefit and they understand the needs of each of those Members individually. Also they are a strong local company with deep roots within the agricultural industry, so for me, it was a natural choice to join the company." http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/new-recruitment-for-rural-insurance-firm/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/new-recruitment-for-rural-insurance-firm/ Wed, 16 November 2011 15:35:00 http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/green-farms-could-be-rewarded-by-government/ Fewer inspections could be in order for farmers who take pride in implementing green initiatives, reports This Is Somerset , as Government ministers want to help the agricultural industry plan to eradicate "tick-box regulation". Other actions have been taken to eradicate it further, such as limiting paperwork and creating an online archive of guidance. Furthermore, landowners and councils are being encouraged to work in partnership to reduce fly-tipping. West Country farmers hailed the Government's proposals, but the full plan is not due to be released until early next year. In addition, it is unknown whether the myriad of other proposals will be available to farmers that don't opt for an eco-conscious approach. The proposals come after Richard Macdonald, a former South West farming leader, implied that farmers can get too bogged down in red tape. His comments effectively forced the Government's hand when it comes to helping out farmers. Macdonald also accused successive governments as being "cautious, prescriptive, fearful of EU infraction, and possessive of implementation". Source: Vertical Leap http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/green-farms-could-be-rewarded-by-government/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/green-farms-could-be-rewarded-by-government/ Wed, 16 November 2011 14:04:00 Cornish Mutual News http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/insurer-invests-in-new-it-infrastructure/ Nearly half a million pounds has been invested in a new IT infrastructure by South West rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual to improve the level of service it provides for its Members. The Truro-based company has spent the money on implementing a new insurance policy administration system, deploying a new IT infrastructure and upgrading its telephony. Cornish Mutual's Member services team and local insurance Inspectors have been trained on the more modern, intuitive system and the company has employed three new IT professionals to support and develop its operations, ensure business continuity and help make the necessary transition. Using the latest technology will allow the company, which has over 23,000 Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, to be more flexible and self-sufficient in designing and offering new products and services in the future. Redruth-based Piran Technologies Limited was employed by Cornish Mutual to provide the new secure and robust IT infrastructure. Following a rigorous tender process, specialist supplier Transactor Global Solutions Limited was used for its policy administration system, which helps Cornish Mutual to guide Members through the insurance buying process. Peter Beaumont, Finance Director at Cornish Mutual, said: "This investment in our new IT infrastructure and Transactor software means that we are now able to provide the right platforms to improve our overall service to Members. Our previous policy system was based on old 'green screen' technology and we were limited in our ability to make changes and integrate with other systems. By moving to more up-to-date technology, we are able to take a lot more control over the services we offer. We are improving the Member experience and better protecting secure data." He added: "When a Member telephones Cornish Mutual, what they are after is pretty simple - a quick answer and a person on the end of the phone who can help them.  We recognise that some of our Members prefer to contact our team directly, without going through the main number, although this does make it harder to manage calls, we support this as part of our commitment to personal service. We have made a number of changes to shorten average telephone waiting times and thus reduce the number of calls we do not answer in time. "Technology improvements have not only helped us track and manage incoming calls better, but also predict call patterns and match the availability of advisors to our busiest times. We now have a call-back option in place if a Member wants us to ring them back. We are learning how we can improve all the time, but we have made an exciting leap forward in our service provision." Mark Wright, Managing Director of Piran Technologies, commented: "Our mission is to provide our customers with cost-effective secure IT systems with the potential to increase business productivity and environmental sustainability. We are proud to be able to offer these services to a progressive, forward thinking local company like Cornish Mutual. They have embraced innovative and flexible systems that provide extremely high security principles, without compromising the ability to grow and maintain highly available services for their customer services." Peter Beaumont added: "As well as ticking all the boxes, both Piran Technologies and Transactor Global Solutions understood our mutual business model and have proved to be very cost-effective. Insurance is a fast-moving industry and we needed to be more responsive and remain ahead of the game when it comes to meeting the changing needs of our Members. It is really exciting to see the opportunities opening up to us to improve the quality of a service we are already very proud of." http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/insurer-invests-in-new-it-infrastructure/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/insurer-invests-in-new-it-infrastructure/ Thu, 10 November 2011 16:59:00 Mike Cooper http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/end-of-indian-summer-signals-time-to-prepare-for-arctic-winter/ In early October, as the mercury rose in our thermometers to a record-breaking 29 degrees Celsius, the freezing temperatures for winter seemed a long way off. Sadly, after having enjoyed the Indian summer, the reality of our usual British autumn/winter weather has returned and we are told to expect an arctic winter. Over the past two winters at Richfords Fire and Flood we have attended hundreds of homes in Devon and Cornwall where frozen and burst pipes have caused significant damage to property and misery and upset. However, there are several ways in which homeowners can avoid damage to their property by preparing before the freezing temperatures hit. Insulation  - Adding extra insulation to your loft space can be a great way of keeping your home warmer this winter and reducing energy bills. However, be sure when adding insulation to your loft that you also insulate or lag pipes. Also adding lagging to your cold water tank can prevent a freeze. Heating - During very cold periods keeping your heating on even at a low level (12-15 degrees Celsius) can prevent ice from building up and causing a burst. Remember: the living areas of your property will always be warmer than non-living areas, such as the loft space, so if you feel cold indoors your loft space may be freezing. Turn off the water supply to outside taps - as these are the most likely to freeze. Unoccupancy - If you are likely to be away from your property for any length of time you should shut off the mains water supply and drain down the system to prevent a burst. Remember: many home insurance   policies have an unoccupancy clause which may mean damage is not covered if the property is unoccupied. In summary, the freezing temperatures in the UK over the past two winters have caused close to £1 billion worth of damage to homes and businesses. These few simple steps above may help you to prevent damage to your premises this year. Image source: Sarah and Mike …probably on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/end-of-indian-summer-signals-time-to-prepare-for-arctic-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/end-of-indian-summer-signals-time-to-prepare-for-arctic-winter/ Thu, 10 November 2011 10:09:00 Cornish Mutual News http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/derek-celebrates-40-years-of-loyal-service/ Cornish Mutual's longest serving member of staff has celebrated his 40 year milestone working for the rural insurance company. 57-year old Facilities and Projects Leader Derek Endean (pictured) was first employed as a cover note clerk by the Truro-based company at the age of 17. Over the 40 years, Derek who lives in Probus has held a number of positions at Cornish Mutual including supervising the fire, household, motoring and accounts departments. He was promoted to Administration Supervisor in 1999, before taking up his current role which includes having responsibility for ensuring the smooth running of the head office, dealing with contractors and suppliers, staff procedural issues, health and safety and environmental sustainability. Derek says technological advances have been the biggest change over the years, "We've gone from writing out insurance cover notes and policy amendments on pieces of paper to everything being computerised, and with an increasing use the internet and email. It's funny to think that when I started, we used to have these huge and heavy Dickensian-sized ledger accountancy books and policy documents that we used to have to manually update." For Cornishman Derek, the company holds a special place in his heart because it is where he met his wife, Sue. She worked as a telephonist for the company for around five years. Derek laughs, "It was the archetypal office romance! We've now been married for 33 years and have two sons, Stephen and Matthew, as well as a grandson, so in a way I guess we have Cornish Mutual to thank for that. I was also born in Truro, just a stone's throw from the company's offices at the time." The rural insurance firm now has around 23,000 Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset and Derek says that although the figure has grown, the personal touch has not changed, "When I worked in underwriting I got to know our Members by their first names because many of them had been insured for years. This face-to-face contact hasn't changed to this day." So what has kept Derek at Cornish Mutual? "It's always been a very good company to work for and we've got a stable workforce. The management has always supported its staff and taken a keen interest in you as an individual - it's always been a great working relationship. You feel valued and I really enjoy the work. "Cornish Mutual invests a lot of time and resources in its people, giving them plenty of personal development and career progression. There is now a huge emphasis on training and qualifications and when I started all those years ago, very few people had those opportunities - there wasn't the structure or budget there is today." Derek says that, apart from meeting his wife, the 40-year highlight has been the recent team conference day, "For only the second time in the Company's history we managed to get all employees and board members under one roof and because it was combined with charity fundraising, interesting discussions and other activities, it was a really great day." Alan Goddard, managing director of Cornish Mutual, adds: "We are delighted to be celebrating Derek's milestone with the company - 40 years is a long time and his knowledge and experience is truly valued by everyone here. It is a wonderful thing that mutual insurance companies are able to boast such long-serving and loyal employees and that we are able to give that continuity of service to our Members. I would like to thank Derek for his unstinted commitment and we look forward to working with him for many more years to come." http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/derek-celebrates-40-years-of-loyal-service/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/derek-celebrates-40-years-of-loyal-service/ Wed, 09 November 2011 16:16:00 Paul Haddrell http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/a-quick-guide-to-our-current-claims-process/ Having to make a claim on your insurance can be a very stressful and drawn-out experience, even more so if your insurance company does not keep you informed of how they are handling your claim and the progress they are making with it. At Cornish Mutual we pride ourselves on a straightforward and fair claims process, therefore we have put together this short guide for our Members to explain how we currently deal with claims and what you can expect from us should you have to make a claim. The first thing we need in the case of any type of claim (except for windscreens) is a completed claim form. Our claim forms can be downloaded from our website , or can be posted out to Members if they would prefer to call the office or  their local Inspector to request one. The second thing we need from you, the Member, is an estimate for the damage caused. Once we are in receipt of this we can establish whether an engineer or loss adjuster needs to be appointed. Unfortunately until we have received both the claim form and estimate we cannot authorise repairs to proceed. Should we appoint an assessor or loss adjustor to your claim, they will contact you and arrange to visit you at your earliest convenience. After the visit, the assessor/loss adjustor will write a report and decide upon a settlement figure or best course of action. The report details all the information we need in order to take the claim forward - for example the time and date of the incident, exactly what happened, the extent of the damage caused, and the costs involved in repairing the damage caused.  However, a payment can only be made once you have sent in a completed claim form. Once the estimate/settlement figure has been approved by our Member Services team, they will authorise the work to be carried out. In straightforward cases, the whole claims process can take just 48 hours, although each claim is treated individually and is assessed on its own merits. The claim forms ask for all the information we require in order to process a claim. In our experience, however, claim forms which have been sent in with missing information are the most common cause of delay to the process. It is always worth double checking - should you need to make a claim - that you have filled out every last detail.  If you are unsure of the answer to any given question, our Member Services team will be more than happy to advise you. It is our aim to treat all claims fairly and to settle them promptly. Should a claim be rejected or not settled in full, we always offer a full explanation as to why this is. For more information about our claims process, or to speak to someone regarding an existing claim you might have, please call Member Services on 01872 277151 or email claims@cornishmutual.co.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/a-quick-guide-to-our-current-claims-process/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/a-quick-guide-to-our-current-claims-process/ Thu, 03 November 2011 14:50:00 Cornish Mutual News http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/farmers-reminded-about-muddy-roads/ Rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual has teamed up with South West legal firm Ashfords LLP to remind farmers and landowners about the hazards of leaving mud on the region's roads. Excessive mud left on the roads can cause serious accidents. Common sources of the problem are farm vehicles, run-off from fields and animals using the highways, particularly during wet weather. Blocked ditches and drains can also cause flooding which, in turn, leaves mud and debris behind. As part of Cornish Mutual's health and safety initiative it is urging farmers and landowners to ensure they understand their legal obligations in order to minimise the risk of an incident. The Highways Act 1980, the Water Resources Act 1991 (in relation to anti-pollution notices) and the law of public nuisance all have provisions relating to mud on the road. Even mud from vehicles not belonging to the landowner, for example, a contractor spreading muck on the fields or a milk tanker can still be the landowner's responsibility, if the mud came off their land and they knew about the mud and could have prevented it or cleared it up. Flora Wood, Partner and head of Ashfords' Personal Injury Team, said: "Always make sure that you agree with a contractor who is responsible for clearing up any mud. None of our country roads are pristine - often accidents happen without any witnesses, and landowners become aware of a claim many months later. By then it is difficult to prove the mud was not excessive or did not come from their land. The best safeguard for farmers and landowners is to adopt a clear policy to avoid mud and stick to it. A written record of action taken to reduce mud is advisable for any activity involving a risk of bringing mud onto the roads." Cornish Mutual Inspector Dave Bersey, who looks after Members in areas including Looe, Launceston, Lostwithiel and Liskeard, recently found reason to speak to a farming Member about there being excessive mud on the roads around his farm. The Member took his advice and put up signage to warn other motorists about the hazardous area. Dave Bersey said: "The farmer was delighted that it was brought to his attention as he hadn't realised it may have caused a problem. He got the road cleaned up and back to normal, as well as putting up signage. Clearing up mud can be difficult so it's worth considering hiring in special equipment. Use signage if you can to make sure other motorists are aware that there may be mud on the road and always clean mud off the highway at reasonable intervals and at the end of the day." According to Cornwall Council*, the most frequent complaint received by the Council about farmers relates to mud and muck on the roads. Dave added: "Mud on the road can also come from other activities that take place in fields, such as banger racing and agricultural shows in the region. Vehicles are often pulled in and out of the fields onto the roads and can bring muck with them. Any event or other activity like this can have an impact." There are a number of preventative measures that can be taken including making sure that the field gateways onto the road are well drained; hard core or chippings can be used around these areas or on farm tracks to reduce the spread of mud. Tractor tyres can be washed down before going onto the roads and driving at lower speeds can reduce the spreading of muck and mud. Farmers and landowners are also advised to make sure that they have appropriate Public Liability insurance cover in place should the worst happen. Cornish Mutual provides a range of insurance products to indemnify farmers and landowners against their legal liabilities. Ashfords LLP has offices in Exeter, Bristol, London, Plymouth, Taunton and Tiverton. To contact Flora Wood call 01392 334020, email f.wood@ashfords.co.uk or see www.ashfords.co.uk . *See guidance, 'The farmer and the highway' - Cornwall Council http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/farmers-reminded-about-muddy-roads/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/november/farmers-reminded-about-muddy-roads/ Wed, 02 November 2011 11:24:00 Winter Rule http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/planning-for-the-reduction-in-machinery-allowances/ Now that the harvest is in and things are starting to quieten down on farms during the autumn and winter months, careful thought should be given to capital expenditure plans on tractors and machinery before next April. At present businesses obtain the annual investment allowance (AIA) on expenditure up to £100,000 for which they get 100% tax relief. From April 2012 this allowance is reducing to £25,000 which is a very serious reduction for most farmers. With even an average tractor costing around £60,000, and some way in excess, agricultural businesses need to give serious consideration now to making capital purchases before next April, because of, in some cases, long order and delivery times and the need to get finances lined up. The following example shows how dramatic the reduction in AIA will be. Assuming profits of £75,000, after depreciation of £40,000, and expenditure on a tractor and other machinery totalling £100,000 the tax position before and after April 2012 is as follows:-   Year ended 31/03/2012 Year ended 31/03/2012 Profit 75,000 75,000 Depreciation (which is added back for tax purposes) 40,000 40,000   ---- ----   115,000 115,000 Capital allowances     AIA (100,000) (25,000) Writing down allowance on remainder     £75,000 x 18%   - (13,500)   ---- ---- Taxable profit £15,000 £76,500   For a sole trader this will mean that profits, which would have been wholly taxed at the basic rate of 20% in 2011/12, will suffer tax at 40% on about £34,000 of the profits in 2012/13. For a sole trader this will mean that profits, which would  have been wholly taxed at the basic rate of After April 2012, because the AIA is lower, more of the capital cost will be subject to the annual writing down allowance of 18% per annum on the reducing balance. Tax relief will be received eventually but it will be spread over a much longer period.0% in 2011/12, will suffer tax at 40% on about £34,000 of the profits in 2012/13. Once we are in the new regime post April 2012, businesses should ensure that they utilise the £25,000 AIA each year without wasting it in any year. To achieve this, make sure that capital expenditure is spread evenly from year to year and that you have a regular replacement programme for tractors and machinery. There is no doubt that farm businesses will see an increase in tax going forward, but there are actions that can be taken to mitigate this additional burden by perhaps restructuring the business, or by paying pension contributions or by making tax efficient investments. Please call us on 01872 276477  if you would like further advice in any of these areas. Related posts: Farmers warned of holiday cottage tax changes Experts advise on planning future success No Tax Holiday http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/planning-for-the-reduction-in-machinery-allowances/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/planning-for-the-reduction-in-machinery-allowances/ Thu, 27 October 2011 15:58:00 Safety Cornwall http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/health-safety-in-the-workplace-–-we-are-all-responsible/ As part of European Health & Safety Week, we have invited Safety Cornwall Ltd  to write a short blog about the health & safety responsibilities we each have within the workplace… Health and safety applies to each and every one of us whilst we are at work, whether we are employers, employees or other workers such as contractors, volunteers, or whatever.  