Tc0323 the scene issue 5 digital issuu

Issue 5 www.thomascarroll.co.uk

Where There's Scrap, There's Brass…

Meet The Wye Valley Group

Business Burns Brightly Yankee Candle Europe

Training a Nation The ACT Success Story

Broker of the Decade

Thomas Carroll’s Major Award

Auto Enrolment The Vista Retail Experience

CONTENTS

Contents

Business Burns Brightly

Where There's Scrap, There's Brass…

Training a Nation

Broker of the Decade

Are You Switched On?

Auto Enrolment & Workplace Pensions

The Scene is published by Thomas Carroll Group plc.

Editor: Peter Acton, Yogi Communications, Publisher: Gwenllian Thomas, Thomas Carroll, Design: Burning Red. Contributors to this issue: Peter Acton, Phil Hurst, Andrew Diplock, Vicky Ash, John Moore, Gwenllian Thomas, Gareth Cotty, Mark Eedy, Alison Davies, Kevin Price, Laura Eedy, Michael Learoyd, Claire Humphries and Kath Powell.

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Rhys Williams in Golf Club Claim to Fame

38

Financial Security is More Than Just a Salary

39

Honour for Chairman

58

Ace Appointments at Haverfordwest Office

Photography: Peter Acton, Martin Ellard, Tim Dickeson, Jason Ingram, Alex Mills, Richard Swingler, Wales News, Studio 87, Clare Tebbit, Martin Caveney.

magazine are not necessarily those of Thomas Carroll Group plc and services and goods featured are not necessarily endorsed by Thomas Carroll Group plc.

© 2014 Copyright Thomas Carroll Group plc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of advertising or promotion without the written permission of the publisher. No responsibility will be accepted for any error or omissions or comments made by writers or interviewees. Views expressed in the

Editorial submission to: thescene@thomascarroll.co.uk - The Editor retains the right to edit editorial submissions according to style and space considerations.

Printed by: Minuteman Press Cardiff

Thomas Carroll Group plc Thomas Carroll Cardiff Pendragon House, Crescent Road, Caerphilly CF83 1XX t +44 (0)29 2088 7733

Thomas Carroll Swansea Elm House, Tawe Business Village, Enterprise Park, Swansea SA7 9LA t +44 (0)1792 795265

www

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thomascarroll.co.uk

Thomas Carroll Hereford Broadway House, 32-35 Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AR t +44 (0)1432 359500

twitter.com/thomascarrollgp

Thomas Carroll Haverfordwest 17 Victoria Place, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire SA61 2JX t +44 (0)1437 776775

linkedin.com/company/thomascarroll

Thomas Carroll Group plc: Commercial Insurance Personal Insurance Financial Advice Health and Safety Employment Law Legal Indemnities

WELCOME

Cover Story Sue Howell, Wye Valley Group Photograph: Martin Ellard

WIN 6 Large Yankee Candles

Thoughts of

John Moore Excitingly, on the 9th July before a glittering audience of leading insurance professionals at the British Insurance Awards, Royal Albert Hall, we were named UK Insurance Broker of the Decade.

A night to remember … to be named the Broker of the Decade amongst many thousands of brokers in the UK, takes us to an entirely new level.

Our exciting journey for the Group over the last ten years has been particularly rewarding as we have grown without sacrificing our core principles as a proud independent Group.

Simply find the answer to the question below and you could win 6 large Yankee candles from the new Spring / Summer 2015 ranges.

To enter our free competition simply read the article on page 10 where the answer to the following question can be found:

How many candles and wax products does Yankee Candle produce annually?

Closing date for entries is 1 March 2015.

Email your answer together with your business contact details to: thescene@thomascarroll.co.uk.

Last Issue’s Winner Congratulations to Beth Davies of Burns Pet Nutrition Ltd, the winner of our Issue 4 competition, who won a luxury stay at the Celtic Manor Resort.

The old rule still applies … about the importance of placing the customer first. This is at the core of our business thinking. Our independent and engaged people work hard to understand your business and offer a family of risk solutions.

With our results indicating very high client retention figures. My first and most important thoughts are to recognise again with thanks your loyal trust in our expertise.

The strength of our ‘Group Approach’ is demonstrated through our health and safety team continuing to attract leading clients … Dwr Cymru / Welsh Water; Tŷ Hafan; Celtic Manor; Amazon; National Museum; South Wales Police; Cardiff Council; Monmouthshire Housing.

Our family of group services offer an advantage which influence improved terms for commercial insurance contracts.

With auto-enrolment staging dates yet to arrive, Tony Smith our expert employee benefits consultant gets to know your business. Tony offers guidance providing the best options for your people.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

The launch of Club Signature Private Insurance Service, offers a tailored range of benefits and approved partner services for members. Again, this broadcasts how seriously we take your personal insurances.

The exciting recruitment of talented Welsh graduates continues with Cerith, Gregory, Mark and Roxanne winning 2014 places on our two year programme.

A very experienced executive Brian Hawkins joins the Pembrokeshire team and Ian Ace takes a non-executive position at our Haverfordwest office.

Most pleasingly, all teams are committed to the Thomas Carroll Group and engaged with our business plans, determined to deliver a service that you rightly expect. My executive colleague Peter Martin is now the cyber liability expert with innovative solutions to manage the increasing data and digital threats to your business.

With the economic business challenges still very much with us, the importance of negotiating the most competitive terms available in the market remains a priority. Without hassle … business protection through crucial covers limits potential damage and financially regains your trading position .

Thank you for being good clients … we enjoy doing business with you.

As always, Pendragon House offers an open invitation to come enjoy a good coffee and Welsh cake.

John Moore MBE Chairman

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PROFILE

THE WYE VALLEY GROUP

Metal guru: Sue Howell of the Wye Valley Group

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Thomas Carroll

Photographs: Martin Ellard

PROFILE

Interview: Peter Acton

Long before the present day recycling boom, a resourceful Herefordshire farmer set aside a field and began trading in the flotsam and jetsam of the agricultural world.

It was the late 1960s at St Weonards, and the farmer, John Howell, had started a family business. This blossomed into The Wye Valley Group, now one of the leading independent reclamation to demolition and metal processing groups in the UK. The Wye Valley Group consists of four companies: Wye Valley Demolition, Wye Valley Metals, Wye Valley Skips

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

and Wye Valley Reclamation. Located on its own 28 acre Eastside Recycling Facility at Rotherwas, Hereford, the Group is today a ÂŁ12 million operation.

The Scene caught up with the brother and sister duo who head up operations at the family-owned and run business: Andrew Howell, Managing Director and Sue Howell, Finance Director.

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PROFILE

Hereford’s Finest: Pictured from left at their architectural reclamation site, Andrew Howell, Sue Howell and Sue’s daughter Amy Howell

Wye Valley Group is a longestablished company in the Hereford area, how did it all start?

Once we opened, we were bombarded with scrap metal, waste and new customers."

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Sue: "Our roots date back to the late 40s when my father, John, started the business at St Weonards, South Hereford.

He began with agricultural contracting, then moved into cattle farming and plant hire in the 1950s.

By the late 60s he had moved into demolition and dismantling, which in turn led into scrap metal processing.

My brother Andrew and I had worked on and off in the business in the 80s, but we took over the businesses in 1996, with Andrew as Managing Director and myself as Financial Director."

We quickly outgrew our old premises in St Weonards and purchased this site Eastside Recycling Facility, in 2000.

£3 million in developing the site and we have continued to invest over £1.5m in the site during the recent recession.”

This site is on a much larger scale than your original home.

How did you find the escalation in scale of operations?

Andrew: "Yes, we still have the original farm, but in 2001 we decided to move the reclamation business from the field at the farm to here within the 22,000 square feet building.

Sue: “When we opened in 2006 we questioned if it was the right thing to do, because of the level of investment. But once we opened, we were bombarded with scrap metal, waste and new customers, so we realised that there was a need for this site.

After gaining planning permission and a waste management license, we moved here lock stock and barrel in 2006.

This is a 28 acre site, but we only used six acres for waste management. This was part of the old munitions site. When we bought the site it was covered in acres of waste including six rusty old huts. We have had to invest approximately

Thomas Carroll

For the first 18 months we barely had time to raise our heads!"

PROFILE

Inside Warehouse 701

How did 701, the architectural reclamation site, come about?

of interest on foot and through visitors to the website (www.warehouse701.co.uk)

Sue: "Wye Valley Reclamation needed rejuvenating and splitting away to increase consumer appeal, as it was more trade oriented. 701 was the Ministry identity number for the building that houses the reclamation.

Warehouse 701 is our online shop from which customers can place an order from all over the world. We have two websites.

The other is Wye Valley Reclamation. There are about 800 products online for each site – and this is all UK reclamation.”

Logical diversity seems to be a pattern in the Wye Valley story. What is the biggest part of the business in terms of revenue?

Andrew: "That would be the metal processing side. It’s not necessarily the best in terms of net profit, but our diversity enables us to make full use of the resources around us.

If one area is quiet then we can move that resource into another area. If we didn’t have this site we wouldn’t be able to diversify so well. We’ve always done what we are doing, but the advances in equipment have helped us."

The site was originally commissioned during the 1st World War by the then War Minister, Lloyd George, so in memory we have named our HQ Lloyd George House. 701 was set up a year ago and is attracting a great deal

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

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For the first 18 months we barely had time to raise our heads!"

PROFILE

Tell us about your property operations: We were joined in the interview by Tom David, an old friend of Andrew’s who returned home to Hereford, after a career in London. Tom heads up the group’s commercial property interests under Group company Sigeric Ltd. Properties include the Broadway House, former HMRC offices in the centre of Hereford and the seven acre SIGERIC Business Park, adjacent to the Group’s Eastside site.

How did the property side of the Group start?

Tom: “I came back to Hereford in 2001 to join Andrew and Sue, who had just taken over the reins from their father and were expanding rapidly.

We started in Cardiff and invested heavily in Newport with a mixture of property development, both residential and office.

In 2008, when the recession hit, we were fortunate in that we had never over leveraged that side of the business, so were still able to deal with things well.

We stopped selling, and to a degree we stopped buying in those areas, and regrouped. We focused on bringing the portfolio closer.

That’s when we became involved with the business park and other commercial property in Hereford.

