Olympic Premiums?

Typically we would advise a client to take out Terrorism cover, particularly where the location of the property or business dictates that this would be a good idea i.e. inner M25, next to power stations, points of interest etcetera. The cost of this is often nominal compared to the premium itself and is not going to break the bank. Certainly it is value for money if your in a 'likely area'. These Terrorism extensions are generally correlated to the sums insured already attributed to your policy. 

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has gone one step further in securing a policy with a sums insured of £62,000,100. This amount has been divided among the 26 International Sports Federations Competing at the Games. 

So it seems its not just the government that are cautious over such risks (having confirmed the deployment of surface to air missile systems, helicopter carriers in the Thames and thousands of troops). All we can hope for is a safe and successful games, perhaps along with some sunshine? That would be nice. 

Alistair

Going Social

I was thrilled to welcome guest speakers from Urban Media www.urbanmedia.co.uk and Zebedee internet www.zebedeeim.co.uk yesterday to speak to local businesses and some of our commercial clients about the importance of web presence online. I am not the expert - you need to speak to them about that but there were some key lessons which I would share with you now. Simple things which might assist you in maximising your web-presence, engaging with your customers and boosting you towards the top of any google search. 

1. Don't think you need to Facebook? Wrong! 

Facebook isn't just for the young herberts out there but is an incredibly useful tool (along with Twitter, Pintrest, Youtube etcetera...) for making your business accessible. If you are selling direct to consumers then it is a fantastic way of engaging with them in an informal manner and importantly gives them an instant platform with which to engage back with you. 

Even if you sell business to business it is important to have this presence. Facebook likes, comments and shares, twitter re-tweets etcetera are amongst the most weighted factors in driving your business to the top of google. This has the potential to put you on top of your competitors. If I am searching for accountants for example 'who will appear at the top?' the Accountant who does social media or the one who doesn't? It is also the case that only 2% of people searching will go to the second page of any google search so it is key to get on that first page. 

2. Make it Interactive

Whatever social media platform you are using its important to make it interactive, to prompt that re-tweet or Facebook share. When using something like Facebook you might want to think about asking for feedback or offering reward for sharing a post i.e. 'like this photo and we will enter you into a prize draw to win.....' Twitter doesn't quite work in the same way as it is a quick and fast way of getting snippets of information out there. To encourage people back towards your blog or website try using half finished information or an intriguing questions, a good example given during yesterday's seminar was 'look whose upset the applecart now' which sparks a readers intrigue. Remember Twitter is limited to 140 characters but if you want people to re-tweet keep it to 120 so the end doesn't get cut off. 

3. A Little Planning Goes a Long Way 

One of the key points to come out of the seminar was that really if you plan content (content is king by the way) there is no reason why social media needs to take over your life. For example a few blog posts can be tweeted and facebook linked over a week and related photos or articles posted so one piece of work can then be used in different ways to generate traffic. Take this blog post for example - I have four potential Facbook posts. I could post the opening bit about holding the seminar and encouraging people to read the rest of the post. I could also then post a 'daily social media tip'. It is all about content planning. Plan well and you will make social media work for you with minimal time spent on your part. 

So there you are - I hope those snippets were useful. If you would like to know more please get in touch as we will probably be running similar seminars in the near future. Also you should definately check out the websites above to find out more. 

Happy Socialising. 

Alistair

Feast of St. Peter 2012

Saturday 30^th June

10:15am – ‘til late

The history of the feast day extends back to 1229 when King Henry III granted a right to the Lord of the Manor to hold an annual fair on the day and eve of the Feast of St. Peter.

Today's event is a far cry from those medieval times.  However, since moving the Feast Day event back to Gold Hill Common in 2009, the crowds have been attending in growing numbers year on year and last year we had over half the population of the village attend the Day's activities and a similar crowd enjoy the evening concert.

As a result of the success of last year's event the Feast of St Peter gave £8,500 to local good causes.

Once again this year, there is an exciting and varied line-up of entertainment and activities, and this will conclude with a concert at The Fairweather Insurance Arena by Fleetwood Bac, the UK's leading Fleetwood Mac tribute band. www.fleetwoodbac.co.uk

There are many acts showcasing their talents throughout the day at the arena.  Some of the highlights include: Chalfont St Peter C of E Academy Gymnastics, GMG Falconry, Pink Academy, Trapdoor Performing Arts School, Zumba Dance, a Parade of Classic Cars and much, much more….

The Feast of St. Peter 2012 is set to once again be a fabulous day of family fun and entertainment, and raise even more funds for local charities and good causes.

We look forward to seeing you there and  please remember to visit the Fairweather Insurance Stall where we will be offering deliciously fruity smoothies!!

Address: Gold Hill Common, Chalfont St. Peter, Bucks, SL9 9HH  Website: www.feastofstpeter.org.uk