Like it or not, we cannot avoid our responsibilities in health and safety law.  If you are an employer, you have a duty in law to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare of your employees and you must also ensure the health and safety of non-employed persons such as members of the public, visitors to your premises, service users, etc. It is important to understand who is an 'employer'.  This includes sole traders; those who run a business partnership (eg, husband and wife teams); directors of limited companies; volunteer members of sports committees or councils; trustees of charitable organisations.  All have a duty of care in health and safety law, as above. Compliance with health and safety law is essentially a two-fold requirement for employers.  Firstly, employers must develop health and safety management systems which are proportionate to the work activities undertaken and/or the services or amenities provided.  Secondly, employers must ensure that operational practices and procedures in the workplace are inherently safe and compliant with regulatory requirements and relevant guidance or standards.  Employees must be informed, instructed and trained in regard to working safely, followed by adequate supervision.  Employees must co-operate with safe working practices, failing which, they too may become criminally liable if they cause harm or injury to person(s). Employers must also remember the joint duty of care where contractors are involved.  There is a clear and important duty upon employers to pre-check the credentials and competence of contractors and also to ensure that they plan, prepare and execute their contract work safely.  For example, the construction industry unfortunately experiences by far the highest number of fatalities, usually attributable to falls from height.  Alas also, and proportionate to the numbers of persons employed in the industry, agriculture is by far the most dangerous industry, with ten-times the ratio of people killed than in construction.  Failure to check out and monitor the work-safety performance of your contractors, may well result in shared culpability if injury occurs. The consequences of health and safety failures are becoming increasingly more serious.  The HSE is now moving towards a cost-recovery scheme where the investigation of an incident leads to enforcement action; court fines have recently been increased quite dramatically; where it can be shown that a gross breach of a relevant duty of care resulted in a fatality, charges for manslaughter may now be brought, with potential for custodial sentence.  Whatever, the HSE's declared intent is "to prevent people being killed, injured or made ill by work", and who can argue with that? David Shepherd is the Managing Director of Safety Cornwall Ltd . David is a Corporate Member of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (MCIEH) and has spent some 30 plus years working as a health and safety inspector for several council enforcing authorities, both within the UK and New Zealand.  He has been in private practice as a health and safety adviser and consultant since 1988.  Safety Cornwall is based in Truro and is retained by all sectors of local industry and commerce throughout Cornwall and beyond, with extensive expertise as safety advisers within the agricultural sector. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/health-safety-in-the-workplace-–-we-are-all-responsible/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/health-safety-in-the-workplace-–-we-are-all-responsible/ Mon, 24 October 2011 11:47:00 Cornish Mutual News http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/charity-cookbook-raises-thousands-for-air-ambulance/ Almost £9,000 has been raised for the Air Ambulances of the South West through the fundraising efforts of rural insurance company Cornish Mutual. This includes the sale of the 'Come Together, Eat Together' charity cookbook which has so far raised over £7,000 alone - the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust will benefit from the cash injection to help keep the service flying. Cornish Mutual Inspector Dave Bersey recently met with Susie Smith from the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust to see the work of the paramedics at the Newquay Cornwall Airport base. Copies of the book which featured local chefs including Arty Williams and Rick Stein were sold online, at the county's agricultural shows and other events, as well as by the charity's volunteer fundraisers. Each copy costs £5 and includes more than 30 favourite recipes by cooking enthusiasts and families from across the county. There are still a few copies available to buy online at www.eattogether.co.uk/order - all proceeds go directly to the Cornwall, Devon and Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulances. The 'Come Together, Eat Together' cookbook was launched by rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual, as part of its campaign to get families eating together. The campaign followed research, released earlier this year, which showed that almost half of families in Cornwall no longer ate together at least once a day. Dave Bersey, Insurance Inspector with Cornish Mutual, said: "Meeting the paramedics and getting a better understanding of the life-saving job they do has reinforced the importance of raising money for the Air Ambulance through the sale of the charity cookbook. At Cornish Mutual, the whole team has been involved in various fundraising activities this year for the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust and we hope that every penny raised will help to make a difference." Susie Smith, Senior Community Fundraiser with the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust said: "We're extremely grateful to Cornish Mutual for choosing to support the Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust. Staff, volunteers and visitors to our charity shops have all thoroughly enjoyed making the creative and inventive recipes in the books." She added: "The speed with which our helicopter can get patients to hospital can be the difference between life and death. Cornwall, in particular, lends itself to needing this service with many of our beaches, moorlands and cliff tops being inaccessible by road. Add to this the fact that our narrow roads can come to a standstill during summer with the nearest A&E often being hours away by road. As we receive no funding from central government, we rely entirely on the support from local people and organisations such as Cornish Mutual to keep our helicopter flying and saving lives in Cornwall and in the Isles of Scilly." Cornish Mutual provides farm, household, commercial, events and personal accident insurance to Members throughout the rural communities of Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset. To find out more about the 'Come Together, Eat Together' campaign and to order a copy of the cookbook, visit www.eattogether.co.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/charity-cookbook-raises-thousands-for-air-ambulance/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/charity-cookbook-raises-thousands-for-air-ambulance/ Fri, 21 October 2011 12:53:00 Cornish Mutual News http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/full-scale-of-worst-winter-claims-revealed/ New figures released today for the first time show the full cost of claims for South West rural insurance firm Cornish Mutual during one of the worst winters on record. Nearly 300 weather-related insurance claims were made between 1 November 2010 and 31 March 2011 costing the Truro-based company nearly three quarters of a million pounds (£709,305). The claims include burst pipes and tanks, flooding, storm damage, lightning strikes, vehicles sliding on ice and damage caused by rain, snow and wind. The average claim totalled £2,462. Burst pipes, tanks, boilers and water escaping were the most common and expensive causes of damage with an average individual claim of £4,624. This was followed by storm rain damage, with the average individual claim of £2,664.   Number of claims Total paid out Burst pipes, tanks and boilers and water escape (flooding) 73 £337,601 Vehicles sliding on ice 63 £153,915 Storm rain damage 31 £82,605 Storm wind damage 29 £54,515 Loss of milk due to non-collection 29 £39,925 Storm snow damage 16 £19,767 Weather damage: other claims 28 £11,496 Lightning damage 19 £9,481 Total 288 £709,305   Cornish Mutual, which has Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, is publishing the figures following the Met Office's recent call for a 'sense of reason' about what is in store for this year's winter in the UK. There have been some media reports of temperatures plummeting to -20C and others saying we may experience an Arctic winter. Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said: "For the last two years we have had particularly severe winters in the South West and the claims that we've experienced clearly reflect that. I think, rather than scaremongering about what might or might not happen this winter, the best thing that everyone can do is to think ahead. Preparation is absolutely key and the more prepared you are for the worst, the better off you are likely to be at the end of the day." He added: "As an insurance company, we did experience one of the busiest periods for winter claims in recent years and clearly we'll be keeping a close eye on forecasts this year. No one likes to be left facing huge bills which often run into thousands of pounds as a result of damage caused by the weather, so making sure your home, vehicle or property is in a good state-of-repair now and that you are properly insured against these sorts of eventualities is always a sensible thing to do sooner, rather than later." Nearly 30 claims were paid to farmers in the Westcountry for loss of milk, because tankers couldn't collect from some farms. Treacherous conditions on the roads meant that tankers were not able to reach the milking parlours and some dairy farmers had to dispose of the milk when their tanks became full. Cornish Mutual is reminding farmers in the region that they must speak to their insurer about cover for uncollected milk when they take up an insurance policy or at the time of renewal. Alan Goddard said: "We always advocate acting early when it comes to this issue. We won't be able to provide insurance cover for farmers just before a particularly bad weather spell and often uncollected milk cover will be part of the general insurance policy they take out. The best advice is to let us know in plenty of time that you want to be covered to avoid any nasty surprises further down the line." Image source: hello-julie on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/full-scale-of-worst-winter-claims-revealed/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/full-scale-of-worst-winter-claims-revealed/ Thu, 20 October 2011 00:00:00 Alan Goddard http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/searching-for-skills/ I have long held the view that there is a shortage of skilled professionals looking to work in the insurance industry - yes, it might not be the most glamorous career choice, but I do think that more can be done to make our sector more attractive. I think we need to educate people, particularly graduates who may be weighing up their options, that it can be very satisfying with salary and skills development delivering long-term rewards. I think, as an industry, we need to communicate that insurance is not stuffy and boring, but that we do offer attractive career opportunities at all levels. It is fair to say that in the past we have had some difficulties finding people with the broad analytical skills that we need for our development work. Although it's a problem that affects the whole sector, we want to grow the business by bringing new skilled professionals in, as well as developing the talent that we already have within the company. It is hard to attract good-quality people to work in the insurance industry in the Westcountry unless they're already looking for a change of lifestyle, rather than for career reasons. At Cornish Mutual, we're looking to start graduate placements in the near future and we're also working with learning providers to develop our own, in-house staff development scheme. I believe that one of the factors that will help with the future growth of our business is the insurance industry becoming more successful overall in securing talented individuals. There is a desire for Cornish Mutual to grow over the next few years and we want to recruit locally wherever possible. We don't want to start losing people who might have been born, raised and educated in the South West who then choose, for whatever reason, to leave the region and work elsewhere. As an insurer, we're in a unique position because we're the only general insurance firm to be based in the South West and we still have Inspectors meeting and dealing with our Members face-to-face. We need good people who like dealing with real people - our business is very much customer facing and although we're using new technology and automated processes, there is no substitute for that one-to-one level of service that we can provide. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/searching-for-skills/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/searching-for-skills/ Wed, 19 October 2011 12:36:00 Cornish Mutual News http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/spotlight-on-farming-deaths-and-injuries/ Cutting the number of deaths and serious injuries in the Westcountry's farming industry will be a key focus for Cornish Mutual in supporting European Health and Safety Week later this month (24-28 October). The rural insurance firm, which has Members across Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset, is highlighting figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) which show that agriculture is the number one sector for fatalities and major injuries. In 2009/10 there were four deaths in the industry in Cornwall, Dorset and Somerset, as well as 72 major injuries and 113 non-fatal injuries in the South West region alone. The most common causes include being run over, vehicle overturning, falling from height, hit by moving or falling objects, drowning or asphyxiation, contact with machinery or livestock, being trapped by something or contact with electricity. Cornish Mutual is launching a year-long initiative during European Health and Safety Week to raise awareness of the issues amongst farmers and landowners. Over the next twelve months, the company will be working closely with a number of organisations to promote the 'safer workplace' message. Alan Goddard, Managing Director of Cornish Mutual, said: "European Health and Safety Week is a really good opportunity to encourage activities that make the workplace much safer and healthier. We will continually remind people not to cut corners when it comes to taking sensible health and safety measures, particularly to help reduce incidents in higher-risk industries like agriculture. "Given that agriculture is the lifeblood of our regional economy, health and safety is a real issue for farmers and landowners and should be high up on their agenda. Put simply, farmers, landowners and all other businesses in the South West must comply by law. Health and safety legislation exists to protect people from real risks mainly at, or connected with, work but it can cover other areas like schools In the UK, health and safety law is governed by the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Where an employee is killed or injured at work, the Health and Safety Executive can instigate a criminal prosecution, which may result in a financial penalty (fine) and in certain circumstances of corporate manslaughter could result in imprisonment for those individuals responsible. There is also the potential for a negligence claim against the farmer or landowner. Alan Goddard added: "Ignoring current health and safety legislation and failing to act could have very serious consequences. Business owners could face a costly claim or even a prison sentence if a member of staff is killed or injured while at work. There is no room for complacency when you're potentially putting people's lives at risk through your activity." Dave Shepherd, Health and Safety Advisor with Safety Cornwall Limited, added: "Although farming has the worst safety record, identifying hazards and taking measures to reduce the risks is the first step for farmers and landowners in helping to improve the situation. Everyone has a responsibility for good health and safety practice and I would urge people to take it seriously. You should look at your own policies and procedures regularly to avoid being caught out. Fewer risks mean fewer accidents and that's the best way of driving down these statistics in the future." Farmers and landowners in the Westcountry are being reminded that they should have the right insurance cover in place to indemnify them against their legal liabilities, in the event of a death or serious injury. Although it is not compulsory, they are advised to have suitable public liability cover in place. Employers Liability cover, however, is a compulsory insurance. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/spotlight-on-farming-deaths-and-injuries/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/spotlight-on-farming-deaths-and-injuries/ Mon, 17 October 2011 14:29:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/securing-your-home-against-burglaries-this-winter/ With only a couple of weeks until the end of British Summer Time, you probably don't need to be reminded that evenings are becoming shorter. When we turn the clocks back an hour on Sunday 30 October, the nights will really start drawing in, so now is a good time to do a few checks on the security of your home to get it ready for the winter months. With only a couple of weeks until the end of British Summer Time, you probably don't need to be reminded that evenings are becoming shorter. When we turn the clocks back an hour on Sunday 30 October, the nights will really start drawing in, so now is a good time to do a few checks on the security of your home to get it ready for the winter months. Use a timer switch to make your lights come on before you arrive home from work; this will make it look like someone is in. Draw your curtains if you are going out for the evening to prevent trespassers looking through your windows, and if possible, leave a light on to give the impression you are still at home. When you leave, make sure all windows and doors have been securely shut and locked; this may seem obvious, but when the clocks first go back it can be easy to forget the windows we might have been keeping permanently open through the summer. It is also worth marking your valuables with a ultra-violet (UV) pen; should they be stolen, they will be easily identified as yours. If you have a garden shed or garage, make sure that it is locked and secured with a substantial padlock during hours of darkness. Tools and machinery kept in sheds and garages can be very expensive, and unsecured outbuildings are an easy target for burglars. Other measures to consider include the installation of outdoor security lighting, as well as that of a burglar alarm. In areas with very little or no roadside lighting, security lighting and a flashing burglar alarm box can help put off potential trespassers. Setting up or joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area could offer additional security.  Your local Constabulary can provide further advice and guidance on how to keep your home safe this winter.  