To be able to acquire a site in such close proximity was good, as it was easy to manage, and we were relatively new in commercial property. For the first year and a half it was very difficult, as it wasn’t well tenanted; but now it is absolutely fine.

Going forward in the next five to 10 years we will be concentrating on the refinement of the existing properties that we already manage, with possibly the acquisition of another one or two sites if the right opportunity presents itself.”

What has driven your success over the last few years?

Andrew: "This business is all about building relationships with customers and a service that takes away the pain and keeps them coming back.

Managing a waste product and turning it into something that can be used again is great. Demolition has always been about that; and that’s where it all came from."

As a family business is there another generation coming through to help in future?

Sue: “My daughter Amy has been working with us for five years as Skips and Waste Manager, progressing up from weighbridge. Jason, my son, is not part of this business, but is a Thomas Carroll client. Jason cofounded a business with a school friend, Phillippe Gill. He runs the Real Wrap Company in Bristol and is growing a very successful business, supplying universities and schools with wraps.”

Andrew: “From the age of six my boys Tom, Rhys and Morgan who are still in education help out in various capacities on the weekends and during holidays. Of course it will be their choice if they want to continue with the family business.”

What do you do as a family to relax?

Sue: “As a family we have a love for horses. My main relaxation and passion is horse racing. Trained at Llancarfan, Cowbridge, Tiger O’Toole was a recent Grade 2 Ascot Winner which gave us all great pleasure.”

Andrew: “In 2006 we opened Bistro Prego in Monmouth which is a family venture. We always loved eating there and when we heard it was closing down, we bought it.”

Radiating Joy: John Moore MBE, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc, with Sue Howell of The Wye Valley Group

How did the long-standing Thomas Carroll relationship begin?

Sue: “This started many, many years ago with John, our father, needing a cover note for a van, I believe. Dad had an introduction to John Moore, as he was having a problem with his broker at the time, and he managed to get the ball rolling. We have remained with them for over 25 years, due to John and the Thomas Carroll team being so helpful.

The length of the relationship between ourselves and Thomas Carroll says a lot about the two companies and the people who work in them. John and his colleagues have been more than just an insurance broker to us, they have assisted and guided us for many years. They have been an asset to our business and we look forward to working with them for many years to come."

Visit: www.wyevalleygroup.co.uk www.warehouse701.co.uk

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

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PROFILE

Light fantastic: from left Richard Pask, Director of Thomas Carroll Management Services, Gary Webb and Bruce Mitchell of Yankee Candle and Brynmor Williams, Group Director of Thomas Carroll.

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Thomas Carroll

Main Photograph: Jason Ingram

PROFILE

Interview: Peter Acton

Yankee Candle Europe is a client of Thomas Carroll Management Services, the health and safety division of the Group. The Scene took a trip to meet the team, accompanied

by Richard Pask, Director of Thomas Carroll Management Services and Brynmor Williams, Group Director.

What is the structure of the company in the UK? Based in Avonmouth, Bristol, the Yankee Candle Europe headquarters services the whole of the European territory and further afield, with a total of 55 countries, including markets such as the Middle East and Asia. Over recent months we have evolved our UK structure to maximise all opportunities and ensure we continue to effectively represent our brand values.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

We moved into Avonmouth in June 2012 to accommodate our growing business and team. Set in eight acres, the premises are comprised of warehouse facilities, state-of-theart offices, space for 30 HGV lorries and 16 loading bays spanning over 165,000 square feet. Since the move, our team has expanded to include over 250 members of staff. The executive team includes: Cathy Mayor, Director of Finance; Larissa Meixner-Adam, Director of Distributors; Gary Webb, Director of Human Resources, David Crawford, Director of Wholesale and Jenny Cox, Director of Retail.

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PROFILE

Piled High: Inside the giant Yankee Candle European distribution centre in Avonmouth

How many Yankee candles are produced annually?

Annually, we produce more than 100 million candles and wax products, which include our Classic jars, Samplers®, votives, wax melts and tea lights. Our Classic apothecary jars are our best–selling collection which is famous around the world.

Is there a total worldwide turnover figure?

For 2013, we were particularly proud to have reached a middouble digit growth for the brand outside the US, compared to the previous year. We’re also pleased to be able to reveal that 2014 is already proving to be a record-breaking year for our European division, with our spring trade show season surpassing all previous figures across the board.

In how many countries are Yankee Candles sold and what is the biggest international market?

From our European headquarters we supply and service 55 countries and, of these territories, the UK is the largest market. As we continue to evolve the brand, we intend to increase our presence in each

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market with the support of our in-house team, supportive network of distributors and our dedicated consumers.

We are planning to keep creating what we are famous for: new, innovative and beautiful fragrances which,

What are the peak times for sales?

quite simply, make people smile."

The festive season remains our best selling season, closely followed by autumn and winter.

Spring and summer are just as important, with European consumers embracing home fragrance all year round and not just in the home. For example, we all feel that summer begins and ends all too soon – before we know it autumn is here and the shops are full of autumnal accessories. So we have developed two collections which will start and extend summer 2014. For the first time you can welcome in summer with our Fruit-a-licious Classic collection, and extend it long into autumn with our new Indian Summer scents. As well as seasonal gift buying occasions, Mother’s Day and Easter are our specialty and each year we provide new, inspirational gift ideas and gift sets for our consumers. This year we have evolved our newlook gift sets to offer on-trend packaging, filled with a large range of our famous fragrances and candles, as the perfect gift.

What are the secrets of producing a world-leading scented candle?

What influences the new fragrances you develop?

Research, knowledge and trust.

As well as traveling the world to discover fragrances and ingredients, it’s just as important and effective to listen to our customers and our consumers.

Quite literally, the world: its natural fragrances, people, experiences, memories and trends. The floral fragrances we launched for this spring include Kiku from Japan, Hibiscus from Korea, and Champaca from South Asia. While they are very international fragrances, they are approachable and reachable for all European consumers.

Our approach to research and our experience in the industry gives us unrivalled knowledge; it’s this that allows us to create the fragrances people continually trust and which make them smile. We identify key trends from around the world and evolve new, innovative fragrances specifically for the international market to give consumers the chance to enjoy them in their home.

Thomas Carroll

Yankee visited more than 30 countries last year. Our product teams travel the world – from South Africa, Brazil and Chile to China, Australia, Singapore and Scotland, always in search of new influences that make people smile. It's not just flowers and fruit, it can be the smell of a soft sweater, or the smell of a leather saddle in a horse barn in the summer. You never know when you are going to find something that makes people

PROFILE

We do not sell candles. We make fragrances that connect to the emotions which make people happy; this is what Yankee Candle is about.” go 'wow!'. For example, one of our best-selling fragrances smells of fresh sheets, while another smells of men's cologne – what people like is amazing, and so is finding the things that make them smile. Influences come from every direction; your eyes just have to be open.

What differentiates Yankee Candle from other candle manufacturers?

It really is emotion and memory that differentiates Yankee Candle from every other candle seller.

All of our scents are blended to be authentic, to be so realistic that they have the power to evoke memories, to make someone breathe in, sit back, remember and smile. There's a quote we use which sums up the ethos of our brand: “We do not sell candles.

We make fragrances that connect to the emotions which make people happy; this is what Yankee Candle is about.

A tailored health and safety system Why did you choose to work with Thomas Carroll Health and Safety?

What future plans are there for developing the brand going forward?

We have just completed our European spring trade show season where, for the first time, we launched every new product and fragrance for the entire year. The response was phenomenal, not only to the new launches but also to the strategy. As a result we broke our all-time record by achieving combined sales increase in excess of 70%. It is important to give our retailers the service they deserve, and to ensure this we are continuing to implement new systems, updates and processes.

We are planning to keep creating what we are famous for: new, innovative and beautiful fragrances which, quite simply, make people smile.

Visit www.yankeecandle.co.uk

We always take time to research all available options when we are sourcing new suppliers and, when it comes down to health and safety, it’s paramount that we’re comfortable we have the best possible company. With regards to Thomas Carroll Health and Safety, the proposal was extremely strong, particularly in terms of the quality of service we were looking for.

What range of health and safety services have you engaged on?

The health and safety management system service provided by Thomas Carroll is the main choice for us. This provides a comprehensive structure for our business, to ensure not only compliance but also a sound and robust management system. This enables us to create and maintain a safe working environment for everyone.

The supporting structure enables Yankee Candle leadership to implement and manage an excellent health and safety system, with Thomas Carroll providing structure, guidance and support, including training at all levels.

What unique health and safety challenges does Yankee Candle face at the distribution hub that Thomas Carroll assists with?

If a consumer buys a candle because it looks beautiful, to put on a table and look nice but never burn, that isn’t our business. If a consumer buys a candle because it smells good but that is all, then this isn’t our business either. We want to make candles which a consumer can pick up to smell and smile – that’s the Yankee Candle secret, we make people happy.”

There are no ‘unique’ aspects in the conventional sense, for example hazards or risks, rather we required a complete health and safety overhaul to bring our management systems up to date. For Yankee Candle, Thomas Carroll’s expertise is significant and well tailored to our needs.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

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Illustration: Lo Price

ENERGY STRATEGY

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Thomas Carroll

ENERGY STRATEGY

Soaring prices have put energy costs onto the agenda in every boardroom in the UK. Andrew Diplock, Managing Director of UES Energy, gives his advice on the best way to look after your firm’s energy strategy.

By Andrew Diplock

It is not just increased global demand that has fuelled spiralling gas and electricity prices, but also our migration towards green energy, which the Government estimates will cost the UK £110 billion by 2020.

A series of progressive taxes and levies means that energy consumers will ultimately pay for this and their energy prices will increase considerably in the next decade.

These measures, often referred to as Electricity Market Reform (EMR), have been enshrined in the Energy Bill which came into law in December 2013. The full implications of it are only just becoming clear, although there is still some wriggle room for the Government.

For most businesses, the complex new landscape is likely to lead to a significant increase in their overheads; but for smarter businesses this also represents an opportunity to gain a competitive edge.

The Carbon Trust estimates that a 20% cut in energy costs represents the same bottom line benefit as a 5% increase in sales. But how do you go about reducing energy costs for your business?

