Monthly Archives :

November 2020

Mint Insurance Brokers joins Partnership Programme

Mint Insurance Brokers joins Partnership Programme 1920 1280 James Hallam

Mint Insurance Brokers Ltd (Mint) are delighted to join the Appointed Representative Partnership Programme with James Hallam Limited (JHL) with effect from 23rd November 2020.

Mint is a new trading name for an independent broking team of 18 people based in Lime Street, a stone’s throw from Lloyd’s of London.

“We are delighted that Mint is joining the JHL Appointed Representative Partnership Programme and very much look forward to developing mutual business interests within the Group” said Brian Bendle, Managing Director of Mint Insurance Brokers Limited.

Roy Standish, JHL’s Partnership Director, added “The Mint team are an excellent addition to our family of AR Partners alongside AIM, Blackford, Liability & General and Talisman. I am very much looking forward to working together.”

Paul Anscombe, CEO of JHL concluded “We are really excited to welcome the team on board. Like all of our existing Partners, they will add tremendous value to the Group in terms of their knowledge and market relationships and I know, in return, that we can help them in many ways

Are you prepared for an accident in your home?

Are you prepared for an accident in your home? 1920 1280 James Hallam

Creating a safe environment where your family can grow and thrive is a top priority.  Accidents can happen at any time in your home, so it’s even more important to be prepared during a pandemic.  Make sure you’re doing everything you can to achieve maximum safety at home.

Some common hazards you should be aware of:

Fires – Cooking, heating, smoking, faulty electrics or candles all can cause a fire, make sure you have checked that all your smoke alarms are working correctly. Ensure that you and all members of your household are aware of the fire exits. Check that all your windows can be opened with ease and if they have security bars that they can be easily released. At no point after leaving the house should you go back inside, wait for the emergency services to arrive.

Carbon Monoxide – Carbon monoxide is virtually impossible to detect and low levels can cause headaches and dizziness, while high levels can lead to vomiting, impaired vision, and even death. It’s vital you install a CO detector in your home, this will alert you if CO reaches dangerous levels in your home.

Falls – Wet floors, slippery surfaces, and scattered toys all create the potential for falls. Make sure all staircases are well lit, have handrails, securely affixed flooring, and safety gates if there are small children at home. Keep the stairs clear of any tripping hazards and use grip tape to secure mats in place.

Electrical Safety – Many accidents and fatalities involve electricity and must always be treated with respect. Have your wiring installation checked at least once every five years by an approved contractor. Do not use appliances that are worn or damaged flexes. Keep mains-operated appliances out of the bathroom.

Safety with medicines and cleaners – Chemical preparations should always be treated with caution. Consider having a proper lockable cabinet fitted in the kitchen and bathroom to keep out of the reach of children. Always follow the label directions when using any household cleaning products.

Here are three things to consider while planning for an emergency:

Contractors
If you are required to have contractors visit, ask them about their COVID-19 health and safety practices. Make sure everyone understands best practices and continues to follow government guidelines to protect each another from risk of infection. Try to pay your bill online to and if any family members are showing symptoms make sure you inform them.

Emergency kit
Gather a go to bag of supplies which you can grab quickly. It should include personal items like toiletries, food, and water. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic additional items will needed to be added to this bag: extra face masks, hand sanitizer with 60% alcohol, disinfectant supplies, tissues, and as well as personal hygiene items.

Evacuation Plan
If you are required to leave your property at during an evacuation , unplug major electrical equipment such as televisions and small appliances. Do not unplug your refrigerator or freezer unless there is a flood risk. And do not forget to secure your home by locking all the doors and windows.

 

 

How to look after your mental health while working from home

How to look after your mental health while working from home 1920 1283 James Hallam

The global pandemic, an unstable jobs market and the isolation of working from home has meant we have had to adjust to new ways of living and working. There are some perks to working from home that some of us can enjoy, but feeling stressed, bored, anxious and uncertain is also completely normal. We can all take steps to improve our own mental health by building our resilience and acknowledge your own self care.

For many of us work forms a massive part of our lives so it is not surprising that any changes could affect our wellbeing. Human connections are more important than ever as we continue to work remotely, here are some tips for supporting your mental health and feeling connected while working from home.

How can I help myself and those around me while working from home?

The work life balance. Many workers find it hard to switch off mainly due to the removal of the commute to a physical office location. However put a reminder in your diary to take a break and encourage your team to do the same.
• Get moving. Whether it is indoor or outside, this will help maintain your physical and mental health, you will feel more awake and alert, and your concentration and sleep will improve.
• Establish new ways of working – Trial and error will help you find out what ways of working works best for each individual.
• Get connected. Check in with your team regularly whether it is by video calls, check ins between managers and their teams, Q&A sessions for colleagues to chat through any concerns or any other collaborative platforms to connect with one another.
• Make your team aware of support organisations – There are numerous charities and organisations that can offer support with your mental health while we continue to work from home. Keep your teams informed on how they can get in contact with them.
• Set and stick to a routine – Working from home can be very challenging and isolating, but a structured day can be a good way to address this. Designate a place to work that is free of distractions. Scheduling exercise throughout the day are paramount to maintaining your energy levels.

For more advice on how to look after your own mental health and supporting colleagues while working from home –

Mind’s online community ‘Side by Side’ 

Hospitality Action’s COVID-19 wellbeing hub