In case the worst should happen, you should also check that you have the right home contents and buildings insurance in place. Cornish Mutual's home insurance can be tailored to meet your own specific requirements; to find out more, please call our Member Services Team on 0845 017 5513. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/securing-your-home-against-burglaries-this-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/securing-your-home-against-burglaries-this-winter/ Fri, 14 October 2011 10:23:00 Paul Haddrell http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/why-public-liability-insurance-is-a-must-for-horse-owners/ Anyone who keeps a horse knows just how important it is to be conscious about safety at all times. Not only to avoid accidents and injuries to yourself and the horse - but  to also ensure that your horse does not harm others. If your horse is involved in an incident which causes injury or damage  to another person or their property, you could be held responsible, whether you were present when the accident happened or not. This means that if your horse escapes from its paddock onto a road and causes an accident, you could be held liable and you could end up footing the bill for any damage caused to the vehicles and any personal injury claims if someone gets hurt. The same rules apply if your horse kicks a person or vehicle, or damages another person or their property in any way, for instance kicking a walker when they are crossing a field. An example of where a horse owner was found liable and had to pay out compensation is the legal case of Mirvahedy v Henley. Mr Mirvahedy was driving home from work in South Devon when a horse owned by the Henleys ran across the road and caused a collision. Mr Mirvahedy suffered serious injuries and claimed that the Henleys had been negligent in not properly fencing their field. This argument was rejected by the House of Lords, but they ruled that the Henleys were liable nonetheless. There are steps you can take to minimise the risks of your horse being involved in an accident, like checking all your boundaries and fences are secure, all gates are locked and any necessary repairs are made. If your horse is kept at someone else's property, you should also ensure that they are taking the same precautions. However, even if you have done these things, we would still strongly advise all horse owners to make sure they have public liability insurance for their horse , in case the worst does happen. Cornish Mutual has seen large claims made against horse owners for accidents involving horses, and there have been several high profile cases where horse owners without insurance have been faced with huge compensation bills. Image source: ell brown on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/why-public-liability-insurance-is-a-must-for-horse-owners/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/october/why-public-liability-insurance-is-a-must-for-horse-owners/ Thu, 06 October 2011 15:43:00 Verity Dodd http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/how-cornish-mutual-have-supported-the-rural-community-in-2011/ As an insurer of people living and working in the countryside, Cornish Mutual likes to support activities that it considers to be part of the farming or rural community. This often takes the form of sponsorship and we support a range of events throughout the year, from the Cornwall Farm Business Awards - this year sponsoring their Victor Ludorum with a donation of £500 - to Young Farmers' competitions and agricultural shows. This year, as always, we have supported events at a number of agricultural shows throughout Cornwall, Devon, Somerset and Dorset - some of which we have attended, some we haven't. Our level of sponsorship varies from £50 for a cattle class to larger amounts - for example our support of the Countryside area at Stithians Show. At Cornwall Food & Drink Festival this month, we offered sponsorship in the form of insurance. At other events, we might give money towards prizes for the winners of the classes, poster printing costs or the rosettes which are presented to the winners. In return for our help, we do ask for some form of promotion. This normally means that at the very least we want to be mentioned as a sponsor in the show schedule/catalogue, but can also include being mentioned on the show's website, the display of a Cornish Mutual banner, free trade stand space or free admission for our Inspectors - or the agreement of the people we're sponsoring to be involved in a press release.  Aside from shows, we have supported the ARC Addington Fund again this year, as we feel the charity - which provides homes for families leaving the farming industry - plays a crucial role in our community. We have donated £10,000 towards the Fund's latest project - the conversion of disused barns, near Indian Queens in Cornwall, into affordable homes and workshops. We have also provided the Young Farmers Clubs in our four counties with significant sponsorship this year. In return for this, they have each become involved in our Come Together, Eat Together campaign, helping to promote it and our charity Cookbook, and raising money for the region's Air Ambulances. For example, each Club held their own cooking competition this summer, using recipes mentioned in our Cookbook. The Clubs encouraged their members, friends and family to come along to the competitions, and the winners were noted in local news stories and papers. If you live or work in the rural community of the South West, and feel your local event, agricultural show or charity could benefit from Cornish Mutual's support, we are happy to consider written applications. Please email marketing@cornishmutual.co.uk or write to Verity at Cornish Mutual, CMA House, Newham Road, Truro, Cornwall TR1 2SU. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/how-cornish-mutual-have-supported-the-rural-community-in-2011/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/how-cornish-mutual-have-supported-the-rural-community-in-2011/ Fri, 30 September 2011 12:37:00 Stephens Scown http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/understanding-the-full-facts-of-free-roof-top-solar-pv-panels/ Sonya Bedford, Head of Renewable Energy at South West legal firm Stephens Scown urges Cornish Mutual Members to understand the full facts before signing up to deals offering free roof-top solar PV panels and cheap electricity. A lot of people are looking at solar PV panels in an effort to reduce their electricity and heating bills, as well as helping the environment.  With the introduction of Feed-in-Tariffs (FiT) some organisations provide free solar PV panels, install them and in effect 'lease' the homeowners' roof, usually for a period of 25 years.  The company receives the FiT payment direct and the customer can benefit from reduced energy bills. However, some companies may not offer the generated electricity for free, but at a discounted price. This is a great way to reduce your electricity bills if you don't wish to spend a lump sum of money at the start of the project and would rather not be  responsible for the service and maintenance of the system.  Although this seems a win-win situation there are things to watch out for such as; when and how much electricity do you use; who insures the system and the roof; does the company have certain rights to your roof when the lease has ended; what happens when you move house and who is responsible if the system breaks? These will all be detailed in the lease and it is well worth ensuring that these details are checked out by an experienced solicitor. Some homeowners are opting to buy the solar panels outright which entitles them to free electricity and the FiT payments. You may have heard of solar panels enabling returns on investment of around 9-12%, however, this very much depends on the location of the site and other attributes such as over shading.  To receive the guaranteed FiT payments the solar panels and the installer have to be Microgeneration Scheme (MCS) accredited, an accreditation designed to offer the consumer the confidence that the equipment and the installer are of a high quality and will last the 25 year term that the FiT is available for. If going down this avenue there are also things that need to be considered such as warranties, service and maintenance contracts as well as provision on your home insurance. Here are some other useful questions you should ask the solar installer/provider:  1.         Can the roof structurally hold the system for 25 years? 2.         Are the product and installer MCS Accredited? 3.         Does the installer comply with the code put in place by the Renewable Energy Assurance (Real) Scheme? 4.         Who pays for the service and maintenance of the equipment? 5.         Who is responsible if the system is vandalised or stolen? 6.         What happens to the FiT payments if the system stops working? Are you insured or can you claim damages? 7.         What happens if the company that installs the system goes into liquidation? 8.         Who is responsible for gaining planning permission and permission to connect the systems to the national grid? 9.         Who is liable for injury should any arise from the installation? 10.       At the end of the contract, who takes the system down and what happens with the solar panels? In many ways, there are a whole host of issues that property owners need to consider carefully before going ahead with an installation, but provided you ask the right questions and get the right advice, you can't go far wrong. Cornish Mutual Members with home insurance can be covered for installing solar PV panels on their property - for more information call Cornish Mutual's Member Services Team on 0845 017 5513.  For more information or to contact Sonya call 01392 210700 or visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/understanding-the-full-facts-of-free-roof-top-solar-pv-panels/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/understanding-the-full-facts-of-free-roof-top-solar-pv-panels/ Mon, 19 September 2011 10:30:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/is-your-gold-jewellery-adequately-insured/ You may have recently read or heard about gold prices hitting an all time high, and that selling your old, spare or scrap necklaces, rings, watches and other jewellery could make you some extra cash.  Gold has risen in price by around 50 per cent in the past 12 months to a record high of over $1,800 per ounce. If you had invested in gold ten years ago, the value of that investment today would have more than tripled.  This massive price increase doesn't just affect traders with huge investments. If you own any gold, regardless of how much or how little, it will more than likely be worth a lot more than when you bought it. If you want to make some quick money, then selling it might be an option. But if you are not interested in selling, then it is worth making sure it is properly insured.    The soaring prices have not gone un-noticed by thieves and there have already been reports that petty criminals have started targeting gold jewellery in home burglaries and muggings.*  Many gold items will be worth more to you in sentimental value than in cost, but insuring your gold can at least allow you to replace any lost items.  It is worth checking whether you have adequate cover with your insurance provider. You could get your gold items re-valued to make sure the amount your currently have them insured for is correct. Considering the dramatic rise in prices, you may find that the value of the gold items you own has exceeded the amount covered by your policy, and you may need to update it or risk finding yourself underinsured should the worst happen and you need to make an insurance claim.  Cornish Mutual's range of products includes home and contents insurance. To find out more about insuring your gold as part of your home insurance with Cornish Mutual, please contact our Member Services Team on 01872 277151. * Source: www.politics.co.uk/comment-analysis/2011/08/01/comment-tackling-the-mounting-problem-of-gold Image source: tiffa130 on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/is-your-gold-jewellery-adequately-insured/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/is-your-gold-jewellery-adequately-insured/ Fri, 09 September 2011 16:01:00 Cornwall Food and Drink http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/cornwall-food-drink-festival-–-celebrating-the-very-best-of-cornish-food-and-drink/ As Cornwall Food and Drink sponsors, Cornish Mutual have invited us to contribute to their blog. For several years, Cornish Mutual have supported us insuring the Cornwall Food & Drink Festival at a reduced premium. This year, the Cornwall Food and Drink Festival will host some of Cornwall's top chefs, all cooking with fantastic local produce and a brand new kitchen - but these are just some of the ingredients for everyone to enjoy at this year's festival,  from 23 rd to 25 th September.  In just eight years, the festival - held on Truro's Lemon Quay - has grown to become one of Cornwall's favourite events, drawing thousands from within and outside the county.  This year, you'll find award-winning artisan producers with everything from chocolate to chutney, bakery to butchery, ice cream to clotted cream, and pasties to paella.  What's more, remaining true to its roots and keeping it Cornish, everything on sale at the festival will have been either produced or processed within Cornwall or the Isles of Scilly. If that's not enough, you can see at least thirty demo sessions on two stages over the three days - watch the county's top chefs in action and learn new tricks and hot tips from selected food experts.  Kids can get creative in the Funky Food Zone and - new for this year - the festival fun goes on after sunset with some special treats for true food lovers. For further information about the festival, please visit www.cornwallfoodanddrink.co.uk/festival2011 . We're also hoping you can help us in our 'Love Cornish Food' campaign, which aims to get Cornwall to the top of a national poll to find Britain's top food spot.  Being run in conjunction with 'British Food Fortnight', which starts 17th September, the poll is running online and voting is open until 11th September.  The results will be announced on 17 th September, so if Cornwall wins it will be great news to spread at the Cornwall Food & Drink Festival. The whole county is getting behind this and we're in the lead, but we must maintain our top spot until voting finishes on 11 th September -  and Lincolnshire are hot on our heels after we toppled their early lead.  We have so much great food and drink in this county - can we really let any other region win the crown that is rightfully ours?   Voting takes just a few seconds at www.lovebritishfood.co.uk/votefoodspot/. Voting now closed http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/cornwall-food-drink-festival-–-celebrating-the-very-best-of-cornish-food-and-drink/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/september/cornwall-food-drink-festival-–-celebrating-the-very-best-of-cornish-food-and-drink/ Fri, 02 September 2011 15:10:00 Melissa Ward http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/august/can-you-help-us-reach-our-cookbook-target/ Our charity cookbook, Come Together, Eat Together, has been on sale for 3 months now, and already we have sold more than 1,000 copies - so a massive thank you to everyone who has bought one!  Food fans across the region have been showing their support for the campaign by ordering their copies online, and our Inspectors have been out and about at their local agricultural shows, enthusiastically promoting the book.  The response we have received so far has been amazing, and it's great to see so many people getting excited about cooking and eating with their families. The show season is now drawing to a close, but we've still got five more lined up where you can come down, meet our Inspectors and get your copy of the Come Together, Eat Together cookbook, which will be on sale for just £5.  The Dunster show is today; Melplash is on Thursday 25 August; the Dorset County show is on Saturday 3 and Sunday 4 September; Frome's Agricultural and Cheese show is on Saturday 10 September and finally the Bath & West Dairy Show, is on Wednesday 5 October.  If you can't make it to any of those shows, but would still like to show your support for the campaign and help raise money for the Cornwall, Devon and Somerset Air Ambulances then don't worry - you can!  The cookbook can also be purchased on the website, www.eattogether.co.uk/order ,  where you can order your copy for £5, plus £1 postage and packing charge. If you'd prefer not to order online, you can also send us a cheque for £6 with your name and address, and we'll get a copy out to you in the post straight away!  Devon Air Ambulance will be at Flavour Fest in Plymouth this weekend with more books on sale, and are selling them in their shops across the county, as are Cornwall Air Ambulance. Somerset and Dorset Air Ambulance are also selling them at events they attend. The cookbook will continue to be on sale at @Angela's Restaurant in Exeter, as well as Nick Barclay's Blue Plate restaurant near Looe.  Our goal is to sell 1,500 copies, with all funds going directly to the Air Ambulances, so we still need your help!  Help us to spread the word about Come Together, Eat Together and encourage all your friends to make sure they get their own copies of the cookbook!  For more information about the Come Together, Eat Together campaign and to order a copy of the cookbook, visit www.eattogether.co.uk . If you would like to order a copy by post, then send a cheque for £6 along with your name and address to Verity Dodd, CMA House, Newham Road, Truro, TR1 2SU. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/august/can-you-help-us-reach-our-cookbook-target/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/august/can-you-help-us-reach-our-cookbook-target/ Fri, 19 August 2011 12:41:00 Philip Wilson http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/august/stithians,-devon-county,-liskeard…-have-you-visited-us-at-a-show-yet-this-year/ Who can believe it's August already; the summer months seem to be flying by! Here at Cornish Mutual we've been very busy this summer, attending agricultural shows all over the South West. Our show season started way back in March, when we attended the Westcountry Game and Equine Show at Shepton Mallet. Since then we've been to Devon County Show, Royal Bath & West, Royal Cornwall, NSA Sheep SW, Stithians, Liskeard, Mid Devon and Totnes - and we're at North Devon today! As usual we have enjoyed welcoming people to our stand - a marquee at Devon County and Royal Cornwall Shows, and our distinctive shows trailer at all the one-day shows. At Royal Cornwall, we had the privilege of displaying the Barclays Premiership Trophy on our stand for most of the day. People visiting us could have their photograph taken with the Trophy for a donation to the Air Ambulance. Our Insurance Inspectors always look forward to catching up with existing Members - and, of course meeting potential new ones - at shows, and our stand is always popular thanks, in part at least, to the delicious cakes served by our caterer, The Occasional Tart. This year our Inspectors have also been busy promoting our Come Together, Eat Together charity cookbook at each show. The cookbook is being sold to raise money for the South West's Air Ambulances, and so far we've sold almost 530  copies at shows. What's more, we're running our free prize draw for £100 of Marks and Spencer vouchers at one-day shows again this year; ask our Inspectors how you can enter and you will also be offered a free insurance review. Our next show is Camelford on 10 th August, followed by Okehampton on the 11 th . A full list of the shows we have yet to attend this year can be found in the ' Out and About '  section of our Latest News page. If you're planning on going to any of the shows we have a stand at, please do come and join us for a cup of tea and a chat! http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/august/stithians,-devon-county,-liskeard…-have-you-visited-us-at-a-show-yet-this-year/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/august/stithians,-devon-county,-liskeard…-have-you-visited-us-at-a-show-yet-this-year/ Wed, 03 August 2011 10:35:00 Mike Cooper http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/july/don’t-claim,-maintain…/ During the summer months the number of claims regarding damage to property is significantly lower than in the winter months. However, many claims are still made and unfortunately in many cases they can be avoided.  It has been widely reported that we have experienced one of the driest springs on record. This dry weather is not only bad news for growers. Every year at Richfords we attend flooding incidents at properties following very dry weather. The cause of this flooding is often not due to very heavy rain, but drains and gutters being blocked. Debris collects during the year and dries hard in the spring months creating a blockage. Therefore, many of these water damage claims can be avoided by having gutters and drains checked and cleared if debris has built up.  