Of course there are the usual measures, from closing windows to turning the thermostat down, but for many the real savings are to be found in energy procurement and management.

The competitive markets for energy means that we choose our suppliers, and the types of contract they offer us, to suit our specific needs – and one size most certainly does not fit all.

In addition to this, the wholesale energy markets present a huge opportunity for savings. While we may think of energy prices as inexorably rising, they are really extremely volatile, with weekly peaks and troughs.

In energy procurement, timing is vital. Markets need constant monitoring, followed by swift, decisive action when necessary.

Energy contracts also need managing. Bills need validating, as businesses are frequently overcharged. Multiple contracts, perhaps spread across a chain of outlets, can be consolidated to make them easier to manage and iron out costly mistakes.

Bringing them together with a common end date can also give you more leverage when negotiating a new deal with suppliers.

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Needless to say, anyone tasked with this has a lot to get their heads around. Some of the biggest energy consumers have teams of in-house energy managers dedicated to the job. Others turn to third-parties for help, just as they may do for legal or insurance services, where it is more cost-effective to buy in the expertise.

There’s a lot that businesses can do to cut costs and gain an edge, but first you must make sure that you understand what it means to your business. My key advice is:

•• Keep abreast of new information and changes announced by the Government

•• Review your existing energy supply contracts to see how they deal with third party costs that could now be passed onto you.

•• Assess the likely cost impact of EMR and plan your budgets accordingly

•• Consider whether you need to amend your energy procurement strategy to gain better budget certainty or to change the degree of risk you are prepared to take Visit: www.uesenergy.co.uk

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PROPERTY

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Thomas Carroll

PROPERTY

Why Insurance is No Miner Matter

By Michael Learoyd

Re-development projects can present some challenges.

Many property insurance companies don't provide wide cover for properties that are unoccupied and inactive over a long period.

Building Dreams: Michael Learoyd (right) and Anthony Gregg, Account Executives of Thomas Carroll, hand over bricks to Katherine Hughes of the Caerphilly Miners’ Centre charity.

The brick initiative is part of a campaign to raise £1.2million to preserve the hospital's 90-year-old main ‘Beeches’ building and transform it into a multi-use centre for the community.

Thomas Carroll is taking part in the "Miners’ 8 campaign", in which businesses and members of the public are invited to buy a brick, to be used in the construction, for £8 each.

"This iconic building has played a part in the lives of the people of Caerphilly for generations and we urge fellow businesses in the area to join us and take part in the buy-a-brick campaign.”

The campaign’s title refers to the 6d a week contributed by 10,000 miners across the Rhymney Valley, out of their weekly wages, to build the hospital – a sum equivalent to £8 in today’s money.

Altogether, 10,000 miners raised £30,000 to buy the building in 1924.

Katherine Hughes, Company Secretary and Project Manager of the Caerphilly Miners’ Centre charity, which has so far raised £630,000 towards its £1.2million target, said:

Michael Learoyd, Head of Property at Thomas Carroll, the insurance broker for the Caerphilly Miners’ development, said: “As a local company of long standing, we are committed to this magnificent cause to give it a new life as a hub of the community once more.

“We would encourage anyone who was born or treated in the hospital, who worked there or has been connected with it in any way, to buy a brick to commemorate their links with Caerphilly Miners’ and help move it forward into the 21st century.”

The Beeches building at the centre of the Caerphilly Miners Hospital redevelopment has been vacant for some time.

There were challenges around the "decoupling" of the property from the former hospital buildings, which were demolished, leaving entry points into the remaining structure. The retained building had asbestos present. It also needed to be weatherproofed before work commenced.

We needed to craft the insurance cover to protect the interests of the owners, United Welsh, along with the various funding bodies and generous grant donors, while satisfying the lease obligations of the Caerphilly Miners’ Centre charity.

The redevelopment project to create a community centre has several phases – and this work will cost far more than the value of the existing leased structure.

Thomas Carroll Brokers Ltd held several site meetings to fully understand the project plan, the timescales and the needs of the various interested parties. We have been delighted to provide support, guidance and peace of mind to the charity during the period of fund-raising and planning for this important project.

Michael Learoyd, Head of Property Thomas Carroll Brokers Ltd e. michael.learoyd@thomas-carroll.co.uk

Visit www.caerphillyminerscentre.org.uk

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

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AUTO ENROLMENT

The Vista Viewpoint

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Thomas Carroll

Illustration: Lo Price

AUTO ENROLMENT

Supported by an ÂŁ8 million celebrity TV advertising campaign, workplace pensions have truly arrived. All employers operating in the UK have to automatically enrol eligible employees into a qualifying pension scheme between now and 1 April 2017, with larger employers being affected first.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

Fail to auto-enrol on time and your company could face fines of up to ÂŁ2,500 a day imposed by The Pensions Regulator.

You will receive a letter from The Pensions Regulator confirming your staging date.

Kath Powell, HR Manager at Vista Retail Support Ltd, the Cardiff-based EPOS support and repair company, shares her experience of workplace pensions and auto enrolment.

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AUTO ENROLMENT

Pension People: Kath Powell, HR Manager at Vista Retail, with Mark Eedy (right), Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers and Tony Smith, Employee Benefits Consultant, Thomas Carroll.

Analyse your workforce and review your existing pension schemes to make sure you are clear on the auto enrolment criteria."

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Lessons Learned

by Vista Retail I would advise attending events to research the subject in advance of your staging date, to gain an understanding of what it means – ideally a year before. This will allow you to plan for the financial implications. Many of these events are free of charge, so take advantage of them.

Analyse your workforce and review your existing pension schemes to make sure you are clear on the auto enrolment criteria.

Next, choose an independent financial adviser (IFA). In our case we selected Thomas Carroll IFA. We feel that their specialist employee benefits team are well suited to our business requirements.

Thomas Carroll

It is also important at this stage to communicate with your workforce. Give them an initial ‘heads up’ to advise them of the auto enrolment staging date.

Decide who is going to be administering pension contributions. Do you have your own software that needs to be adapted, or do you outsource your payroll? It's critical that you talk to your payroll provider or software company and agree timescales for your project plan, to ensure that you will be ready in time for the staging date.

Liaise with any existing pension scheme providers to ensure that their scheme will qualify under the new rules. Your IFA should liaise on your behalf. Work with your IFA to choose a scheme and contribution levels, then set up your scheme with the provider.

AUTO ENROLMENT

Number of Employees

Staging Date

(on 5th April 2012) 60

1st October 2014

59

1st November 2014

58

1st January 2015

54 – 57

1st March 2015

50 – 53

1st April 2015

49 and below

1st June 2015 to 1st April 2017

At Vista Retail Support we had a choice between NEST, Now Pensions or The Peoples’ Pension. When you know which scheme will be used, communicate this to your staff.

PAYROLL Ensure your system is able to auto-enrol everyone, take contributions and provide reports at least a month before the need to enrol i.e. do a test run if possible.

IMPLEMENTATION

in the second month. I recommend asking your provider about this before you upload the data for the first time, so that you are fully aware of any implications.

ACKNOWLEDGE OPTINS AND OPT-OUTS

Provider’s Scheme: Decide in your business who will assess the accuracy of employee data. Employees will fall into three categories 1. Entitled Workers 2. Non Eligible Jobholders 3.

Eligible Jobholders. Be clear in your mind who is eligible and write to all employees confirming their status. Create a spreadsheet with separate groups, so that you can check the results when the assessment takes place, and ensure that the correct people are auto enrolled.

Communicate to non-eligible staff their right to opt in. Send them the necessary information from The Pensions Regulator and direct them to relevant government links a month before your staging date.

Decide if you are going to postpone the entry of new employees to the scheme. We postpone new starters for three months after joining us.

On your staging date, be ready to enrol everyone who is eligible plus anyone who has opted in.

•• Obtain a login for online access •• Familiarise yourself with the data and upload process

•• Understand the monthly process •• Ask the provider if you have any questions •• In-house payroll – make sure your payroll officer is aware and trained

•• Outsourced payroll – make sure you have tested the system

•• Ensure your tax relief is correct STAGING DATE The Pensions Regulator states that employers must communicate with all employees at staging date with relevant information. Always check your provider’s progress. In practical terms we did this prior to payroll date in order to be compliant.

You cannot encourage staff members to opt out. The provider must manage the process and advise the employer of the results. It is a straightforward process: you refund contributions in month two for those employees who have opted out in the statutory timescale. If your payroll is outsourced, communicate the necessary information to your payroll agent. Remember, you have to auto-enrol employees again after three years.

Acknowledge any increased employee contributions our payroll provider needed ‘the minimum’ contribution to go through on staging date. We agreed to process additional employee contributions from the second month onwards.

In our experience, the best practice is to plan well ahead and seek advice as early as possible.

The provider in our case was not able to allow us to run the payroll process twice in one month. We were therefore forced to pay two months' contributions together

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

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AWARDS

22

Thomas Carroll

AWARDS

Thomas Carroll IFAs Named UK Firm of the Year At a prestigious financial services awards ceremony in London, Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers were named UK Firm of the Year.

Directors Mark Eedy and Louise Eedy picked up the national title at the Sesame Bankhall Awards 2014.

As well as the overall title, the team were also category winners, named Corporate Adviser of the Year at the ceremony held in Westminster.

On 9 July 2014 at the Royal Albert Hall, Thomas Carroll received the ultimate industry accolade at The British Insurance Awards 2014, being

This latest accolade represents the team’s sixth industry award in the past five years. Thomas Carroll IFA were named Chartered Financial Planners of the Year in 2009. This was followed

by Bankhall Retirement Planning Firm of the Year in both 2010 and 2011, as well as Bankhall Corporate Adviser Firm of the Year 2012.

named UK Insurance Broker of the Decade.

John Moore MBE, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc said: “We are honoured to have won more than 30 UK business awards since the late 1990s, but to be named the UK Broker of the Decade, from many thousands of brokers in the UK, takes us to an entirely new level.

"To be recognised by our peers in this way is an incredible and humbling

accolade for us. It really has been a remarkable journey for the Group over the last 10 years and more.

For me it is rewarding because we have grown without sacrificing our core principles as a proudly independent regional broker.”

We thank our clients and colleagues throughout the insurance industry for your continued support.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

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Photograph: Peter Acton

NEWS

Room At The Top First Minister Opens HQ Extension Big vision: Thomas Carroll's top floor extension

The Rt. Hon Carwyn Jones AM, First Minister of Wales, has officially opened the £0.5 million extension to the headquarters of Thomas Carroll Group plc.

The Pendragon House development has an additional floor including executive offices, training rooms and a boardroom with views over Caerphilly Castle.

This latest extension is the fourth since Thomas Carroll acquired the headquarters in 1998. It follows regional expansion which has seen employee numbers rise to 125 people.

First Minister, Carwyn Jones, said: “I’m delighted to be able to officially open Thomas Carroll’s newly expanded

24

headquarters, marking an exciting new chapter for this ambitious Welsh company.

“As we continue to generate growth, wealth and jobs in Wales, we need exemplar companies like Thomas Carroll, which build our international reputation as a financial and professional services hub.

I’m pleased that the Welsh Government has been able to support the company as they go from strength to strength, and I congratulate them on another fantastic milestone.”

John Moore, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc, said: “We are enjoying significant business growth across our regions, by attracting leading executives with proven expertise and strong client relationships.

Our graduate programme thrives on developing Welsh talent.

“We have doubled in employee levels over the past eight years.

We are proud to be flourishing and contributing to the economy as a fearlessly independent Welsh company. We are honoured to be joined by the

Thomas Carroll

First Minister, Carwyn Jones

First Minister as we celebrate an unforgettable journey and an exciting milestone in our Group’s history.”

To view a video of the opening, visit: http://bit.ly/hqextension

CARDIFF SWANSEA HAVERFORDWEST HEREFORD

Put it all in

Our Hands Our employee benefits service includes: •• Workplace pensions •• Death in service cover •• Income protection and critical illness insurance

•• Private medical insurance •• Hospital cash plans •• Salary exchange

Contact us today

029 2088 7733 www.thomascarroll.co.uk Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers Ltd is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority

We can assist you and your business in giving something back Robert Jones MBE Regional Director

PROFILE

TRAINING A NATION the ACT Way Talking training: From left Andrew Cooksley of ACT Training, Robert Jones MBE and Peter Martin, Thomas Carroll and Caroline Cooksley, ACT Training

26

Thomas Carroll

Photographs: Martin Ellard

PROFILE

Words: Peter Acton

Fully funded training gives businesses ranging from small startups to household brands access to free training services.”

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

Andrew and Caroline Cooksley are the husband and wife team behind one of Wales’ greatest success stories – ACT Training.

Wales’ largest and most successful training provider, ACT is the Welsh Government’s lead supplier of training and apprenticeships.

The company trains around 6,500 people every year.

27

PROFILE

Class act: Training session at ACT

We are

Headquartered close to Cardiff city centre, ACT employs over 350 people across its training centres in Cardiff, Caerphilly, Bridgend and Wrexham and has an annual turnover in excess of £31 million.

What training services do you provide?

great and we

The Scene caught up with Andrew and Caroline to find out about the secrets of their success and what the future holds.

want to ensure

How did the ACT story begin?

These include school leavers looking for a credible alternative to college, those who are unemployed and hoping to return to work, and people already in employment who are looking to develop themselves through upskilling.

obsessed with doing something

that we use the Government’s money wisely.”

Andrew: “It was 1988 and a colleague and I were working for a voluntary organisation.

They had decided not to continue working on community programmes due to a change in funding. We saw this as an opportunity to branch out on our own and set up ACT. We started with eight staff at the Parade in Cardiff with a vision to keep these services going, training about 100 people per year with a turnover of around £300,000.

Since then we have trained over 30,000 people, achieved a £31 million turnover and appeared in the Wales Fast Growth 50 list six times. We are projecting a turnover of £50 million by the end of 2015.”

28

Thomas Carroll

Caroline: “We work with a host of different people across Wales who can benefit from the fully funded services we provide.

We have five centres across Wales which are open to people aged 16 upwards, who come to us to study towards a vocational qualification. Many of our learners start on a Traineeship, which is a stepping stone towards an Apprenticeship. While on a Traineeship, learners have the opportunity to learn how to carry out a particular job they are interested in. Our centres are purpose built, fully functioning hair and beauty salons, automotive garages and construction sites.

When our learners have developed the vocational skills they need to succeed in their chosen field, we also teach them softer skills such as personal effectiveness, team building and problem solving.

When we think they’re ready for the world of work we’ll find them a placement with a Welsh business,

PROFILE

where they’ll be paid to carry out their Level 1 qualification.

In many cases our learners will stay with their placement employer and progress to an Apprenticeship at that business.

Over the years we have developed great links with big companies such as British Gas, The Celtic Manor We have now Resort and started offering Higher Barclays. We are approached Apprenticeships in daily by accountancy, health and companies social care, ILM management, looking to recruit young children’s care, learning apprentices in and development." their business.

We have a constant stream of applicants to choose from in our talent pool, allowing us to handpick the right apprentices for the right companies.

In addition to our Traineeship and Apprenticeship schemes, we have set up two schools for learners aged 14 upwards who have left or been excluded from mainstream education."

So, essentially, Apprenticeships can enable the apprentice to earn a wage whilst working towards a qualification?

Andrew: “Yes. Apprenticeships are a great way for young people to get into work, but we also offer them to people who are already employed.”

Caroline “We want to get into schools and change their attitudes to reflect that there are other options for school leavers other than college and university. People can learn and get paid at the same time. Apprenticeships have come a long way. In the past year we have expanded what we offer to incorporate 30 different occupational routes,

covering areas as diverse as IT, customer service, accountancy, team leading, health and social care and hairdressing.

We have a huge variety.”

You are also working with many businesses offering Apprenticeships to their existing staff. Can you tell us more about this?

Caroline: “Our Apprenticeship programmes start at Level 2 and go up to Level 5 (Higher Apprenticeships are Level 4 and 5) and are available to people who are already employed.

Our Apprenticeships are fully funded. Higher Apprenticeships are equivalent to a degree, so they are the most advanced level and allow businesses to upskill their workforce. At the same time, they give people a widely recognised qualification.

There are so many different fields available, such as management, business administration and customer service.

We also work with businesses to provide training called Essential Skills in the Workplace, to teach people basic skills in numeracy and literacy.”

Andrew: “Apprenticeships really do help to develop a skilled, motivated workforce.

They can tackle skill shortages, upskill staff and attract new talent. All this can reduce training and recruitment costs, increase productivity and improve the bottom line.

Higher Apprenticeships are transforming the way in which businesses are acquiring and developing the skills they need.”

What would you say is the secret to your success?

want to ensure that we use the Government’s money wisely.

We strive to give the best service we can and we invest in our resources and learners.

Our staff are key. They care about what they do and are really motivated. Everything we do is about people and improving their quality of life.”

Caroline: “We have a large, growing team and everyone is obsessed with delivering a great service. We always strive for the best and want the training opportunities we provide to be ‘brilliant’. We never settle for ‘OK’. To do this, we’ve invested heavily in the business and our people. After all, success breeds success.”

Andrew: “We have a fantastic team who genuinely care about helping others grow.

By employing motivated, inspirational people with a can-do attitude, we inspire our learners to succeed too.”

Caroline: “And we’re socially responsible. We have voluntarily set up a governance committee to question how we use Welsh Government funding and also recently won the Business in the Community Inspiring Young Talent Award for our work on our Traineeship Programme – motivating young people to follow their career dreams and aspirations.”

You are ranked 35 in the Sunday Times list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For 2014.

How do you achieve this?

Andrew: “We don’t want anyone who works for us to be unhappy. Even if just 10 of our 350 staff were unhappy that would be a disaster. It would have such a negative impact.

Andrew: “We care about what we do. We are obsessed with doing something great and we

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

29

PROFILE

We have a Head of Happiness who looks after colleagues and learners.”

We have a Head of Happiness who looks after colleagues and learners. Her brief includes ensuring each and every employee feels valued and fulfilled. We’ve developed a strong sense of family with regular socials and a no-blame culture.”

Caroline: “Good recruitment is also important. You don’t have to motivate good staff. Our entire team lives and breathes our core values because they want to.”

What are your plans for the future?

Andrew : “The more successful we become, the more confident we become and the easier it is to take on more projects. We have close links to the Welsh Government and are very focussed on delivering our public service contracts.”

Caroline: “We’re working hard to promote Apprenticeships and Higher Apprenticeships to employed people and businesses.

At a higher level we offer accountancy, health and social care, ILM management, children’s care, learning and development.

Our Level 2 and 3 qualifications are offered in so many areas that we want to raise awareness of everything that we can offer businesses in Wales.

We want to encourage more people into learning. We are training a nation and want everyone to be part of it!”

To find out more about fully funded training provided through ACT, visit www.acttraining.org.uk or call 029 2046 4727.

Two's company: Caroline and Andrew Cooksley

30

Thomas Carroll

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Lifestyle | Insurance | Wealth

Club Signature is the new tailored personal insurance service for Thomas Carroll clients whose financial position and lifestyle require high levels of individualised cover.

Club Signature benefits include:

•• Your own dedicated consultant •• Competitive premiums •• Club Signature Card with partner services •• A personalised insurance audit

•• One renewal date for multiple policies •• 24-hour priority claims response •• Complimentary magazine subscription

Visit: www.thomascarroll.co.uk/club-signature

LEGAL INDEMNITIES

Legal Eagles: from left, Gareth Cotty, Cerith Bevan and Louise Jones of Thomas Carroll Legal Indemnities

LEGAL INDEMNITIES

As

SAFE AS HOUSES The Rise and Rise of Legal Indemnities

As the property market continues to lead the way in post-recession recovery, demand for legal indemnities insurance services for the conveyancing process also continues to grow.

Now, Thomas Carroll has launched its own specialist trading arm, Thomas Carroll Legal Indemnities.

Headed by Board Director, Gareth Cotty, who has over 15 years’ experience working with the legal, property and professional sectors, the team includes law graduates Louise Jones and Cerith Bevan, who bring specialist knowledge to the field.

The Scene asked Gareth Cotty about the rise and rise of legal indemnities in the marketplace.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

When did the growth in demand for legal indemnities begin?