A regular regime of good maintenance at home can also prevent fires. There are two common causes of chimney fires, which can be prevented.  One of the most common causes of fire is the build up of soot in chimneys from traditional solid fuel fires. Every year, Richfords Fire and Flood carry out property restoration on homes where a fire has begun in the chimney and spread to other areas of the property. In many cases, these fires could have been prevented by regular maintenance of the chimney or flue by a qualified chimney sweep.  The second most common cause of chimney fires is flues which have been installed into existing chimneys shifting out of place or leaning against the inside of the original chimney. Over time, if the flue is in contact with the inside of the chimney or with wooden supports, these materials can smoulder and catch fire.  Having the flue checked at regular intervals by a qualified installer can ensure that you do not suffer a fire.  In summary, generally speaking, the spring and summer months are a time of fewer property claims. Unfortunately both floods and fires do happen at this time of year. Taking some simple preventative measures, however, including the routine maintenance of gutters, drains and chimneys, can save you the need to make a claim. Image source: Ack Ook on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/july/don’t-claim,-maintain…/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/july/don’t-claim,-maintain…/ Fri, 15 July 2011 14:59:00 Paul Haddrell http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/july/zoonoses-a-basic-guide/ Nowadays we are constantly being reminded of the importance of cleanliness and hygiene, and how it can help to reduce the spread of infections and viruses. It's not just infections from other humans that we need to protect ourselves against, however. Anyone who lives or works on a farm is also at risk of catching a zoonosis from the animals they care for. Zoonoses are infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans, for example orf, bovine tuberculosis, cowpox and E-coli. E-coli O157 is particularly dangerous - especially to the elderly and to young children, in whom it can cause kidney failure. Premises such as farms, which house large numbers or types of animals, can provide ideal conditions for the spread of zoonoses if they are not properly cleaned and maintained. Many zoonoses need very little contact to pass from animal to human, meaning people can easily be infected. Although there are now around 40 zoonoses in the UK, most can be easily treated with medicines and clear up quickly. Some can take longer to treat, however - involving hospitalisation in serious cases - and can even leave the person with long-term effects. If you work or live on a farm, it is worth carrying out a few precautionary measures to limit your chances of catching a zoonosis. The benefits of basic hygiene and cleanliness should never be underestimated; simple things like washing your hands after touching animals or working in an area in which they live, making sure the animals have clean bedding and water at all times, and ensuring water and food bowls/troughs are kept clean are all vitally important. Bear in mind that zoonoses are subject to Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) regulations and as such, farmers are required, by law, to assess the health risks inherent to their working activities. Farmers are also required to implement and regularly monitor control measures - such as cleaning procedures, signage etc - and to train any employees they might have on the risks involved in their work and how they can prevent being infected by a zoonosis.   It is worth considering wearing protective clothing when working with farm animals, particularly where there is a risk of coming into contact with animal waste products or blood. As well as this, farmers who employ workers should provide adequate onsite hand-washing facilities, and consider offering their staff first aid training. Of course it is also advisable to monitor the general health of your animals on a regular basis. Any animal showing signs of illness should be separated from other animals until a vet has treated the animal and confirmed that it has returned to good health. It may be worth considering a farm health plan - put together in consultation with your local vet - to try and minimise the risk of zoonoses occurring in the first place. Other precautionary measures which farmer workers might like to consider include limiting the movement and mingling of animals, and sanitising equipment which comes into contact with animals after each use. For further information on how you can prevent the spread of disease amongst animals on your farm, and the transmission of zoonoses to humans, visit the Health and Safety Executive's website: www.hse.gov.uk/biosafety/diseases/zoonoses.htm . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/july/zoonoses-a-basic-guide/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/july/zoonoses-a-basic-guide/ Wed, 06 July 2011 14:29:00 Ashfords Solicitors http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/primogeniture-how-prepared-is-your-family-for-the-future/ A blog by Sue Savill of Ashfords Solicitors . With the next generation of the Royal Family embarking on married life, attitudes towards inheritance and succession issues may be changing.  A recent survey by Chartered Accountants, Saffery Champness, for Country Life Magazine has found that more major land owners are now prepared to leave their estates to their eldest child regardless of gender, and that more wish to make some provision for their younger children.  There is a proposal being considered by the Government that Prince William's first child with Kate Middleton would become his heir, regardless of gender. If this is a move away from primogeniture - where the eldest son inherits - then the Royal Family will reflect what is already happening throughout the country.  Many large estates have become complex and diverse businesses, and the survey found that the issue of succession planning was a very real one for many families. Almost half of those surveyed felt that it was important to consider the ability of the designated heir as well as issues of fairness and equality amongst their children.  Parents appreciated the difficulty of weighing up the differing merits of the children against the needs of the business.  This is a sensitive area and whilst 61% of those surveyed wanted their estates to remain in the family - and 71% had gone so far as to identify an heir - very few had plans in place to develop their heir and their ability to run the business.  The same principles and concerns apply to many farming families or owner-managed businesses in the South West.  Parents want to ensure the continuing success of the business, as well as to provide for all their children.  These two aims need not be mutually exclusive, provided the family thinks ahead to likely eventualities.   Take the case of a typical farmer who has three children: one of the children farms with him, the second child is married to a neighbouring farmer's son, and the youngest daughter has a successful career in London.  The farmer does not want to overburden the farm by making his son buy his daughters out, but does not want to be unfair to his two daughters either.  There are a few options he could consider; it might be possible to carve out certain assets to leave to the daughters - perhaps a field with hope value or a barn with potential for development.    The farmer could also help during his lifetime, using gifts - perhaps a cottage - or putting life insurance or another investment in place to pay out to the daughters on his death, but this takes foresight and long-term planning.  There are any number of options which might suit the differing needs of each individual family. There is only one certainty, and that is that dying without a Will in place is not effective planning, as the Law which then applies is very inflexible and can be difficult to adapt.  Ashfords' Trusts and Estates Team can assist on any matters regarding a Will or Trust. For taxation and estate planning advice please contact Michael Alden at the Exeter office on 01392 334041, Sue Savill at the Taunton office on 01823 232313 or Rachael Crocker at the Tiverton office on 01884 203088. Sue Savill heads up Ashfords' Trusts and Estates Team in their Taunton office. Sue advises on wills, powers of attorney and estate planning, including tax mitigation and the administration of estates. She has a particular interest in advising parents or carers of children with special needs, and is a member of Solicitors for the Elderly. Ashfords LLP is regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.  The information in this note is intended to be general information about English law only and not comprehensive.  It is not to be relied on as legal advice nor as an alternative to taking professional advice relating to specific circumstances.   Image source: DaGoaty on www.flickr.com   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/primogeniture-how-prepared-is-your-family-for-the-future/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/primogeniture-how-prepared-is-your-family-for-the-future/ Tue, 21 June 2011 13:59:00 Stephens Scown http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/farmers-warned-of-holiday-cottage-tax-changes/ At the end of last year, the Government published draft clauses for its Finance Bill 2011, including proposed revisions on Furnished Holiday Lettings (FHL). Richard Baker of Stephens Scown solicitors examines what this means for farmers who own properties in the South West. With the new tax revision having taken effect from April this year, holiday property owners in the Westcountry may need to review their situation as soon as possible. Farmers who lease out cottages or other farm buildings will be affected by the FHL changes - they may have to change the way they operate or risk losing valuable tax reliefs. The amendments are being introduced to bring the UK into line with EU law.  Before April, provided the holiday accommodation was run commercially, as opposed to a hobby or let only to friends and family, FHL rules allowed owners to treat the property or properties as a trade rather than investment. It meant owners could qualify for loss relief against general income, capital allowances on plant and machinery and certain Capital Gains Tax (CGT) reliefs. The law changed with the Finance Bill 2011 so that:  The minimum period over which a qualifying property must be available for letting to the public in the relevant period is increased from 140 days to 210 days in a year from April 2012; The minimum period over which a qualifying property is actually let to the public in the relevant period is increased from 70 days to 105 days in a year from April 2012; Losses made in a furnished holiday lettings business may only be set against income from the same furnished holiday lettings business; and A 'period of grace' was introduced to allow businesses that don't continue to meet the 'actually let' requirement for one or two years to elect to continue to qualify throughout that period.  It's really important that people get the right professional taxation advice at the earliest opportunity if they're unsure about how this might impact upon them. Some businesses may need to undertake additional valuations and other calculations and we would always advise doing this sooner rather than later.  For more information about furnished holiday lettings, contact Richard Baker on 01872 265100. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/farmers-warned-of-holiday-cottage-tax-changes/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/farmers-warned-of-holiday-cottage-tax-changes/ Fri, 17 June 2011 11:44:00 Philip Wilson http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/5-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-horse/ Owning your own horse can be a really rewarding experience - you're not just buying a hobby or pastime, but a companion who will be with you for many years. There are, however, some serious considerations you will need to make before deciding to buy your own horse. To help, we've put together five key factors you ought to bear in mind.  1. Can you afford a horse?   Firstly and perhaps most importantly, you need to ask yourself whether you have enough disposable income to look after a horse. Aside from the initial costs of purchasing the horse, there are many ongoing fees to think about, and annual bills can add up. Livery, feeding, worming, feet trimming, dental care, vets bills and insurance all need to be taken into account when estimating what your annual costs will amount to.  A key expense will be how you intend to stable your horse; if you choose full livery it could be in excess of £10,000 per year.  If these kinds of costs are off putting then using local riding stables may be a better option.  2. Do you have enough time?   We all have really busy lives these days and owning a horse can be an extremely time-consuming commitment. Will you be able to adapt your existing daily routine to fit in several hours caring for it?  Unless you have full livery, you'll need to make time for feeding, grooming, exercising and mucking out, and you'll need to make sure you can stick to the same routine every day. Changes to a horse's feeding routine can lead to colic, so if you're up early to feed them during the week you'll also need to be up early at the weekend.  Don't forget to think about who will look after your horse if you're on holiday - you will need to find someone you can trust to stick to your usual routine.  3. How will you care for your horse?   Before buying your horse, be certain you know how you are going to care for it. Do your research; make sure you find vets, farriers and other equine professionals with good reputations, learn basic horse health care, ask your vet for recommendations on feed and make sure you are completely happy with the stables where it will be kept.  4. Is it right for you in the long term? Buying a horse is not a short-term commitment. Some horses live into their thirties so you need to consider what might happen in 10 or 20 years time.  Would you be able to look after an elderly horse? If the horse or pony is for your child, what will you do when they outgrow the animal?  Horse charities have been kept very busy in the recent economic turndown. Consider what you would do if your financial circumstances changed and you can no longer afford to keep the horse. 5. Are you covered in case of injury, illness and accidents?   Owning a horse is expensive enough without having to worry about unexpected events leading to extra costs. Before buying your horse, get some quotes for horse insurance to make sure you are covered should the worst happen.  Different providers will offer different packages, but some of the things you want to be sure are included are; vets fees, loss of use, personal accident, liability to third parties (for example if a by passer is injured by your horse on a trek) and death and disposal. 24-hour helplines, legal protection, and special cover for older horses are also bonuses to look out for.  Cornish Mutual offers a range of insurance products including horse insurance .  For more information, please contact your local Insurance Inspector  or the Truro office on 01872 277151. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/5-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-horse/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/5-things-to-consider-before-buying-a-horse/ Thu, 16 June 2011 10:18:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/taking-your-car-abroad-this-year/ If you are thinking of taking your car abroad with you this year, you need to make sure your motor insurance policy provides the right level of cover.  Many UK motor insurance policies automatically provide (at no extra cost) third party liability cover which is the minimum cover required by law in the European Union (EU) for accidents which occur within the EU. It is always best to check with your insurance provider that your policy includes this. Trips to countries outside the EU are less likely to be included on your policy and should always be discussed with your insurance provider prior to travel.  If your car insurance does provide you with the level of cover required for international driving, your insurer may issue you with a Green Card. The Green Card is an internationally recognised document which serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country being visited. A Green Card provides no insurance cover in itself.  If you have Private Motor insurance with Cornish Mutual, you do not need to obtain a Green Card in order to take your car abroad - your Certificate of Motor Insurance will suffice. Our other motor policies such as Fleet, however, will not automatically insure you when driving abroad. To check that you have the cover you need before travelling, please contact Member Services on 01872 277151 or speak to your local Insurance Inspector .  Further information on Green Cards, and the countries in which it is required, can be found at www.direct.gov.uk/en/Motoring/OwningAVehicle/Motorinsurance/DG_067624 Image source: dennis on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/taking-your-car-abroad-this-year/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/june/taking-your-car-abroad-this-year/ Tue, 07 June 2011 14:11:00 Stephens Scown http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/may/landowners-turn-to-rooftop-energy-generation/ A Blog by Sonya Bedford, Head of Renewables at Stephens Scown solicitors . An increasing number of landowners in the Westcountry are turning to small-scale rooftop energy generation.  At Stephens Scown we think it could be the start of a new phase in solar development activity and believe that many farmers are taking advantage of roof-space on both traditional and modern buildings that would otherwise be unproductive.  Most installations at this stage appear to be barns close to potential grid connection points, as the process for getting planning consent for these circumstances is generally more benign than for larger-scale proposals for green fields.  When considering using this type of energy generation that are a whole host of issues that property owners need to give careful consideration to.  For example what are your current electrical requirements and will the installation service your needs sufficiently? Generated electricity cannot be stored and - particularly in the case of dairies - during the winter it is likely that most electrical requirements will be during dark/dusk hours when there is no sunlight to produce electricity.  Leasing roof-space for a solar power installation can take even more thought than constructing a ground-mounted system on a Brownfield or Greenfield site. Not only will you need to consider how to set it up you also need to think about what will happen at the end of the lease, for instance will you have the right to keep the panels or will you be obligated to remove them and return them to the installer?  In a commercial context, the implications may be less than in a residential one but getting the right professional advice from surveyors, valuers, structural engineers and solicitors and insurers is still important.  It's worth remembering that anything which results in a permanent structure, or any alteration to a building that materially affects its external appearance, may require planning permission. If the development is covered by permitted development rights, it will not be necessary to get permission.  Permitted development rights apply to domestic micro-generation equipment including the installation, alteration or replacement of solar PV panels on buildings or on land within the curtilage of a dwelling. Detailed restrictions do apply but there are conditions to these rights, and they don't apply universally, so need to be carefully considered in each case.  There are a lot of practical implications to think about too, including whether the roof is fit-for-purpose for an installation, access, standards of workmanship and accreditation, health and safety and fire risks, future plans for the building and whether you're able to personally use some of the power generated, as well as selling to the Grid.  Legal implications might also include deciding responsibility for the maintenance of the fabric of the building, interaction with neighbouring properties, additional rights from third parties and negotiations with developers.  Stephens Scown has a Beginner's Guide to rooftop solar power - email renewables@stephens-scown.co.uk to request a copy.  For more information and advice about renewable energy and micro generation, contact Sonya Bedford at Stephens Scown. Visit www.stephens-scown.co.uk or call 01392 210700. Sonya Bedford is Associate and Head of Renewable Energy at Stephens Scown. Sonya specialises in the agricultural sector helping farmers and landowners with acquisitions and disposal of farms and estates; farming tenancies and partnerships; land management and diversification. She has experience acting for landowners in the renewable energy field in particular options with wind farm developers and sustainable development.   