Gareth Cotty: “Ironically it was during the property market downturn post 2009. The volatile market at this time made lenders far more nervous around title issues that they would have been relaxed about before.

Buyers were also more cautious, and with demand seriously decreasing, savvy buyers were taking the opportunity of making deals on sites that could best be described as 'challenging' from a title or covenant perspective.

33

LEGAL INDEMNITIES

About Legal Indemnities Legal defects are quite common in property transactions – for example, a restrictive covenant, lack of rights of access, missing landlords or part of the land being in adverse possession.

We were already acting for some of Wales’ leading financial institutions, property investors, developers, surveyors and lawyers at this time. We wanted to bring the expertise that had traditionally been provided out of London into the local Welsh market, to help our clients and partners make property deals happen.

We all agree that the property market is in growth mode – with an increase in developments and the sale and purchase of land and buildings. Lenders and buyers are still insisting that title defects and covenants are dealt with formally, so there is an increasing demand for cover.

Another important factor is that legal indemnities were traditionally arranged by solicitors directly with an insurer. Many would only use one market.

With the Solicitors Regulation Authority pushing TCF (Treating Customers Fairly), and clients demanding a market view, the legal profession has been required to look at a wider market, which is often time consuming and inefficient.”

a serious difference to the profitability of property deals.

How does this specialist service approach help the legal profession?

“As a specialist broker, we help the legal profession meet their obligations. We also take on the burden of giving advice on policy cover and terms.

On large developments, where premiums can be significant, it is now more common for clients to talk to us directly, so that we work in a three way partnership with themselves and their solicitors.

This allows us to understand what is driving the request for cover and what clients want to achieve from a policy. It also offers clients the assurance that premiums represent the best available in the market.”

What was the reason behind launching a dedicated trading company?

“It was for a number of reasons.

Not all brokers are the same, and we were probably already one of top five specialist brokers in the UK, as well as the only specialist in Wales.

We have exclusive, board level access to a number of insurers.

This allows us to offer the kind of flexibility on cover, terms and premium that can make

34

As expert brokers to the property sector, we already had an indepth understanding of how to make deals happen; but in such a specialist area, it was also important that we could understand the legal principles.

We have built our team around law graduates who work as brokers, executives and claims executives. This sets us apart in the industry and has allowed us to underline our expertise.

In addition, as a community broker, we have always sought to understand our clients' needs, rather than just being a transactional insurance service.

We have obtained Law Society accreditation for our Continuing Professional Development (CPD) training. We have worked with a number of property sector experts and now deliver free CPD training throughout the UK. We have a national reputation and are actively working in the London and UK property market, facilitating major transactions through Legal Indemnity Solutions.”

Thomas Carroll

Often, these defects cannot be quickly resolved (or even resolved at all). Most of these issues are unlikely to cause any actual loss, but they have the potential to cause a significant loss and a reduction in the value of the property (insurers have paid some expensive claims on policies placed).

A legal remedy is often available in these situations, but this can take months or even years to resolve, delaying the purchase or sale of the property. A legal indemnity policy is a one-off payment to arrange cover that in most cases lasts forever. Importantly, it allows the transaction to take place quickly. It can be used in place of financial penalties or a reduction in value of the property, at the transaction stage.

A better deal on your landlord insurance?

Tap into the buying power of a group insurance scheme from Single Properties to Large Portfolios

CHARTERED | INDEPENDENT | AWARD WINNING

The Thomas Carroll Difference:

•• Landlord Insurance Specialists •• In-house Claims Management •• Fast Response Times •• Designated Account Manager

Contact us today Call

029 2088 7733 www.thomascarroll.co.uk

Cardiff Swansea Haverfordwest Hereford

Rhys Learns Valuable Golfing Lesson Words: Peter Acton

When it comes to insurance claims, former Cardiff Blues captain and Wales rugby star, Rhys Williams, came out on top.

Following the theft of his golf clubs, Rhys, with the help of Claire Humphries, Director of Thomas Carroll Private Clients, learned the importance of effective home contents cover for items taken away from home.

After making a successful claim following the theft of his prized golf clubs, Thomas Carroll helped Rhys get back onto the fairway with a brand new set of replacement clubs.

“I would not have been aware of the fact that I was inadequately covered until Claire took over,” said Rhys, speaking to us at one of his favourite courses, Radyr Golf Club in Cardiff.

“I looked at my policy and realised that I didn’t have ‘all risks cover’ for items away from home, so we made the changes.”

36

Clubbing Together: Rhys Williams with Claire Humphries, Director, Thomas Carroll Private Clients

This was fortunate for the celebrated full-back and winger, who won 44 caps for Wales. Not long after these changes were made, Rhys’ clubs were stolen and he turned to Claire for advice.

“The best part about it for me was when it came to the claim.

Rather than me having to worry, Thomas Carroll took over the burden for me and liaised in terms of the information I needed to provide. It made for a smoother transaction.

"It took about four to six weeks to settle the claim, but the delay was on my part in getting the pictures and information to Claire. Once that information was through, it was smooth.

The phone call came that it had been approved and I would be receiving a cheque.

"Having access to a personal account manager means you can pick up the phone anytime.

Thomas Carroll

It is one of the benefits of Clubbing Together: Rhys Williams being looked after byDirector, Thomas with Claire Humphries, Carroll Private Clients, Thomas Carroll Private Clients especially for busy people.

“This is not my area of expertise. Am I the sort of person who is going to read through all the T&Cs? No I’m not,” said Rhys.

“It really is their field of expertise and they have the relationships with the underwriters and insurers to come out with the best solution for me as a client.

"I trust that Thomas Carroll provide me with the best information and the best services that suit my needs.

It is that confidence you get from the reputation they have and the recommendations you hear from other people."

Photographs: Richard Swingler

PERSONAL PERSONALINSURANCE INSURANCECLAIM CLAIM

PERSONAL INSURANCE CLAIM

Claire’s Top Golfing Tips

Having access to a personal manager means you an pick up the phone anytime. It is one of the benefits of being looked after by thomas Carroll Private Clients."

Unfortunately, theft of golf clubs is on the rise. Opportunist are known to target local membership clubs and theft from cars is common.

Golfers generally accumulate their clubs over a period of time, collecting them gradually.

Because of this, many don’t retain purchase receipts and it is a policy condition that any claim is supported by ‘proof of ownership’.

In Rhys’ case, photographs showing him using his clubs at a golf event gave us the evidence that we needed. The insurers were able to settle his claim without delay.

TOP TIPS:

•• When purchasing clubs, keep your receipts

•• Update your sum insured when you purchase new clubs

•• Photograph your clubs for proof of ownership

•• Ensure your vehicle / garage is locked and secure

Driving Force Rhys Williams in action at Radyr Golf Club, Cardiff

FINANCIAL PLANNING

Financial Security

is More Than Just a Salary Mark Eedy of Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers offers an insight into employee benefits, and how to develop the best possible programme within an agreed financial budget. Through offering group arrangements for financial benefits, a business can expect to see considerable returns in the form of employee retention and loyalty.

G

ood employees are vital to the success of any business. Finding the right talent is time-consuming and often expensive. To set your business aside from competitors, strategies to retain your workforce are just as vital as recruitment.

Salary is important of course, but additional benefits are taking an increasingly prominent role in reward packages. Pensions, share incentives, healthcare, holidays, childcare flexibility, tax efficiency and work-life balance all feature high on the list of popular expectations.

Each employee has a share in the business, which has increased engagement across all business activities. The results speak for themselves; with employee turnover under 3%, we have also consistently appeared in The Sunday Times list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For.

Many employers are surprised by the financial benefits they can offer their employees at very The most valuable little additional cost. For benefit any employer example, salary exchange can add extra value can give to their employees to a pension scheme, is to provide the means for particularly if the employer decides to reinvest some ensuring financial security or all of the National – now and in the future.�

Insurance Contribution (NIC) savings into the pension.

We take pride in the comprehensive employment package we offer our own employees.

This has been tried and tested over a number of years. Benefits include a pension, death in service and income protection cover as well as private medical insurance and cash plans.

We would be pleased to share our personal experience on employee benefits and advise you on how you can invest in your employees.

Mark Eedy, Managing Director, Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers e. mark.eedy@thomas-carroll.co.uk

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Thomas Carroll

PEOPLE

Recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours: John Moore MBE, Chairman, Thomas Carroll Group plc

J o h n ’ s D at e a t t h e Pa l a c e

John Moore, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc, has been awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

John has been granted the honour for services to the financial services sector and his charitable services to Tŷ Hafan Children's Hospice in Wales.

He joined Thomas Carroll as Managing Director in 1981 when the company employed eight people. John has since steered the company to its current position as the largest independent insurance broking, health and safety and financial services groups in Wales, employing over 130 people across four regional offices.

John Moore said: “My immediate thought is that this is an honour that reflects deservedly on all at the Thomas Carroll Group. We have achieved our business success together, sharing a common ethos that supports,

develops and rewards our people, placing our clients at the heart of everything we do.

In accepting this honour, I will do so on behalf of our entire group, and the people, industry and clients whose dedication and support over the years makes me immensely proud.”

In 2010 John Moore was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Insurance Age UK Broker Awards, for his 40 years' contribution to the profession.

Rhys Thomas, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Brokers, said: “This latest honour firmly establishes John as one of the most respected figures in the insurance broking profession.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

"It reflects his immense and infectious drive and spirit that has inspired the growth and success of our group over the past 33 years. As a group, we are also overjoyed that Tŷ Hafan shares in the citation for this tremendous honour."

Last year, John, a stalwart member of Pentyrch Cricket Club for the past 51 seasons, received a Lifetime Achievement Award for his dedication to Welsh cricket, by the sport's governing body Cricket Wales.

John will receive his MBE from The Queen at an Investiture at Windsor Castle on 2 October.

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PROFILE

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF An Insurance Broker

Sheralee Lewis Account Executive

Ever wondered what insurance brokers get up to in their working day? Here, Account Executive Sheralee Lewis shares her diary entry with The Scene.

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Thomas Carroll

Illustration: Lo Price / Nic Finch

PROFILE

6.00 am

7.45am

10.30 am

11.00 am

Still getting back in the swing of things after two weeks in Malaysia. It’s an early morning start for our annual charity sector seminar.

There’s always something new to learn in this industry and we have some great guest speakers lined up.

Arrive at Wales Millennium Centre.

Thankfully bacon rolls are plentiful.

Successful seminar complete, back in my little red car and heading to our HQ in Caerphilly.

Quick catch up with my team, Paul and Duncan, to bring me up to date and discuss important client activities. We make a plan for the remainder of the month and before I know it, I feel as if I have never been away! Back to organising my inbox and coordinating my diary for the week.

7.00 am I ease myself slowly back into my emails and flag some post-holiday priorities over a herbal tea. Jump into the car and head for Cardiff Bay.

8.30 am Greet clients and guests, I always enjoy a good chat and meeting new people. The seminar is underway and the subject is managing data and digital risks – a hot topic these days.

12.00 pm Grab a quick lunch in the Cwtch Café watching the rain come down on Caerphilly Castle. This time last week, I was pool side with a good book.

12.30 pm 2.30 pm

5.00 pm 5.45 pm

Back to it! A few calls to negotiate with insurers before driving to visit one of my clients. They have recruited a new Financial Director – important first meet. We talk through the various insurance protection services and our health and safety programme.

He seems impressed.

The end of the day brings good news! We have successfully retained a long-standing group client; it’s made my day.

Second client meeting of the day is with a longstanding and expanding client – it’s always a pleasure to see this. I walk them through the risk management they need for their growth, including equipment, markets and financial exposures.

4.30 pm Where has the day gone? Jet lag is setting in and I am back in the office. A quick catch up with my team members on the day's events and I pop up to our claims manager to check progress on recent cases.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

By my standards, a relatively early finish. After an overdue post-holiday appointment at the salon, I come home to Richard’s cooking. Richard always cooks.

8.30 pm Check the phone again and respond to a few clients on urgent matters.

Dinner, sofa and I can’t keep my eyes open. It’s been a good day.

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WREX

Rugby Legends Photograph: Studio 87

Supporting Fellow Players

Legendary line-up: Pictured with Alison Davies from left, Tom Shanklin, Brynmor Williams, John Dawes (Chairman), Craig Quinnell, Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, JJ Williams and Nigel Short

42

Thomas Carroll

WREX

It is humbling and heartwarming to see the legends we all look up to, working together to provide support for players who have fallen on hard times."

Words: Peter Acton

Sign up for SWALEC Stadium Charity Dinner.

Their names are the stuff of legend; Gareth Edwards, JJ Williams, JPR Williams, John Dawes.

Between them they have won hundreds of Welsh rugby caps, thrilled us with several Grand Slams and British Lions victories, and now they are helping their fellow Welsh rugby players who are experiencing hard times.

Along with Paul Thorburn, John Devereux, Tom Shanklin, Craig Quinnell and Nigel Short, Chairman of Regional Rugby Wales, they are trustees of the Welsh Rugby International Players Benevolent Association, popularly known as ‘WREX.’

In November 2014 at the SWALEC Stadium, WREX are holding a fundraising dinner at which Welsh rugby legends will be inducted into their glittering Hall of Fame.

Thomas Carroll’s own former rugby star, Brynmor Williams, Business Development Director, and Alison Davies, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Private Clients, met with them ahead of one of the charity’s regular meetings at SG Mercedes, Cardiff.

Brynmor said: “Welsh players have put their bodies on the line for their country over the years, entertaining us, thrilling us and bringing great pride to the nation. Thomas Carroll believes it is important to acknowledge their superb efforts by supporting their major charity dinner in November.”

Alison Davies pledged that Thomas Carroll Private Clients will make a donation for every insurance premium taken out by a member of the Association.

Alison said: “It is humbling and heartwarming to see the legends we all look up to, working together to provide support for players who have fallen on hard times – either financially, through injuries or a wide range of problems that have affected their lives. As a Welsh company, we are proud to support them in any way we can.”

To book your table please visit www.wrex.co.uk

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

43

HEALTH AND SAFETY

Join the Safety Culture Club

by Kevin Price

Getting your employees involved and engaged in health and safety is not always the easiest task, but it is well worth the effort.

The best workforces are built on trust, co-operation and respect, where employees are empowered and there is a positive safety culture.

6. Encourage worker involvement in risk assessments, safe working procedures, safety meetings and inspections

Of course, workplace safety is important to you as a business. But how important is it to your employees? If you don’t know, it may be time to evaluate the safety culture at your business and improve worker engagement in health and safety.

7. Empower individuals through effective training, giving them the confidence and competence to get involved

Evidence shows that organisations with a positive safety culture and good worker involvement not only experience improved accident and incident rates, but also tend to have higher levels of motivation, loyalty and productivity.

Being regarded as a better place to work could also help you attract and retain top talent in a competitive market place.

Here are some basic tips to help you engage your workforce:

And finally, be patient. Turning your workforce into a police force, where everyone feels responsible and looks out for each other, will take time. But ultimately it could save lives and reduce injuries.

Your safety culture

1. Reward or incentivise safety performance.

is a direct reflection

2. Make sure senior management support and encourage worker involvement

of your organisation

3. Explain to the workforce why you want them involved and what is expected of them 4. Encourage feedback and suggestions and act on the findings or shortcomings 5. Make sure senior management demonstrate visible and committed leadership

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Whilst these tips are not exhaustive, the importance of worker involvement cannot be emphasised enough. After all, nobody knows the workplace, the equipment used and the activities undertaken better than the employees.

Thomas Carroll

of the overall culture and employees."

A strong safety culture, with appropriate recognition and rewards, will inspire employees to look out for one another and identify unsafe behaviours and situations. Everyone will feel responsible for safety and pursue it on a daily basis.

Kevin Price is Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Management Services e. kevin.price@thomas-carroll.co.uk

HEALTH AND SAFETY

HSE GENERATES

Over £12m

in FFI income HSE income generated through FFI scheme

MARCH

2014

MARCH

£12.3 MILLION

2015

2014

EXPECTED £23 MILLION

AND

2015

COMBINED TOTAL OF £35.3 MILLION

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has released its latest results, detailing the revenue generated from fining businesses through its Fee for Intervention (FFI) scheme. The total figure reached £12.3 million between 1 April 2013 and 31 March 2014.

With the HSE expecting its FFI income to reach £23 million this year, it can only mean further enforcement action will be likely in the future.

Under the Health and Safety (Fees) Regulations 2012, companies that break health and safety laws are liable to cover HSE related costs, including call-outs, inspections, investigations and taking law enforcement action.

The Fee for Intervention rate is £124.00 per hour.

Thomas Carroll Management Services offers a Fee for Intervention Reimbursement Scheme to protect you against possible costs incurred through the HSE’s Fee for Intervention scheme. This means that if your business receives a Fee for Intervention invoice we guarantee to indemnify you for the costs incurred.* For more information on our Fee for Intervention Reimbursement Scheme, and how it can help protect your business, contact Victoria Thomas on 02920 853752 or at victoria.thomas@thomas-carroll.co.uk *Subject to terms and conditions

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

45

PROFILE

Restoring our

Pride

By Phil Hurst

46

Thomas Carroll

Photographs: Wales News

PROFILE

Rainbow International, the UK’s top disaster restoration provider.

When disaster strikes and fire or flood decimates property, Thomas Carroll’s claims management team ensures that Rainbow International – the UK’s leading provider of domestic and commercial restoration services – is called in to put things right.

Founded in Texas in 1981, Rainbow International launched in the UK in 1987 and has since grown to over 70 independent franchise operations, with 560 staff servicing the whole of the UK. Eight new franchises opened up last year alone.

John Newnes, Claims Manager, Thomas Carroll, Simon Ford, UK Operations Director for Rainbow International with Geza Hajgato, Account Executive, Thomas Carroll.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

47

PROFILE

Top table: Simon Ford of Rainbow International with members of the Thomas Carroll team

In times of distress and destruction, Rainbow International are the people who arrive on site to clean up the mess and carry out the recovery process from start to finish."

In the UK, Rainbow is owned and operated by the ISS Group, a leading global provider of facility services for public agencies and private sector companies, employing over 540,000 people worldwide.

In times of distress and destruction, Rainbow International are the people who arrive on site to clean up the mess and carry out the recovery process from start to finish.

Rainbow International considers itself to be a restoration company, rather than simply replacing damaged items.

With that in mind, a wide range of skilled staff are on board, from French

48

Thomas Carroll

Polishers to specialists in the cleaning of air conditioning systems after fires.

Each franchise operates throughout a designated region, with several Rainbow teams joining up where the job is either large or requires a specific set of skills.

“We are at the coal face of the insurance industry,” said Rainbow International’s UK Operations Director, Simon Ford, talking to The Scene, “and therefore customer service is our top priority.”

“We place great emphasis on making sure staff communicate effectively with our clients and they all follow a 17 step restoration plan for every call out.”

PROFILE

Utilising a full-

The 17 Step Plan, developed by Rainbow International in the US, is a blueprint for dealing sensitively with customers in their own homes at times of stress.

As a result, each and every operative undergoes thorough, hands-on training in the Rainbow International way before they meet their first customer.

Step one, for example: on first arriving, Rainbow International operatives will always park their van on the road rather than just pulling into someone’s drive.

Following the widespread flooding of last winter, we asked Simon if this had a major impact on Rainbow’s workload.

eliminates

“Not really,” says Simon, “despite the huge media interest. So far this year we’ve dealt with around 5,500 claims.

complexity of

They make sure they introduce the whole team to the client and only after this will they ask if they can park on the drive. Step two: protective matting is placed down as soon as the team enters the property.

“It’s those little things that make the difference for customers,” says Simon.

“You do not want somebody trampling in and bashing furniture in a property that’s already damaged. That is why we turned our corporate structure upside down. Customers are at the very top.”

“You often do not know what you are walking into. We have staff that can deal with asbestos and have expertise in hazardous wastes.”

Utilising a full-service restoration company eliminates the logistical complexity of bringing in a range of independent specialist trades.

This not only saves time, but also assures the customer and the Thomas Carroll claims management team that the restoration project is carried out correctly and consistently by a single point of contact.