Image source: pixor on www.flickr.com http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/may/landowners-turn-to-rooftop-energy-generation/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/may/landowners-turn-to-rooftop-energy-generation/ Tue, 31 May 2011 11:10:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/april/children’s-farm-rides-on-tractors-and-trailers/ Do you operate a farm based holiday and/or leisure related business? If so, as part of this business, do you provide farm rides for children who are visiting or staying at your farm? As your insurer, we need to be informed of the arrangements you have made to prevent accidents to children. Remember that children have only a limited awareness of risks - being both physically and mentally immature.  Therefore a greater duty of care applies when dealing with them.  Never break the law by carrying children under 13 years old on a tractor, self-propelled agricultural machine, or a machine mounted on, towed or propelled by a tractor or other vehicles. Children under 13 years old may only legally ride on a trailer - or on a load carried by a trailer - if there are adequate means, such as edge protection, to prevent them falling from it. You should adopt the same standards if you carry older children. Adequate adult supervision should always be provided, and a responsible person should travel on the trailer to control and help the children. The driver should not carry out this task as well as his driving duties. Useful information on the safe carriage of passengers on farm trailers is provided by the HSE ( www.hse.gov.uk ). http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/april/children’s-farm-rides-on-tractors-and-trailers/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/april/children’s-farm-rides-on-tractors-and-trailers/ Thu, 14 April 2011 10:20:00 Mitch Portman http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/april/farm-fire-safety-–-what-every-farm-owner-needs-to-know/ Every year thousands of farm buildings are completely destroyed by fire, and large amounts of stock, straw, hay, farm machinery, chemicals and even livestock are lost.  Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service attends around 36 farm fires every year, and, on average 1,700 buildings throughout the UK are destroyed annually.  Cornish Mutual is teaming up with Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service to advise farmers on how to avoid fire causing devastation on their farm.  To start with, you must, by law, carry out a fire risk assessment of your farm buildings under the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005. If you have five or more workers you must record the findings. If you do not, you could face a fine or two year prison sentence and perhaps lose your business.  There are five steps to completing a fire safety risk assessment:  Identify hazards, including sources of ignition, sources of fuel and dangerous substances Identify people at risk, including your employees, anyone near your buildings and emergency services personnel responding to a fire Evaluate the risk of fire occurring and the risk to people if it does. Remove fire hazards and remove or reduce risks to people Record your findings and actions taken  Prepare an emergency plan and inform everyone who works on the farm of it  Once this is done you have fulfilled your legal obligation. However, there are still further steps you can take to minimise the risk of fire on your farm.  These steps include; Clearly labelling all fuels and chemicals and storing them securely Cleaning and servicing all machinery regularly Baling and stacking hay when it's dry to prevent spontaneous combustion Clearly identifying and maintaining fire-fighting equipment.  Regular reviews of your risk assessment should also be carried out.  More information on fire prevention can be found in the fire safety advisory booklet published by Cornwall Fire and Rescue Service and Cornish Mutual to help farmers comply with fire safety laws.  If you would like a copy of the booklet, visit Cornwall Fire & Rescue Service's website , email enquiries@cornwall.gov.uk or call 0300 1234 100. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/april/farm-fire-safety-–-what-every-farm-owner-needs-to-know/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/april/farm-fire-safety-–-what-every-farm-owner-needs-to-know/ Mon, 04 April 2011 15:48:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/march/80-of-businesses-closed-due-to-a-fire-never-re-open/ Did you know that at least 80% of businesses that are forced to close as a result of fire never start up again often because they have no business interruption cover? Following the tragic events of September 11 2001, many small commercial businesses in the area surrounding the Twin Towers in New York went out of business. It was not the direct losses that forced them under as most of them had property insurance but the fact that they were unable to withstand the loss of income that came with shutting down for an extended period of time.  Small businesses in New York may seem far removed from those found in the Westcountry but the implications of a disruption to business are very similar. Imagine a clothes shop that suffered fire damage. Buildings and contents insurance would cover the repair of the building, replacement fixtures and fittings etc, but what about the staff wages and lost business as people go elsewhere to purchase their clothes whilst repairs are being made. It would take a long time for that shop to build its business back up to the pre-fire level. Businesses operate to generate a profitable return or at the very least to recoup the expenses they incur. Any business expenses which are unable to be terminated immediately (such as salaries), or do not  reducein direct proportion to a reduction in sales (such as rent), can put a financial strain on a business and erode net profit or turn a break-even situation into a loss.  So when making business plans, business interruption insurance is an important consideration as it provides an indemnity against a trading loss arising from incidents like fire or flood.  If you would like further information on Cornish Mutual's business interruption insurance , please contact your local Insurance Inspector  or the Truro office on 01872 277151 . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/march/80-of-businesses-closed-due-to-a-fire-never-re-open/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/march/80-of-businesses-closed-due-to-a-fire-never-re-open/ Wed, 16 March 2011 15:12:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/february/reasonable-care-–-what-does-it-mean/ One of the basic principles of insurance is that an insured should always act as if they are not insured. This effectively means that you should take all reasonable precautions to avoid any loss or accident. Cornish Mutual recommend you do the simple things, like locking your doors and windows when you are out and taking extra care when applying heat. For example you would be unwise to use welding equipment in a hay barn. However if you did, we would - as your insurer - expect you to take reasonable precautions to avoid sparks setting light to the building or its contents. The wisest thing would, of course, be not to weld in the hay barn at all. You would not burn waste in there, so it seems sensible to avoid any form of heat in such a combustible environment. Here at Cornish Mutual, we have a surveyor who visits our Members to check that any risk is acceptable for insurance purposes. He is charged with seeking to eliminate risks which could give rise to a loss under any of our insurance policies and may make some requirements or recommendations to improve the risk. As insurers we understand that, occasionally, some of our requirements can be seen as impractical but we are always prepared to discuss these with you and will be prepared to come to an acceptable compromise where it is possible. However, some of our requirements, especially those concerning Health and Safety issues, will be determined by the law and we will only be asking you to do something which the law requires you to do anyway.  In such circumstances a compromise may not be possible. For example lifting equipment such as fork lift trucks will need to be inspected at regular intervals and failure to comply could lead to an unnecessary claim and a possible prosecution. It is all common sense really, coupled with knowing what legal responsibilities you have.   Nevertheless, there will always be the odd occasion when something goes wrong and that is when we would expect to assist our Members by dealing with any claim as quickly as possible. Information on all insurance products offered by Cornish Mutual can be viewed by clicking here . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/february/reasonable-care-–-what-does-it-mean/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/february/reasonable-care-–-what-does-it-mean/ Mon, 28 February 2011 09:30:00 Safety Revolution http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/february/winter-safety-issues/ A blog by Nick Hunkin, Senior Client Service Manager for Safety Revolution Ltd and Dairy Management Systems. In winter the risk of accidents - especially those associated with slips, trips and falls - dramatically increases.  Even in the most regulated of situations, the risk of accidents can never be totally avoided but statistics show that organisations which take health and safety seriously - for example monitoring and assessing risks, introducing safe working practices and training their staff in good safety practice - enjoy a vastly reduced incidence of accidents, both great and small, and minimal risk of legal action from enforcing organisations like the HSE.  Health and safety applies to all businesses including those employing contractors and self-employed people  - ignorance is never a defence in a court of law.  All employers must make provision for the health and safety of their employees.  This includes a safety policy which should be relevant to the organisation's activities and be up to date. The safety policy should include the following; Risk assessments - a documented record of the specific risks associated with a task or activity within a job of work.  First aid arrangements - Regulation 3 of the Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations 1981 (Code of Practice) states "an employer shall provide, or ensure that there is provided, such number of suitable persons as is adequate and appropriate in the circumstances for rendering first aid to his employees if they are injured or become ill at work".  Fire and emergency arrangements including fire risk assessments where appropriate.    Associated with the above are safe working practices - documented safety instructions detailing how to go about a specific task or activity each time it is undertaken, for instance driving a tractor or operating a chain saw.  Where organisations are dealing with potentially dangerous chemicals, a COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) policy and risk assessment should also be put into place.  In the event of a serious accident or fatality, providing all the above has been well documented and kept up to date, the employer can then demonstrate that maximum due diligence had been applied and that everything possible had been done to avoid the incident. This should avoid avoid potentially distressing and costly litigation and all the ramifications associated with it.  The employer will also be able to give their liability insurer a much stronger hand when it comes to defending potential employee or public liability claims against them.  Nick Hunkin is a Senior Client Service Manager for Safety Revolution Ltd and Dairy Management Systems - a specialist national company providing a complete health and safety service exclusively to farms and estates across the UK.  He can be contacted on 07795 385218, or by emailing n.hunkin@dairymanagementsystems.co.uk .  http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/february/winter-safety-issues/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/february/winter-safety-issues/ Mon, 21 February 2011 12:10:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/home-and-contents-insurance-–-things-you-should-know/ It's fair to say that everyone's personal circumstances, valuables and possessions will change at some time or another and making sure that you have the right level of insurance cover is important, otherwise you could find yourself underinsured should the worst happen. Get your sum insured right - it's important that you have the right level of cover to make sure you're able to reinstate everything should you need to make a claim. It's a good idea to make an accurate assessment of what your home and contents are really worth. Insure your home for its rebuild cost, not its market value - your buildings insurance 'sum insured' must reflect the full rebuild cost of your home, not its current market value. If it's a listed property, work will often need to meet special Grade requirements and insurance claims could work out more expensive - employing specialist craftsmen and using traditional materials could increase the cost of rebuilding. Reflect home improvements in your sum insured - house extensions, new kitchens and bathrooms should be included when renewing your home insurance as they increase rebuilding costs and therefore the sum insured. Also if you've fitted solar panels or other energy saving devices to your property you should make your insurer aware. Review your policy on a regular basis and update your contents - keep a check on expensive items like flat-screen TVs, music players, laptops and jewellery. Gold prices have increased significantly over past years, so it might be worth valuing your treasured items again and making sure they're covered. Also think about your clothes, shoes, hobbies and sporting activities - do you have expensive gear stored away? If you're a collector, you may also want to think about how much it would cost to replace your valuable or rare items. And don't underestimate the cost of replacing carpets, curtains and other fixtures and fittings - essential items we all take for granted, but the costs soon add up if they have to be replaced. Buy home and contents cover at the same time - the average cost of a home and contents policy is £237, but it could work out a lot more if you buy them separately or from different companies. Buildings insurance covers the fabric of the building while contents insurance covers your belongings and everything inside. Usually by combining your cover means there's only one excess to pay if you were to make a claim. Don't go on price alone - everyone's home, possessions and circumstances are different so choose the cover you need and make sure you compare like-for-like. If you have specialist requirements, contact your insurer direct. Tell your insurer about security measures - you may well benefit from fitting approved window and door locks, installing and using burglar alarms or joining a neighbourhood watch scheme. And make sure you tell your insurer about past claims - you need to let them know if you've previously made a claim because it avoids potential problems later on. If you withhold information, knowingly or unwittingly, you might run the risk of a future claim being invalid. If in doubt, always speak to your insurer. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/home-and-contents-insurance-–-things-you-should-know/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/home-and-contents-insurance-–-things-you-should-know/ Wed, 26 January 2011 12:57:00 Mitch Portman http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/preventing-burst-pipes-this-winter/ If December's cold snap and heavy snowfall is anything to go by, severe winter weather is becoming ever more common in the Westcountry. Harsh, wintery conditions are usually followed by a big thaw and in turn, a number of insurance claims for burst pipes and flooding. Whilst the result of flooding can be devastating to the property owner concerned, problems can easily be avoided by taking some sensible precautions beforehand - it certainly pays to be prepared. Most instances of burst pipes are caused by insufficient insulation. So what can be done to avoid frozen pipes in the future? Here's our advice and few tips to help: Make sure you insulate your loft and the sides of your water tanks properly, as well as insulating all your pipes. This will not only avoid damage, but keep heat in and reduce heating bills. Check to see if you're eligible for a grant to install insulation - visit http://www.governmentinsulationgrants.co.uk/ or contact your local council for advice. If the building is left unoccupied over the winter months then it is wise to turn off the water supply and drain any tanks, pipes or heating systems to ensure there is no water left in them to freeze. If you're going away, ask a friend or relative to check on your home and make sure pipes haven't burst or frozen. Make sure you know where the stop tap is and check regularly that you can turn it off easily in an emergency - you never know when you might need to access it. Let's keep our fingers crossed that the weather this winter is a little kinder to us all, but if not, make sure you've taken a few steps to stop the worst happening. Image source: Velo Steve on http://www.flickr.com/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/preventing-burst-pipes-this-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/preventing-burst-pipes-this-winter/ Tue, 18 January 2011 16:24:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/workers’-accommodation-–-your-duty-of-care/ If you provide temporary accommodation for seasonal workers, you should be aware that current health and safety legislation imposes a duty of care on you to provide safe working conditions which includes worker accommodation.  Here are a few pointers to help you consider if your safety standards are adequate; Good practice requires that the accommodation units should be at least 20 feet apart to reduce the risk of fire spreading from one unit to another. All gas appliances should be inspected annually by a GasSafe contractor. Electrical installations and portable equipment (including heaters) should be checked periodically. Smoke and carbon monoxide detectors need to be installed. These should preferably be mains wired, with Lithium battery back up. This should avoid the need for daily inspection and the need to  replace batteries that may have been removed by the tenants. Smoking inside the units should be banned, but it is appreciated that this is difficult to control. A small powder fire extinguisher or fire blanket should be provided in each unit. If steps are required to access the units, these should be stable and in a good state of repair.  Hand rails may be necessary if the access door is located well above ground level. If gas cylinders are used they should be stored safely and securely well away from the accommodation units and any work traffic routes. Insurers will expect the above issues to be addressed, and you may also find that your local authority will wish to visit and inspect the units you provide.  In addition other parties, such as labour organisations that provide you with temporary workers, may wish to inspect the units to satisfy themselves that any accommodation provided for their workforce is properly maintained and safe to use.  It is, therefore, sensible to ensure that you are complying with the regulations and that you maintain a file of relevant documentation to show that appropriate checks have been carried out as required. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/workers’-accommodation-–-your-duty-of-care/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2011/january/workers’-accommodation-–-your-duty-of-care/ Tue, 11 January 2011 16:41:00 Coodes Solicitors http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/the-single-payment-scheme/ A blog by Kate Theophilus, a Member of the Coodes Rural Team The Single Farm Payment Scheme (SPS) was introduced in 2005 to replace (with the exception of milk quotas) existing support schemes.  In an attempt to simplify what is a complex system new European Regulations containing various amendments to the scheme came into effect on 1 January 2009 and 1 January 2010.  