Before even stepping into a customer’s home, every new franchise staff member undergoes a rigorous training programme at Rainbow’s Mansfield HQ, which has the largest purpose-built training house in Europe, specifically designed to replicate fire and flood situations. This enables Rainbow’s technicians to be trained in real life scenarios and to become skilled through the latest training techniques.

"To put that in perspective, in 2007, we dealt with well over 21,000 claims (out of around 55,000 across the UK as a whole), in a 2 month period. What made last winter different was the length of time the water remained in the properties.

"That created a whole new set of challenges for us. Secondary damage may occur – for instance, the downstairs might be flooded, but over time it can also do huge damage upstairs as mould spores spread.

It’s much more than the bottom few inches of a property that get damaged.”

And for the future? Rainbow International are at the forefront of developing new technologies in the restorations field.

“It used to take us on average 46 days to dry out a flooded property, for example,” says Simon. “But with new technologies we have reduced that down to below 26 days, which has a massive impact – not only for the client, but also for Thomas Carroll’s claim handling service."

Visit: www.rainbow-int.co.uk

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

service restoration company the logistical bringing in a range of independent specialist trades."

Franchise

Insurance Thomas Carroll has recently been working with a number of national franchises, providing insurance and health and safety solutions.

Our involvement with Rainbow International's local providers in Cardiff and Swansea led us to win the national tender.

To date, we have saved Rainbow International Franchises an average of 26% on their previous insurance premiums.

Our scheme has driven cover improvements across the board and improved claims management procedures, which has led to an increase in overall business performance.

49

PERSONAL INSURANCE

by Alison Davies

Alison Davies, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Private Clients, highlights the importance of having your jewellery insured for the correct amount, as well as ensuring that the cover provided by your insurance policy is suitable.

50

One of the biggest issues the insurance industry faces is underinsurance, which leaves clients disappointed when they suffer a loss. It is vital to read through your insurance document, know how much your jewellery is really worth and share valuations with your insurance broker.

Thomas Carroll

Investing in the appropriate level of cover protects your jewellery against a potential loss, whether through accidental damage or theft. This not only offers clients the reassurance that their most valuable possessions are protected, but it also attracts a premium saving.

PERSONAL INSURANCE

WHAT YOU SHOULD CONSIDER WHEN INSURING YOUR JEWELLERY? WEARING HABITS

a daily basis or keep by for special occasions? Your jewellery wearing habits will most certainly have an impact on the cost of your insurance.

How much of the total value of your jewellery collection do you wear at any one time? What do you wear on

SAFE AT HOME

REGULAR VALUATIONS When was the last time you had your jewellery valued? Having an up-to-date valuation for your jewellery is paramount, especially with the significant rises in the price of gold and diamonds. Most leading insurers require an up-to-date valuation every three to five years.

Where do you keep your precious jewellery when you are not wearing it?

Jewellery kept in your safe is less vulnerable to certain losses.

Because of this, your insurer will often charge you less.

POLICY MAINTENANCE When was the last time you read through your insurance documents and updated your sum insured? Regular communication with your insurance broker will provide you with peace of mind that your possessions are adequately covered.

WATCH OUT More than 43 million of us in the UK own a valuable watch or a collection of watches. Some people may not consider the collective value when insuring these items.

The examples below demonstrate the relevance of regular valuations.

Patek Philippe watches have undergone the most substantial

Our private client executives work closely with clients to help them establish their jewellery sum insured.

Through our Club Signature service, clients benefit from an exclusive offer on jewellery valuations of 0.5%,

L aunch E xclu sive Me mber Be ne f its

Thomas Carroll Private Clients are delighted to launch Club Signature, a tailored, independent personal insurance service.

Club Signature clients who insure their contents and properties through us will receive their own exclusive membership card, giving access to a range of approved partner services, discounts and benefits.

growth in value at 88% between 2010 and 2012. However, Rolex remains the market leader where apparitional purchases are concerned.

Rolex example: Rolex Oyster Perpetual 18ct Yellow Gold Daydate Watch, with a value of ÂŁ10,880 in 2009, is now worth ÂŁ23,300. That is a staggering increase of 114%!

through our associate partners Diamond Centre Wales. Unlike some jewellers, Diamond Centre Wales provides valuation certificates that are hand signed on site and authorised by qualified diamond graders.

The high value, high-net-worth insurance arm of the Group, Club Signature specialises in insuring homes, contents, holiday homes and cars, as well as offering various other insurances that meet the needs of the client and their family. Club Signature has been expertly designed for clients whose financial position and lifestyle require high levels of individualised cover.

Visit: www.thomascarroll.co.uk/club-signature

Alison Davies, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Private Clients e. alison.davies@thomas-carroll.co.uk

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

51

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

Everything you wanted to know about

non-executive directors…

Boardroom experience: John Moore MBE, Chairman Thomas Carroll (centre) with Non-executive Directors Gareth Williams (left) and Stuart Deane (right)

Ever thought of appointing a nonexecutive director to your boardroom team?

The Scene asked Stuart Deane and Gareth Williams, non-executive directors of Thomas Carroll, for their views on the subject.

52

What motivated you to become a non-executive director?

Why and when should a company consider appointing non-executive directors?

Stuart: "For me, it’s the ability to start sharing your knowledge with a different audience and to be able to contribute towards a local company.

Stuart: "When a company reaches a certain size, they have to make important decisions around strategy and direction. When some of the business decisions on the horizon are starting to get complex, I think that’s when nonexecutive director can add a lot more value."

You can bring to the board the experience of what’s worked and what hasn’t, providing a different perspective and an independent view.

To see people take the odd nugget and apply it to their business strategy gives me a sense of satisfaction."

Gareth: "I think it’s easy to be flattered by a request to be a non-executive director. However, you should be very nervous about accepting it unless you think that you can make a difference."

Thomas Carroll

Gareth: "I agree with Stuart. A very small business generally doesn’t need, nor can it really afford, to have a non-executive director.

One of the big issues businesses should ask is: what are the skill sets of its directors? Could those skill sets be supplemented by somebody external who can bring his or her experience to bear?

However successful and experienced the directors are, it is always helpful to have an external perspective."

NON-EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS

What reaction have you had from the Thomas Carroll Board to your input?

Stuart: "Generally the board and business as a whole has been receptive, keen to find new and different ways of working.

The board is comfortable enough to challenge if they think my view wouldn’t necessarily work in the Thomas Carroll environment."

Gareth: "One of the things you would be concerned about as an incoming non-executive director is feeling welcome around the table.

It is a source of great comfort to Stuart and me that we have been welcomed with open arms."

What challenges face growing companies like Thomas Carroll?

Stuart: "Growing companies have to start making more difficult choices in terms of investments. There is no shortage of good opportunities to make the business bigger.

It's about investing in the right place. In a way, as you grow, it takes away some of the pressures of being small, especially in financial services, a highly regulated environment.

Whilst growth creates some complexity around capability and having to do things differently, it also removes constraints around having one person doing the role five different people would do in a big organisation.

Gareth: "For a growing business you have to manage the growth carefully and ensure that you’re doing so in a financially sound way which doesn’t challenge the business, for example, by causing it to overextend itself.

I think one of the dangers for a growing business is that it can lose that culture of friendliness.

The challenge for Thomas Carroll, as it has been for us at Hugh James, is to keep that sense of identity and culture."

How would you describe your experience with the Thomas Carroll team to date?

Stuart: It’s been very positive.

It’s been a steep learning curve for me, because although I’ve got fairly broad experience, it’s in different businesses and different ways of doing things.

I am delighted to have been offered a position and pleased to have been able to contribute."

About our Non-executive Directors

Stuart Deane Stuart Deane has over 25 years' experience in financial services, having held senior leadership roles across general insurance, retail financial services, life and pensions markets. Stuart's most recent role was as Managing Director of Distribution for the Principality Building Society.

Stuart owns a consultancy business specialising in sales, marketing and distribution with clients across a number of household name companies, including a FTSE 100 retailer bank, building societies and an international mutual life company.

Gareth: "Well, entirely positive and constructive. I like the collegiate nature of the business. I like the culture here, and not just at board level, but as far as I’m concerned throughout the business.

I’d like to think that over a period of time, Stuart and I will be able to make a contribution."

Gareth Williams Gareth Williams is the senior partner of leading law firm Hugh James. He specialises in sports law and substantial commercial and insurance litigation. He has represented insurance and corporate risk clients for more than 25 years, handling complex and high value cases.

Growing means you are attracting more good people, you’ve got more opportunities and the chance to retain quality people.

It’s an exciting place to be."

Gareth is also the company secretary of the Welsh Rugby Union, for whom he has acted for 20 years, and a trustee of the Welsh Rugby Charitable Trust which supports rugby players who have suffered serious injury playing the game. He is the chairman of the board of governors of the University of South Wales, having formerly been chairman of the board of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

53

SPONSORSHIP

Golden Wonders: from left, Gwenllian Thomas, Marketing Manager of Thomas Carroll and Laura Eedy, Marketing Assistant of Thomas Carroll, pictured at a Welsh Poppy sowing session at Pentrebane Community Centre, Cardiff.

The Daffodil may reign supreme as the national flower of Wales, but there is another golden yellow bloom which deserves celebrating and protecting, the Welsh Poppy.

Thomas Carroll has pledged its support to the National Botanic Garden of Wales ‘Legacy Campaign’ by sponsoring the DNA barcode of ‘Meconopsis Cambrica'.

The Legacy Campaign encourages people to leave bequests to the Garden in their wills, which help maintain the public garden and benefit future generations.

54

Throughout 2014, the centenary of the start of the First World War, Thomas Carroll is promoting the conservation of these beautiful Welsh flowers.

We have recently supplied £1,000 worth of Welsh poppy seeds to local schools, community gardens and our Club Signature clients.

Gwenllian Thomas, Marketing Manager of Thomas Carroll

Group, said: "We believe the Year of the Welsh Poppy provides an important opportunity for promoting the conservation of this beautiful perennial, by getting involved in school gardening projects.

We believe the Welsh Poppy is a beautiful plant which deserves more recognition and wider cultivation in Wales."

Thomas Carroll

The Welsh poppy adds a dainty vibrancy to any garden, with its elegant and graceful foliage and abundance of large golden poppy flowers, which are produced in succession from late spring to early autumn.