Set out below are a few small examples of where changes have been made, it is not intended to be a comprehensive list. Some basic definitions The definitions of "a Farmer", "a Holding",  "Eligible Land" and "Agricultural Activity" have been amended/widened to simplify matters. Included under the definition of Agricultural Activity is the process of 'maintaining the land in good agricultural and environmental condition'. The Ten Month Rule Previously, to qualify for the SPS, the land had to be 'at the farmer's disposal for at least 10 months of the year.' The 10 month period began on a date chosen by the farmer between the 1st October and the 30th April of the year preceding making a claim. If no date was chosen, then the default date was the 1st February. This process resulted in it being possible for the farmer to have two different start dates for the 10 month period for different parts of the same holding. The new Regulations abolished the 10 month rule with effect from the 1st April 2008 and replaced it with the requirement that the land had to be 'at the farmer's disposal at an "appropriate date." DEFRA chose the "appropriate date" as the 15th May in each year. Therefore provided a farmer has at his disposal on the 15 May the land in question, he can make the appropriate claim. As an application has to be received by the Rural Payments Agency (RPA) by the 15th May each year, the effect is that a farmer need only have the land at his disposal for one day in order to make a claim. National Reserve* Any National Reserve entitlements not used for a period of two years will be forfeited to the National Reserve. Previously it was three years. The rule requiring entitlements allocated from the National Reserve not to be transferred during the first 5 years and the need that they must be used in each of those 5 years has been abolished. In 2009 National Reserve Entitlements commuted to normal entitlements. Set-Aside Set-Aside entitlements have been abolished and converted into ordinary entitlements, they have a lesser value due to the fact that they do not attract a historical element. The Need to be a Farmer at point of Transfer The transfer of entitlements previously required the Transferor and the Transferee to be farmers at the date of the transfer. This caused problems for farmers who were retiring bearing in mind the transfer does not take place until 6 weeks after the appropriate RLE1 Form is lodged with the RPA. As a result therefore, since 2009, the RPA now only insist that the Transferee is a farmer at the relevant time. The effect of this is that it has done away with the need for a series of short term agreements involving leasebacks and farming contracts which were previously used to protect the Transferor's status until registration with the RPA was complete. Percentage sale without land The previous requirement that the transfer of entitlements without land could only be effective if 80 % of the overall entitlement holding had been activated has also been removed. Cross Compliance In addition to satisfying certain criteria to obtain payments, farmers also have to carry out obligations relating to the environment and animal welfare. This is known as 'Cross Compliance.' Concerns arose as a result of the abolition of Set-Aside that cross compliance may not be met. This is an area which is still under review and further details are awaited. That said there are some new categories under the current cross compliance regime, one of which is the need to comply with legislation relating to water abstraction and licences granted under the appropriate legislation. Modulation The first €5,000 of any claim remains exempt. Basic Compulsory Modulation remains at 5% but there is an additional Compulsory Modulation of 2% introduced in 2009 rising in steps of 1% per year to 5% in 2012. In addition there will be additional modulation for those receiving payments of more than €300,000.00 who would lose a further 4%. Voluntary Modulation Regulations have  been amended so that for every 1% increase in Compulsory Modulation, Voluntary National Modulation is reduced by 1%. Minimum extent of land for a claim The new Regulations require member states to introduce a minimum level for an acceptable claim and as from 2010 within the UK, the minimum area of land for which an acceptable claim can be made is 1 hectare. This is an increase on the previous level. Finally Payments under the SPS are a valuable asset to farmers and landowners alike.  Therefore careful consideration should be given as to the ultimate destination of entitlements in the event of letting land or death.  Entitlements do not attach to land but are an asset in their own right and if not dealt with in a tenancy agreement or a will may not end up where the owner of the entitlements intend.  It is always advisable to seek professional advice.    * The National Reserve is in effect a "pot" of entitlements set up under the scheme to support farmers whose business changed during or after entering the scheme, which as a consequence reduced their entitlements. The existence of the Reserve enabled those farmers to apply for entitlements from the "pot" so as to increase the amount of entitlements they had. It also enabled new entrants to farming who may have land but no entitlements to obtain some, especially if they are unable to buy any on the open market. These are known as National Reserve Entitlements.   Kate Theophilus is a Commercial Property Solicitor and Partner in Coodes' St.Austell branch.  Kate specialises in all types of Commercial Property law and is up to date on all issues and regulations in and relating to the commercial property sector.    Cornish Mutual accept no responsibility or liability for the content of guest blogs http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/the-single-payment-scheme/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/the-single-payment-scheme/ Thu, 30 December 2010 09:30:00 Philip Wilson http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/keeping-your-driving-licence-legal-–-photo-identity-cards/ When was the last time you looked at your photo card driving licence? Perhaps you use it if asked for identification, but otherwise, you don't really take it out of your wallet? Well now's the time to do just that, as thousands of motorists are at risk of being fined £1,000 by unwittingly driving without a valid licence. Many people have not realised that the photo card driving licence, introduced in 1998, is required to be renewed every 10 years to make sure that the photograph remains a true likeness of the licence holder. The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) do send reminders to people who need to update their photo, but it is always best to check the expiry date just in case your reminder gets lost in the post. To find out whether or not your licence needs updating, see section 4b of your photo card.  More information on driving licences can be found at the DVLA website: www.vehiclelicence.gov.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/keeping-your-driving-licence-legal-–-photo-identity-cards/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/keeping-your-driving-licence-legal-–-photo-identity-cards/ Mon, 27 December 2010 09:30:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/is-insurance-the-best-policy/ With many Westcountry companies still looking to reduce their overheads in a tough economic climate, Ian Metcalfe looks at ways to do this while not compromising on necessary insurance cover…. It's tempting to try and shave a bit off the bottom line to save on expenditure, particularly if you run a small business. Many people view insurance as a necessary evil but if you cut back and you need to make a claim you could find you are underinsured or, worse still, have no cover in place. A good insurer or insurance broker will seek to understand your business and help you decide what cover is best for you. At Cornish Mutual we make sure that you do not have unnecessary cover and will discuss covers we think you should have. The decision as to whether or not you have them is, of course, yours. It can, understandably, all get confusing on occasions so here are a few tips to consider: Review your insurances regularly, at least once a year but more often if your business is changing or growing - just because you have insurance for one activity does not mean that you are automatically covered for another. In addition, adding new buildings or moving premises is something you should tell your insurers about. Failure to do so could lead to there being no cover in place in the event of a loss. Make sure you pay your premiums on time. If you fail to do so your policy will lapse and Murphy's Law dictates that a loss will occur before you realise you have not renewed the cover. This could prove very costly and, at worst, could put you out of business. If you are looking to save money consider carrying a higher excess. If your policy has a standard £100 excess your insurer is likely to give you a premium discount if choose to carry £250. This means you will have to pay the first £250 of any claim during the year but you need to weigh this up against the likelihood of a loss and the premium saving. What about Business Interruption insurance ? Okay, you are covering your buildings, machinery and stock.  If there is a serious fire you will get those replaced. However, what happens to your business whilst this is being done? Your customers will still want goods to carry on their businesses and are likely to get them elsewhere. Will they come back to you once you are back in operation? What happens if you lose a machine that is in short supply and will take six months to replace?   A competent insurance provider will talk you through these issues and others and offer a solution to help you keep your business in operation. Consider the need for cover on all assets. Would you want them replaced as new or would a second hand replacement be acceptable?   If it is the latter then you can take indemnity cover which makes allowance for wear and tear. Ensure your sums insured are adequate for full replacement.   Underinsurance is a serious problem. If you have a building which will cost £100,000 to rebuild but you only insure it for £50,000 you will almost certainly only get 50% of any claim paid as you are only paying 50% of what the actual insurance premium should be. It is advisable to keep sums insured up to date and ask your insurer for them to be index-linked annually. Of course this only really works if the original sum insured is adequate in the first place. Make sure you have adequate public liability cover and consider the implications of corporate manslaughter - a company director has unlimited liability and can be fined or imprisoned for companies causing death and serious injury. Consider reducing cover on low-value vehicles to third party fire and theft or even just third party only. In the case of employers' liability and motor third party insurances, there is compulsory insurance legislation to be taken into account.  Operating without these covers where you need them will make you eligible for prosecution. Involvement in a claim for either could mean the loss of your business or bankruptcy. And finally, make sure you use an insurance company that's properly regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). There will be a number of other things you can do to keep insurance costs down and there will almost always be another insurer who will offer lower terms than your existing provider.  However unless you do things properly you can find that the cover you end up with is cheaper because it does not give you all the cover you need. It pays, therefore, to spend time looking for alternatives and being satisfied that your new provider understands your business and gives you the cover you need. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/is-insurance-the-best-policy/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/is-insurance-the-best-policy/ Mon, 13 December 2010 00:00:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/guide-to-letting-property-part-11-of-11-insuring-your-let-property/ Buildings insurance Cornish Mutual's buildings insurance can cover you against the usual dangers to a domestic building like loss or damage due to flood or fire damage, together with other things you may not have thought of such as accidental damage. We will also help you to make sure you are insured for the cost of rebuilding your property should the worst happen. Contents insurance Our contents insurance covers loss of or damage to contents in your property by a range of causes - from theft, fire and accidental damage to malicious persons. This includes cover for contents in the garden and replacement locks following the theft of external door keys. Loss of rent insurance Having a property unavailable to rent can have serious financial consequences. We can provide cover for loss of rent should your property be uninhabitable due to loss or damage. You are able to decide the maximum period you believe your property would be uninhabitable and the loss of rent this would cause. Employers' Liability insurance Employers' liability insurance is compulsory by law for most employers. Employees include working directors and casual or sub-contracted labour e.g. cleaners working in your let property. Your legal liability arising in connection with your let property business for injury to your employees can be covered for up to £10,000,000. Employers' liability insurance means that in the event of injury to an employee, for which you are held responsible, you will be protected. Public Liability insurance Automatically included in the policy, you will be covered for legal liability arising in connection with your let property for injury to any person who is not an employee or damage to their property up to a sum of £2,000,000 plus costs and expenses. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/guide-to-letting-property-part-11-of-11-insuring-your-let-property/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/december/guide-to-letting-property-part-11-of-11-insuring-your-let-property/ Mon, 06 December 2010 16:10:00 Stephens Scown http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/november/solar-parks-–-getting-started/ A Blog by Sonya Bedford, Head of Renewables at Stephen Scown solicitors In the past few months I've been inundated with requests to help with arranging heads of terms with developers looking to create a "solar park" on land, particularly in Devon, Cornwall and Somerset. Below are a few pointers for those considering entering into an arrangement for a solar park on their land: Don't give into pressure - despite the relatively tight timescales, make sure you take proper professional advice before entering into a binding agreement - preferably even before signing non-binding Heads of Terms. Consider initial 'options' carefully - be aware that some of the terms on offer are quite miserly - at Stephens Scown we've seen an option fee as low as £100 quoted. The commitment, if the initial Option is taken up, will be for a 25 - 50 year Lease (or possibly even an outright sale) and such a long-term commitment should not be entered into lightly, or without proper remuneration. Bear in mind future improvements in solar technology when agreeing your share of the revenues - it is desirable not only to receive a simple rent under a Lease for your land but also to obtain a share of the revenues - or royalty - from the sale of electricity generated on the site. A balance will need to be struck, but bear in mind the possible improvement in efficiency of the equipment on-site which may generate more power in years to come than the initial equipment is capable of doing. A simple rent will not provide proper remuneration in a scenario where replacement equipment is generating, say, a third more electricity than the initial equipment was capable of doing. Lessons can be learnt from the increasing use of mobile phone mast sites, sometimes without an increase in remuneration. You may also be able to negotiate a supply of electricity to your own property, often for no cost. Be aware of any future development you might want to carry out on your land - often the leases and option agreements will include restrictions on developments to be installed on land adjacent to the site and which could have an effect on the performance of the solar PV arrays*. In some cases there's a blanket restriction on development on all land owned by the landowner. Think about what will happen at the end of the Lease period - who will remove the equipment and to what extent will it be removed at all? Take professional advice on the potential tax implications - for example, you may already have your plans in place for mitigating Inheritance Tax, but granting an Option for a 'solar park' (as they're known) will impact on that, with reference to (where you are a farmer) the removal from agricultural use of some of your land. Consider the implications on any stewardship schemes you have in place - consent from Natural England will need to be obtained to changes to any current schemes. Mortgage - if your land is mortgaged to a bank you will need to get their consent to enter into long leases or sales. Having said all of this, you shouldn't be put off by any of the proper considerations set out above. There are exciting opportunities for landowners, particularly in southern England where the solar resource is at its greatest. Where these fit in with your general plans, such opportunities should be seized, with a view to converting them into a 25 year income stream. *A solar PV array is a solar panel. PV (photovoltaic) cells convert light into electricity. Sonya Bedford is Associate and Head of Renewable Energy at Stephens Scown. Sonya specialises in the agricultural sector helping farmers and landowners with acquisitions and disposal of farms and estates; farming tenancies and partnerships; land management and diversification. She has experience acting for landowners in the renewable energy field in particular options with wind farm developers and sustainable development. Visit http://www.stephens-scown.co.uk/specialist-sectors/40/renewables to download a specialist guide to solar energy for farmers and landowners. Cornish Mutual accept no responsibility or liability for the content of guest blogs  http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/november/solar-parks-–-getting-started/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/november/solar-parks-–-getting-started/ Mon, 22 November 2010 10:15:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/november/guide-to-letting-property-part-10-raising-rent-and-possession-proceedings/ There is a formal procedure in place if a landlord wishes to increase the rent of a property. This procedure is designed to protect the interests of the landlord and the tenant. This procedure does not stop individuals negotiating a rent increase at the beginning of a new term of tenancy agreement and also does not prohibit the inclusion of a future increase in rent clause within the tenancy agreement provided the future increase is set out. If a landlord applies for an increase in rent the tenant can either: Accept the increase and make arrangements for the increase in rent to be paid, or Request a rent assessment committee (a panel of 2/3 people independent to the parties involved) to review the increase. Possession proceedings for Let Property To avoid tenants being evicted or harassed by landlords, it is a legal requirement that a court order is obtained prior to enforcing any right to possession of the property. This process does not apply to Section 21 of the Housing Act 1988. Housing Act 1988 - Section 21 In an Assured Shorthold Tenancy the landlord has the right to possession at the end of the period of tenancy agreement. The landlord must serve 2 months notice of the intention to claim possession to all tenants living in the property. Housing Act 1988 - Section 8 Section 8 of the Housing Act 1988 is applicable when the landlord wishes to claim possession of the property prior to the end of the fixed term agreed in the tenancy and outlines 17 reasons under which possession of a dwelling can be claimed. The landlord must serve notice of the intention to seek possession via the prescribed form before proceedings can begin. This notice should include the grounds for requiring possession. The landlord will be required by the courts to provide evidence of the breach of the tenancy agreement. Squatters A squatter is deemed a person occupying a property without the permission of the person entitled to possession of a property. Court proceedings may be taken against a squatter and they must vacate the premises within 24 hours of receiving an Interim Possession Order (a fast track process for regaining possession of your property). It is important to note that this fast track process is only able to be used if the landlord makes a claim for possession within 28 days of the date that they first gained knowledge that the property was being occupied without consent. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/november/guide-to-letting-property-part-10-raising-rent-and-possession-proceedings/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/november/guide-to-letting-property-part-10-raising-rent-and-possession-proceedings/ Tue, 02 November 2010 14:55:00 Winter Rule http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/don’t-bequeath-a-renewable-problem/ Due to the government's current desire to increase generation of electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar farms and wind turbines, there is a rush to secure suitable sites which meet the requirements of the national grid, planners and the weather. Owners of these valuable locations have a lot to consider. They can either develop and operate the facilities themselves or, much more likely, let the land to an operator. In deciding whether to allow development of the land in this way there are many commercial and financial issues to consider -  including inheritance tax issues.   