A perennial, the Welsh Poppy will self-seed freely in undisturbed ground.

To grow the Welsh Poppy in your garden, seeds are readily available and can be sown from September to October or February to May.

COMMUNITY

Tŷ Hafan 15 th Birthday Having supported Ty Hafan since fundraising began in 1999, we would like to wish the charity a very happy 15th birthday.

Based in Sully, Tŷ Hafan was the first children’s hospice in Wales to offer care to life-limited children and young people. It immediately began to bring much-needed comfort and support to families in Wales.

Tŷ Hafan is much more than bricks and mortar. To date it has provided care and support to nearly 600 children and their families.

Tŷ Hafan provides. Our very own executives, Geza Hajgato and Paul Evans, set out on individual missions this year to raise vital funds.

It costs £10,000 a day to run all the services that

Paul Runs a Marathon Paul Evans did his bit for Tŷ Hafan taking part in the world famous London Marathon.

We asked him about the experience.

Q. How many weeks did you train?

“I followed a 16 week training plan – four runs every week (many in the rain!) including the dreaded early morning weekend long run. It took about year of regular running prior to this, so that my fitness was at a reasonable level.”

Q. What was your marathon time?

“A ground-breaking four hours, 56 minutes!

Not brilliant, but I was there to finish.”

Q. How much did you raise?

“I raised £3,525 with my wife Nerys.”

Fighting Fit: Geza Hajgato (left) and Paul Evans

Geza Gloves Up for Charity Congratulations go to Geza Hajgato, Thomas Carroll Account Executive, who took part in a white collar boxing charity event in support of the Tŷ Hafan hospice for young lives.

At Fight Club 10, organised by Elite Fitness, Geza won his bout, having never boxed before he started training for the event.

"I thoroughly enjoyed learning to box for a good cause. Tŷ Hafan is a wonderful charity that gives support

Q. Would you do it again?

“Absolutely – I have entered the ballot for next year. On the day, you kind of forget about the training, which was very difficult.”

Your reflections on the event: “It was a fantastic day and one we will both never forget – apart from our wedding day, it was probably the best day we have had together.

The weather was perfect, with London looking fantastic and the crowds all the way round were amazing, offering encouragement, jelly beans, slices of orange and even a doughnut!

to life-limited children and their families.

I would like to say a big thank you to my sponsors, Thomas Carroll Group and Jeff White Motors, and everyone who has sponsored and supported me!”

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

Running for Tŷ Hafan was very special too.

Having visited a number of times, including quite an emotional visit two weeks prior to the marathon, it was all the motivation we needed to help keep us going.”

55

Photograph: Clare Tebbit

NEWS

On a high: Pictured at the new Thomas Carroll Hereford office, from left, Rhys Thomas, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Group, Wendy Peplow, Thomas Carroll Hereford, John Moore MBE, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc, and Charles Taylor of Thomas Carroll Hereford

NEW HEREFORD Office Officially Opened

Thomas Carroll has opened its first regional office outside the Principality, with a new regional office in Hereford.

The new office, which also serves surrounding Welsh counties, is located at Broadway House in Broad Street, in the centre of Hereford.

Mike Ashton, Chief Executive of Herefordshire & Worcestershire Chamber of Commerce, who officially opened the new office, said:

Thomas Carroll Hereford is headed up by local insurance brokers Charles Taylor and Wendy Peplow, with 37 years and 30 years of insurance industry experience respectively. Both have joined from Clarke Roxburgh Insurance Brokers, which was purchased by Jelf in 2008.

“It’s always great to welcome new businesses to Herefordshire. It shows that the county is buoyant. Attracting businesses like Thomas Carroll, with their professional reputation, is good for the local business mix. It also boosts our standing as a business region, and that can only be good for the local economy as a whole.”

John Moore, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc, said: “This is very much a logical move for us, geographically. We already enjoy a diverse client base in Herefordshire, including the Wye Valley Group, as well as long-standing clients in neighbouring Powys and Monmouthshire.

Our new base gives us access to an important marketplace, allowing us to develop our group offering further into Herefordshire and Worcestershire.”

56

Thomas Carroll

Thomas Carroll Hereford is based at Broadway House, 32-35 Broad Street, Hereford HR4 9AR t. 01432 359500 www.thomascarroll.co.uk/hereford

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57

PEOPLE

Keeping Up with Jones Our very own Business Executive, Louise Jones, won

Bridging a gap: Members of Thomas Carroll Haverfordwest team, from left: Claire Sutton, Robert Jones MBE, Brian Hawkins, Martin Colley, Ian Ace, Alison Rees, Simon Lawrence and Dafydd Jones

Ace Appointments at Haverfordwest Off ice

Young Achiever of the Year at the Cardiff Chartered Insurance

the size of its Pembrokeshire executive

Institute (CII) annual

team, with four new appointments.

dinner in March.

With only two years’ experience in the insurance industry, Louise was recently promoted to Business Executive within our growing legal indemnities team. A law graduate from Swansea University, Louise has excelled through her insurance qualifications, reaching Diploma level, with the intention of becoming a Chartered insurance broker within a year.

Louise is actively involved in the industry and was selected from members across the UK to participate in the CII’s New Generation Programme. This scheme encourages and develops future leaders in the sector. Her current role as Regional Secretary for the British Institute of Brokers Association (BIBA) has led to an approach from the CEO of BIBA, Steve White, to represent the region on the BIBA Young Committee.

Going above and beyond her role has been the key to Louise’s fast track achievements, which have now been recognised by this prestigious award.

58

Thomas Carroll Haverfordwest has doubled

Experienced Haverfordwest insurance broker Ian Ace is appointed to the senior position of Non-executive Director of Thomas Carroll Group plc. With a career in insurance spanning over 40 years, Ian was Managing Director of Hedley Davies Insurance, which later merged with Antur Insurance Services.

Joining the Victoria Place office as Account Executive is Brian Hawkins, together with Alison Rees as SME Executive and Claire Sutton as Account Broker.

Ian Ace said: “It is extremely exciting to be part of a Welsh-based broker of UK renown which is truly independent and delivers its services from within the communities it serves.

"Our blend of experienced local broking expertise, and the dynamism of the Thomas Carroll way, makes for an important new advantage for the Haverfordwest business community. I am also more than delighted to be joining Thomas Carroll at Group level as a non-executive director.”

Thomas Carroll

Specialising in the field of commercial broking, Brian Hawkins has nearly 30 years in the insurance sector. Brian joins Thomas Carroll from Nicholas Insurance Services in Haverfordwest.

Alison Rees and Claire Sutton, with 20 years and 12 years insurance broking experience respectively, have moved to Thomas Carroll from Antur in Haverfordwest.

Robert Jones MBE, Regional Director of Thomas Carroll Group plc, said: “Since opening our Haverfordwest office in May 2013, to serve our existing clients locally, we have seen significant business growth, hence the need to expand our team.

"These exciting appointments illustrate our expansion, which is ahead of target and epitomises our policy of appointing locally based insurance professionals, who bring a wealth of experience to our growing client portfolio.”

PEOPLE

Great New Group of Graduates

Sullivan Takes Swansea CII Presidency

New Arrivals: Pictured with John Moore MBE, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc L – R: Mark Slade, Gregory Edwards, Mike Powell, Simon Skinner, Rhys Woodward, Cerith Bevan, Nathan Dixon, Laura Eedy and Roxanne Jones.

The Group’s

Announcing the third significant wave of appointments in as many years, John Moore MBE, Chairman of Thomas Carroll Group plc, said: “Our appointments strategy encompasses both experienced insurance and financial services experts, as well as a healthy graduate programme.

Graduate Programme continued to grow this year with a further eight graduate appointments, adding to the steady stream of young university

"We are excited to be nourishing talent by attracting individuals to the business. Through a structured training and development programme, we offer everyone at Thomas Carroll the opportunity to achieve a fulfilling career, whilst securing a bright future for the business.”

GRADUATE APPOINTMENTS:

talent who have joined the Group.

Mark Slade joins as a Graduate Executive with a BA (Hons) in Business Management. Nathan Dixon, who has an HND in Computer Forensics, joins as

Group IT Technician. Cerith Bevan, with an LLB (Hons) in Law & Politics, joins as a Legal Indemnities Broker.

Gregory Edwards arrives as a Graduate Broker, qualified with an LLB (Hons) in Law. Rhys Woodward, our new Development Executive for the SME sector, has a BSc (Hons) in Economics.

Roxanne Jones, who has an LLB (Hons) in Law, joins the team as a Graduate Claims Executive.

Laura Eedy, who has a BA (Hons) in Illustration, joins us as Group Marketing Assistant.

Simon Skinner joins our financial team as Assistant to the Financial Manager, with a Diploma in Accounting.

Also pictured above is former Glamorgan cricket star, Mike Powell, who has been appointed to the position of Business Development Executive.

Kevin Phillips has been appointed as a Claims Executive. Joining us from Antur Insurance, Kevin specialises in private, small business and commercial insurance claims.

Originally from Haverfordwest, Kevin now lives near Bridgend.

www.thomascarroll.co.uk

This year, Mark Sullivan our Swansea based Account Executive, takes the role of President of the Swansea and West Wales Chartered Insurance Institute (CII).

Originally from Pontardawe, Mark has 25 years' experience in the insurance industry, spending the last four years with Thomas Carroll.

Mark has been on the CII committee for two years and looks forward to continuing his work with the council to promote and champion the Chartered Insurance Institute throughout the area.

The President's role is to shape the future of our industry by exerting influence at a local level, ensuring that the sector continues to give something back to the community.

Jim Grigoriou, who lives in Barry, joins the Group with over 27 years' experience in the insurance industry.

Previously with Willis, Jim joins the new business team at our Cardiff HQ, as Business Development Executive.

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Commercial and Personal Insurance Health and Safety Financial Management Employment Law Legal Indemnities

Proudly awarded

UK Insurance Broker of the Decade* With more specialists in Wales than any group in our sector, Thomas Carroll takes care of it all for you, from insurance to health & safety and financial advice.

Dafydd Jones Business Development Executive

Visit

thomascarroll.co.uk Email

info@thomas-carroll.co.uk LOCAL窶ポ窶イHARTERED窶ポ窶オNDEPENDENT *British Insurance Awards