For most landowners in Cornwall the land on which development may take place is currently in agricultural use and so will qualify for agricultural property relief (APR) and if necessary also business property relief (BPR). If the landowner develops and operates a facility (such as a solar farm) then, BPR will be available. However, that won't be the case if the land is let. The inheritance tax position is quite complex and will depend on the specific circumstances of each case. This is in part because of the need to look at all the farming and landowning activities "in the round" as required by the Farmer and Balfour court cases. Indeed the Balfour decision was confirmed by the Higher Tax Tribunal in August this year. These cases show that it is possible to let land and for it still to qualify as part of an overall agricultural business. However, for this principle to apply, the letting activity must not be the pre-dominant source of income. For those landowners looking to put up a relatively low level wind turbine then the income generated will not be that great and APR and BPR may well be available. So far so good, but the scale of the new solar farms and/or wind turbines now being proposed means that very significant rental income will arise. This is likely to mean both an increase in the value of the land and a loss of the inheritance tax exemption (APR or BPR) on the land. With this in mind, action should be considered before planning permission is obtained and preferably even much earlier than that. The land could be put into trust or given to the next generation to minimise the impact of the loss of APR/BPR status. However, this is likely to mean that the current owner will not be able to benefit from the income generated and this may not tick the box as far as the landowner's requirements are concerned. There are some other planning options to get round this but bespoke tax planning advice is the order of the day. For more advice, contact John Endacott on 01872 276477 or email jendacott@wintterrule.co.uk . John Endacott: Tax Partner John Endacott is a Tax Partner at Winter Rule LLP - a firm with specialist knowledge of both the tourism and agricultural sectors. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/don’t-bequeath-a-renewable-problem/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/don’t-bequeath-a-renewable-problem/ Thu, 28 October 2010 11:49:00 Alan Goddard http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/don’t-get-caught-short-this-winter/ Shortages in hay, corn, straw and silage this year have led to astronomical price increases. This is partly due to the fact that it has been a very poor growing year and partly because feed has been in short supply. Imagine the cost of replacing your crops should the worst happen and you experience a farm fire this winter. With prices so high, an event like a farm fire could prove devastating. You would be unable to produce the crops again yourself, and sourcing feed and bedding from merchants (who often charge delivery fees) will cost you considerably more. If your farm buildings are destroyed by fire, you will need to clear the site and re-house your animals quickly - and you may need to employ contractors to help you get this done. The use of contractors will of course add to your overall cost, and deals on farm buildings never seem to be available after a farm fire. It is therefore important that you have the right amount of insurance cover. Our advice is to review your Insurance Policies on a regular basis, so you can make sure your cover is sufficient to include the cost of all your produce and buildings. It is your responsibility to get this figure right; if it is too low, you will be underinsured - resulting in claim payouts which do not reflect the value of your property. A few extra pounds on your premium really could save you thousands in the event of a claim. Don't forget, your local Insurance Inspector will be more than happy to visit your farm to check that your sums insured are appropriate; call our Head Office on 01872 277151 to arrange an insurance review, or contact our Insurance Inspectors directly. You can find their details at www.cornishmutual.co.uk . http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/don’t-get-caught-short-this-winter/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/don’t-get-caught-short-this-winter/ Tue, 26 October 2010 10:18:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/guide-to-letting-property-part-9-of-12-noise-and-nuisance/ It is a criminal offence to create noise and nuisance that result in others being unable to enjoy their home environment. Statutory nuisance Examples of statutory nuisance include: Excessive noise e.g. parties, social gatherings Noisy pets Dumping of waste that results in vermin being attracted to the area Toxic fumes being emitted from a property such as smoke e.g. bonfires Requirements of the landlord To avoid nuisance caused by the property being in a poor condition, it is the landlords duty to keep the structure, exterior and other parts of the property in a state of repair and give tenants the benefit of quiet enjoyment of the property. Allowing the property to fall into poor condition detrimental to health can constitute statutory nuisance. Requirements of the tenant It is a tenant's responsibility to take care of the property and ensure that activities carried out by themselves and visitors to the property should not cause damage to the dwelling or disturbance to those living nearby. If this responsibility is not upheld the landlord may apply to court for possession of the property. Noise Noise is the most common form of nuisance incurred by residents. If the noise is created by the tenant or visitors of the tenant these issues are usually dealt with directly by the landlord under the terms agreed in the tenancy. Landlords are able to apply for possession of the property if noise becomes a problem. If noise is being created by nearby neighbours then these issues are best taken up with the individuals involved to ensure that they realise there is a problem as they may be unaware that they are causing a disturbance. If these problems continue a complaint should be made to the local authorities' environmental health department, who are obliged to investigate any complaints. If the problem is deemed to be a statutory nuisance then the local authority has seven days to try to resolve the problem prior to issuing an abatement notice. If further problems occur then court and police proceedings may be sought. Eviction due to Noise and Nuisance If a tenant is causing a disturbance by noise and nuisance to nearby residents and the local community then the landlord is entitled to seek a court order to evict the tenants. It is illegal to evict a tenant without a court order. The Housing Act 1996 has made it easier to evict tenants who cause noise and nuisance through ground 14: 'The tenant or someone living with or visiting the tenant is causing or is likely to cause a nuisance to neighbours or visitors to the area, or has been convicted of using the property for immoral or illegal purposes, or has been convicted of an offence in the local area.' For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/guide-to-letting-property-part-9-of-12-noise-and-nuisance/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/october/guide-to-letting-property-part-9-of-12-noise-and-nuisance/ Mon, 11 October 2010 17:15:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/september/guide-to-letting-property-part-8-of-12-the-obligations-for-repair/ Under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 landlords have the following obligations: To keep in repair the structure and exterior of a dwelling, inclusive of the drains, gutters and external pipes. To keep in repair the installations within a dwelling for the supply of water, gas, electricity - not including other fixtures, fittings or appliances for making use of gas, electricity or water e.g. kettles. To keep in repair the installation in the dwelling for heating of the property and heating water. 'Keep in repair' means that the premises must be kept to the standard of repair as at the outset of the tenancy agreement. If the property was not in good repair at the beginning of the tenancy agreement then the landlord is required to put the dwelling into a good state of repair. If the tenant is in breach of his or her duty to act in a tenant-like manner, the landlord will not be responsible for any repair required as a result of this breach. If alterations are made to a property e.g. the installation of a central heating system, without the direct permission of the landlord, the landlord will not be responsible for any repair or problems arising from this installation. The landlord is not liable to repair or rebuild damage caused to a let property as a result of fire, flood etc. The landlord is not responsible for the state of repair of anything belonging to the tenant. Notice Written or verbal notice must be provided to the landlord of a defect relating to the property so that they are able to action repairs. The tenant must allow the landlord a reasonable amount of time to carry out the required repairs (a reasonable amount of time is dependent on the type and extent of the disrepair). Accessing the property to carry out repairs When under an implied covenant to repair the property, by giving 24 hours written notice, the landlord or any person authorised in writing by him may enter the property to view the condition of the property and the current state of repair during reasonable hours. The tenant must afford the landlord reasonable facilities for access for the execution of any repairs which the landlord is entitled to carry out. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/september/guide-to-letting-property-part-8-of-12-the-obligations-for-repair/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/september/guide-to-letting-property-part-8-of-12-the-obligations-for-repair/ Mon, 20 September 2010 11:49:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/guide-to-letting-property-part-7-of-12-safety-regulations-for-your-let-property/ The seventh part of our guide to letting property covers safety regulations for your let property. Landlords are responsible for ensuring that their property meets the latest relevant safety standards. The landlord should make sure onsite inspection and testing is performed where applicable to appliances within a rented property. An up to date formal record of these should be kept. Gas Safety  All appliances in a rental property must be checked on an annual basis by an engineer registered with the Gas Safe Register. The tenant must be provided with the inspection certificate and records should be made accessible by the landlord at all times. If an appliance becomes defective within the rented property it must be replaced immediately. Instruction manuals for all gas appliances should be made available to the tenant at all times. Furniture Fire Safety The Furniture and Furnishing (fire) (safety) Regulations 1998 set out regulations for fire resistance levels for domestic upholstered furniture and furnishings manufactured after 1950 (carpets and curtains are not included). These regulations do not include furniture manufactured prior to 1950 or reupholstered furniture manufactured prior to this date. All new furniture (barring mattresses and bed bases) must carry a permanent label stating accordance with these regulations. Product Safety Regulations Landlords are responsible for showing due care and attention to the general safety of their tenants whilst in their property. Instruction manuals for items used in the property e.g. televisions should be made available to the tenant. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/guide-to-letting-property-part-7-of-12-safety-regulations-for-your-let-property/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/guide-to-letting-property-part-7-of-12-safety-regulations-for-your-let-property/ Mon, 23 August 2010 09:23:00 Stephens Scown http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/renewable-energy-–-opportunities-for-members/ A Blog by Sonya Bedford, Head of Renewables at Stephens Scown solicitors. Farmers and landowners in the South West should think about the opportunities being presented with the growth in renewable energies . Sonya Bedford, Head of Renewable Energy at Stephens Scown, says as fossil fuels get more expensive and renewable energy gets cheaper, people could earn an extra income off their land, "It's a very sensible thing to do, especially when subsidies are looking more uncertain with 2012 looming." The main forms of renewable energy are wind power, hydropower, solar energy, biomass, biofuel and geothermal energy. She adds; "Renewable energy's ideally suited to rural areas and if you're looking to diversify, mitigate climate change and earn an extra income then it may be the way forward. This is a development area that landowners can explore very seriously." Once the renewable infrastructure is built, the wind and sun and the earth itself provide fuel that is free, in amounts that are effectively limitless. Sonya says, " Wind turbines are now a much more common sight than they were and wind power operators are on the look out for more land that's suitable. Landowners have an opportunity to earn additional income for each turbine they have on their land and can provide landowners with a regular income, generally for no additional labour or expense, usually for a period of 25 years or more." The arrival of feed-in tariffs means there is in the next few years an opportunity for profit to be made by generating electricity through photo-voltaic (PV) panels on barns/houses or commercial building roofs - the same can be said for wind turbines. She adds, "Increased electricity generation also means more farms and estates can be completely self reliant when it comes to their energy needs." For more advice, contact Sonya Bedford on 01392 210700 or email  s.bedford@stephens-scown.co.uk Sonya Bedford is Associate and Head of Renewable Energy at Stephens Scown. Sonya specialises in the agricultural sector helping farmers and landowners with acquisitions and disposal of farms and estates; farming tenancies and partnerships; land management and diversification. She has experience acting for landowners in the renewable energy field in particular options with wind farm developers and sustainable development. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/renewable-energy-–-opportunities-for-members/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/renewable-energy-–-opportunities-for-members/ Fri, 20 August 2010 09:54:00 Alan Goddard http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/chiefs,-pirates-and-cherries-support-dig-down-south-west…/ Sounds ominous doesn't it? Chiefs, Pirates and Cherries, I'm talking of course about the Exeter Chiefs, Cornish Pirates and Bournemouth football club. It's great that all three clubs have come out in support of the Dig Down South West campaign recently. We had a great day with the children at Topsham School near Exeter and some of the players from the Exeter Chiefs . Tom Johnson, Neil Clark and Mark Foster all came along and helped the youngsters to harvest some of the vegetables they've been growing through the initiative. They got stuck in and were really interested in what the school had been doing. It was really nice to see! We've put some of the best photos from the visit on the Dig Down website. In the last month or so, we've also been getting some superb pictures from the schools involved in Dig Down, showing what they've been up to and some of the cracking fruit and vegetables they've managed to grow. Of course, we're edging ever closer to the school summer holidays so everyone's been really busy over the last month. Further west from Exeter and the children at St Meriadoc Primary School in Camborne, Cornwall received a visit from some of the players from the Cornish Pirates this month. On a hot, sunny day Laurie McGlone, Ian Nimmo and Rob Elloway turned up to take a tour of the school vegetable garden and see what's been grown. As well as these two particular visits, AFC Bournemouth's Captain, Steve Fletcher wrote personally to five schools in Dorset to show their support and encouragement for Dig Down South West. They also sent some goody bags to the schools involved, which I think is a really kind and thoughtful gesture. It's really encouraging that all these busy sports professionals have taken time out of their busy schedules to visit the schools and see the children first-hand. I always think that whether it's a rugby or football player, they can act as excellent role models for the youngsters and inevitably the children look up to them. Quite often they're influenced by their sporting heroes and so if they can help to impart wise words about healthy eating and exercise it can only be a good thing for the children. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/chiefs,-pirates-and-cherries-support-dig-down-south-west…/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/august/chiefs,-pirates-and-cherries-support-dig-down-south-west…/ Tue, 03 August 2010 11:45:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/july/guide-to-letting-property-part-6-of-12-part-“p”-building-regulations-(electrical-safety-in-dwellings)/ The sixth part of our guide to letting property covers Part "P" of building regulations, relating to electrical safety in dwellings. From 1 January 2005 work on electrical installations in certain areas of a property must be carried out by someone currently registered with an approved Part P self-certification scheme. Failure to comply with regulations can result in a maximum fine of £5,000 and or imprisonment. • Part P Building regulations refer to fixed electrical installations. • All electrical work involving a new circuit being installed must be carried out by a "competent person" or notified to building control, which will then inspect the circuit for safety. • Small jobs such as replacing plug sockets do not need to be reported to building control.  It is however recommended that these are checked by a "competent person" in order to ensure safety. • All electrical installations within a dwelling including small jobs must follow the principles of BS 7671, the British Standard for electrical installations. A "competent person" is deemed as someone registered with a Part P self-certification scheme. Electrical Regulations • The landlord must ensure that the electrical supply to the property, electrical equipment and appliances are safe. • All new appliances to be used within the property must carry the 'CE' mark certifying them as safe. • Instruction manuals or clear instructions for all electrical items should be provided to the tenant to ensure safe usage. • Newly installed plugs and sockets must comply with the appropriate British Standard. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/july/guide-to-letting-property-part-6-of-12-part-“p”-building-regulations-(electrical-safety-in-dwellings)/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/july/guide-to-letting-property-part-6-of-12-part-“p”-building-regulations-(electrical-safety-in-dwellings)/ Tue, 06 July 2010 10:16:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/guide-to-letting-property-part-5-of-12-energy-performance-certificates/ The fifth part of our guide to letting property covers the fundamental aspects of Energy Performance Certificates. Since 1 October 2008, whenever a self contained home is let to a new tenant an Energy Performance Certificate is required.  These certificates provide information on the current energy efficiency of a home and make recommendations on how improvements could be made. Your Energy Performance Certificate and recommendation report must be made available free of charge to a prospective tenant no later than: • When a viewing of the property is conducted. • When information is provided by a landlord as a response to a request for building information from a prospective tenant. • If none of the above occur, before entering into a contract to let the property. The certificate is valid for 10 years.  If a new certificate for a property is obtained during this time then the most recent only will apply. The only person that can produce an Energy Performance Certificate is an accredited energy assessor. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however anyone acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/guide-to-letting-property-part-5-of-12-energy-performance-certificates/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/guide-to-letting-property-part-5-of-12-energy-performance-certificates/ Thu, 24 June 2010 13:23:00 Alan Goddard http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/popping-out-and-planting-up…/ So, now the gardens have been delivered, our region's primary schools have been busy planting up and tending their baby vegetables. The Dig Down South West campaign continues to be a tremendous success with both children and adults alike. We're reliably informed by some of the teachers involved in this project that there was much excitement when the Rocket Gardens were delivered to the 50 schools across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset and Somerset at the end of April. Since the last blog post about the initiative, there's been lots of activity and we're really pleased to have heard from so many of the schools who've been keeping us updated on their progress. The dedicated website for Dig Down has been inundated with lots of great photos of the children, parents and staff getting to work outside. We also had some lovely 'thank you' letters from the youngsters at Biscovey Junior School, near St Austell. In the last month, we've been fairly lucky with the weather - there have been plenty of dry and sunny days for the children to get outside and get their hands dirty. Although it was a wet and muddy day when the pupils at Mylor Bridge Primary near Falmouth started planting up, we also hear it was very productive with raised planter beds being filled before the children stopped for a cake and biscuit break afterwards! At Kinson Primary near Bournemouth, one teacher told us it's made a fantastic contribution to their school garden and the children were very excited to have the opportunity to plant, grow and harvest a wide variety of fruit and vegetables. In Somerset, at Wrington Primary School, the students have been enjoying having their lessons outside. Janet Manning told us eating more healthily, getting more exercise and fresh air and showing children how they can grow their own food is something they will remember into their adult life. It won't be long now before some of the crops are ready for harvesting and the children are enjoying the fruits of their labour, so to speak! We'll keep our fingers crossed there'll be some bumper crops to look forward to and will, of course, keep you posted along the way. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/popping-out-and-planting-up…/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/popping-out-and-planting-up…/ Thu, 17 June 2010 16:17:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/replacing-your-driving-licence/ Have you changed your driving licence recently? Did you check it carefully when it came back from the DVLA? If you didn't, you should do so now. Stories continue to circulate that people who have sent licences in for a change, such as new address, have been getting them back with a category missed off.  This is due to clerical errors at the DVLA but the consequences of driving without an appropriate licence can be serious (and expensive) and the DVLA may take some time to correct the matter. To complicate the issue even further the DVLA introduced a testing system for trailers and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes for all drivers passing their test after January 1997.  People passing their test prior to this date got the trailer entitlement automatically but only until their licence expiry date.  Most licences expire when the holder reaches age 70 and drivers are finding that the entitlement is being removed.  You may therefore find that your new licence excludes C1, C1E, D1 and D1E.  If you need any of these after age 70 you will probably have to reapply and undergo a medical at your own expense. It is important that you check any new licence as your motor policy only gives cover where the driver holds a valid licence to drive the vehicle.  If the licence is wrong it is possible that a claim will not be dealt with or, if it is, that you may be asked to pay for all or part of the claim after it is settled.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/replacing-your-driving-licence/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/june/replacing-your-driving-licence/ Wed, 02 June 2010 16:28:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/may/guide-to-letting-property-part-4-of-12-protecting-a-deposit/ The fourth part of our guide to letting property covers the fundamental aspects of deposits.   The Government's Tenancy Protection Scheme came into force on 6 April 2007 stipulating that any money taken at the beginning of an assured short hold tenancy agreement for a deposit, or on the understanding of it being a deposit must be 'protected'. Failure to protect a deposit will lead to the landlord being ordered to repay to the tenant three times the amount of the original deposit. Within 14 days of a deposit being received from a tenant the following information must be made available on the way in which the deposit is being protected: • Contact details of the deposit scheme in which the deposit is protected • Contact details of the landlord responsible for the deposit • How to apply for the release of the deposit • Information pertaining to the purpose of the deposit Tenancy Deposit Schemes There are two forms of schemes in place to protect a deposit: Custodial • The landlord places the money into the scheme where it is held until the end of the tenancy agreement and subsequently returned to the tenant. • Placing money in this scheme is free of charge. Insurance-based • The landlord keeps the deposit and pays the insurance scheme to insure against the landlord being unable to pay any deposit money owed to the tenant at the completion of the tenancy agreement. Repayment of deposits Upon completion of the period of tenancy agreement the landlord should check the condition of the property and any owned contents and agree the amount of the deposit to be repaid to the tenant. N.B. It is the responsibility of the tenant to return the property in the same condition in which they took it on. The agreed amount of deposit should then be returned to the tenant within 10 days. The Resolution of Disputes If the sum of deposit to be repaid cannot be agreed there will be a free service provided by the scheme chosen to protect the deposit. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however any one acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/may/guide-to-letting-property-part-4-of-12-protecting-a-deposit/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/may/guide-to-letting-property-part-4-of-12-protecting-a-deposit/ Tue, 25 May 2010 16:24:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/may/guide-to-letting-property-part-3-of-12-assured-tenancies/ Having looked at the main types of residential property lettings  and Tenancy Agreements , the third part of our Guide to Letting Property looks at Assured Tenancies; What is an Assured Tenancy? Assured Tenancies were introduced by the Housing Act 1998.  They cover the majority of residential property lettings barring certain exceptions including holiday lettings, agricultural lettings where more than 2 acres are included with the property and letting of property in which the landlord is resident. The Housing Act 1998 - Key points for Assured Tenancies • Unless the tenancy is for a duration in excess of seven years, the landlord is responsible for keeping the property in a habitable condition in accordance with relevant local health and safety regulations. • The tenant is required by law to pay for water, fees arising from sewerage and council tax. • The landlord is entitled to ask the tenant for a security deposit at the outset of a rental agreement.  This can be for any amount as long as the tenant is in agreement.  If this figure exceeds two months' rent then the tenant has the right to sublet to a subtenant, unless stated otherwise within the rental agreement.  Types of Assured Tenancies There are two forms of Assured Tenancy: Assured Tenancy • The tenant has the right to remain in the property unless the landlord can give grounds for possession e.g. a need to return to the property, or the tenant does not pay their rent. • The landlord does not have an automatic right to return to the property when the tenancy comes to an end, as is the case with Assured Short hold Tenancies Assured Short hold Tenancy   • Short hold Tenancy agreements are the most common of tenancies and are for a fixed period of time. • The landlord has the right to regain possession at the end of the term of agreement subject to giving 2 months notice that possession is required. • Possession of the property will only be awarded to the landlord following a six month period. For useful sources of information on the letting of property please visit our Let Property Information page. Please note that this article is meant only as a guide to some of the pertinent issues related to renting property in the United Kingdom. It is based on Cornish Mutual's current understanding of the law however any one acting on the advice contained in this guide is deemed to have satisfied themselves of the correct legal position by having contacted and involved the relevant knowledgeable person or organisation. http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/may/guide-to-letting-property-part-3-of-12-assured-tenancies/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/may/guide-to-letting-property-part-3-of-12-assured-tenancies/ Fri, 07 May 2010 11:04:00 Paul Haddrell http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/what-you-should-do-if-you-have-a-motor-accident…/ When you have an accident, it's probably one of the most stomach churning, sickening feelings that you get isn't it? It's just that moment when you hear and feel the crunch of the car. The best we can hope for is a scrape or minor bump, but as we all know, motor incidents can result in injury, property damage or worse. We hope that we never have a motor incident or have the displeasure of having to deal with the consequences which can be both costly and time-consuming.  In a motor incident, our thinking is not always crystal clear and many of us are unsure about what we need to do afterwards. If you've had a car incident or even if you've not had one, you'll want to know what the right things are to do, hopefully if, not when, it happens. At Cornish Mutual we're dedicated to getting our Members back on their feet as quickly as possible following a claim. To try and help with this process, we've put together some tips here: •  Gather information - Note down as much information about the incident as possible.  It's also a good idea to get as much information as you can about the third party, name, address, name of insurer and vehicle details including registration number. •  Take photographs - Many mobile telephones now enable you to take photographs and can therefore be used at the scene of an incident.  If you can, take photographs of the accident scene and the damage to the vehicles or any property. •  Don't discuss liability at the scene - Our first instinct can sometimes be to say sorry, even if it wasn't our fault.  Making an unwarranted admission of fault may prejudice the future handling of any third party claim so it is advisable not to enter into discussion at the scene of the incident. •  If urgent repairs are needed on your car - Make sure that the repairer keeps the damaged parts in case they need to be inspected at a later date. •  What if my car has been 'written off'? - As soon as you know your car's been declared a total loss (write-off) and is going to be scrapped or moved, make sure you remove all your personal belongings. This will help reduce any potential storage costs incurred and will safeguard your property. Unpleasant as it might be, the reality is that, at some point, most of us will experience a motor incident. It's about being prepared and knowing what to do.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/what-you-should-do-if-you-have-a-motor-accident…/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/what-you-should-do-if-you-have-a-motor-accident…/ Wed, 31 March 2010 10:00:00 Mitch Portman http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/diversification-–-the-importance-of-keeping-your-insurer-in-the-loop/ Diversification has become increasingly common over recent years with farmers and the wider agricultural sector looking to supplement their incomes through the introduction of a wide array of new business ventures - from farm shops to the conversion of farm buildings for commercial letting purposes.   With these new ventures inevitably come new risks as the business moves from farming to alternative commercial activities.   It is therefore vitally important to keep insurers informed at all stages of diversification to ensure that new activities are covered.  This can be particularly helpful at the planning and development stages when insurers can give a different perspective on the risks that diversification projects take when considering insurance cover. Here are my suggestions on of the types of insurances you may wish to consider when diversifying your farm business. Liability Insurance It is important to check that the business description on your insurance policy matches the activities that you are going to be carrying out.  There may be an extended need for liability cover with your new activity, for example does your current home or agricultural insurance give you sufficient cover for people being on your site in connection with your new venture? Employers Liability cover will also be required if you intend to bring in expertise or employ people to support your project.  This will also apply if your existing staff help out with your new venture.      Buildings and Use The change of use of a building can have a significant impact on the way your insurer views the risk.  If you are using redundant farm buildings for storage there could be an increase In the risk associated with that building due to the nature of goods stored or activities undertaken. For example, there may be an increase in the fire hazard due to storage of certain goods.  Other issues to consider when diversification leads to people visiting your farm may include: • How will visitors gain access to your property. If driving, where will they park?  • How will they be kept separate from your farming activity? • Children are inquisitive, if they are going to be on site, do you need to limit their access and if so, how are you going to go about doing it? These are all factors that your insurer will need to be aware of.  You may find that your insurer can advise you on certain aspects of risk management, or suggest where this information/ advice is available. Cost Widened business parameters may lead to a need for alternative insurance cover with associated costs.  By involving your insurer at the outset you can gain an understanding of the possible cost implications of diversification and budget them into your business plan. Understand risk Make sure you balance risk against economic considerations.  There are potentially varying levels of cover available and your insurer will be able to advise you on the appropriate level suitable for your new venture (or those covers required by law). You are free to choose the level of protection that you wish for your business. For example there are insurances which provide access to legal expenses cover, with help lines for issues such as employment law; these can be a useful resource if you are planning on employing others to work on your new venture. Diversification can be financially and personally rewarding when carried out effectively, however the ramifications of poor planning or not understanding the risks involved can be huge.  Creating an ongoing dialogue with your insurer will mean you can proactively tackle these risks, ensuring that your insurance cover suits your developing needs.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/diversification-–-the-importance-of-keeping-your-insurer-in-the-loop/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/diversification-–-the-importance-of-keeping-your-insurer-in-the-loop/ Fri, 26 March 2010 16:00:00 Mitch Portman http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/branching-out-a-checklist-for-farm-diversification/ Having endured a sustained period of economic instability, many modern businesses - farms included - have been forced to reassess their position going forward. While times have been tough, it's nothing that farmers haven't been through before. Major incidents from BSE to foot and mouth mean that farm owners have been dealt crushing blows before. A lot of those who came out the other side did so because they managed to identify ways to supplement their traditional income by branching out into new areas. Diversification has helped many a farm battle through troubled times and it's become an increasingly valid option for those owners who wish to bring in extra revenue. But it's not an easy step to take; those who do have such plans need to ensure they have planned meticulously and covered all the bases. Simply deciding to diversify is not enough - finding the right gap in the market and then executing a well-prepared strategy is essential. With that in mind, here are a few points to consider: Play to your strengths If your farm has buildings that are currently going unused, think about how you could use them efficiently to branch out. Successful diversification often hinges on putting existing assets to good use - it makes good economic sense to go down that route. Take an inventory of your unused resources as one of the first stages of forming initial ideas. Fill that gap Get out there, do your research and find out what the local area is crying out for - if you can find a way to meet that demand then you're halfway there. By canvassing locals for products and services they feel are lacking in your area you'll be generating the best possible ideas for diversification. Stay engaged By keeping new business ideas in your sphere of personal interest, you'll ensure that you won't get bored with the venture six months down the line. Try and find a viable business opportunity covering a subject you have a genuine passion about. It doesn't matter what it is; if you're fully committed to making it work with a long-term strategy and a burning desire to succeed then the chances are you're off to a great start. Get inspired Do some research in to what has made for successful farm diversification in the past. Read up on case studies and draw some inspiration. That's not to say that you should copy a business idea wholesale, of course; what works elsewhere won't automatically be right for you. Check your cover The protection afforded to you by insurance is incredibly important, so if you are looking to change the direction of your business be sure to check with your current insurer that the policy cover provided is compatible with your plans. If it is not, your insurer will be able to discuss with you the insurance cover that you will require going forward with this new venture. Take these points into account and there's no reason why a well-planned diversification plan can't pay dividends. Finding a potential area of business that excites you personally and looks likely to fill a much needed gap in the market is the key to a prosperous future.   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/branching-out-a-checklist-for-farm-diversification/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/march/branching-out-a-checklist-for-farm-diversification/ Fri, 12 March 2010 09:12:00 Ian Metcalfe http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/february/cut-costs-not-cover/ During a recession businesses inevitably look to become leaner and cut costs wherever possible - but in the long term some savings could prove to be a very costly decision.  You may view insurance as a necessary evil but if you cut back on your insurance cover (and it can be very tempting to try and shave a little off the bottom line if you run a small business), you may find that when it comes to the crunch and you need to make a claim you could run into trouble and find you're underinsured or, worse still, end up in front of an industrial tribunal. Here are a few simple points to consider when reviewing and purchasing business insurance cover: • Shop around . Remember, however, that whilst headline prices for those competing for your business can be appealing, you need to be confident that any new supplier will match or exceed the service standards of your current provider - make sure you are comparing like for like. • Check your cover . Get a second opinion and look at your options. The important thing is not to allow crucial cover to lapse and to make sure that you have everything you need but are not underinsured. • Know your needs . Have an idea of the cover that you need, and just as importantly, the cover that you don't need. This will enable you to confidently discuss matters with your existing or potential insurer. Whilst they are the experts, that does not mean you should take what they say without question or challenge. • No two businesses are the same . Remember that whilst 'off the shelf' insurance packages may be appealing, the cover that you require needs to be tailored to your own specific needs and requirements. • Make sure the insurer you choose understands your individual circumstances . Any competent insurance provider you choose to work with should, before they do anything else, understand your approach to risks and the extent of your willingness to retain some of those risks before providing their indication of insurance terms to you. More information on the insurance that Cornish Mutual offers can be found on our products pages or by calling 0845 017 5513   http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/february/cut-costs-not-cover/ http://www.cornishmutual.co.uk/blog/posts/2010/february/cut-costs-not-cover/ Tue, 23 February 2010 10:00:00