Stewart Shram, Author at Graham Sykes Insurance

So how to get hold of a quote on my own.

For those of you who are seasoned event organisers or stallholders it could not be simpler, just hop online. Many companies, including mine, give you online access to a full quote and buy system.

A few things worth checking beforehand though:

Getting the correct level of public liability cover can be difficult enough. Therefore, buying insurance for £millions can seem very strange but consider why you are buying it. For example public and employers liability covers bodily injury. This money may be used to provide care which could be needed for years.

Remember insurance contacts are “good faith” contracts so you need to set them up truthfully. You may need to answer some qualifying questions before you buy your policy. It is very important that you answer them correctly. If you are unsure then call your chosen provider before you buy .

Looking after your helpers is a legal requirement, this even includes volunteers. They all need to be covered under employers’ liability.

In some cases event organisers or site owners may say that they want a specific level of public liability. Some, councils for example, may ask you for £5m. It is worth checking before you buy because amending policies afterwards may incur a charge.

If you are selling something you will also need to consider product liability. In some cases this is set to the same value as your public liability. So please check the policy wording or call your broker or insurer.

There are other covers that may be available to cover stock and property. You may also want protection against cancellation. Many additional covers are available on the online quote and buy options. But if you have thought of one that isn’t there just give us a call.

Online purchase means you should get all your documents almost instantly. However, before you put them in your bag ready for your event, please take time to check they are correct. It is far better to change mistakes before the event.

Once you have chosen your provider. Selected the level of cover you need. Answered all the questions and paid the premium. The only thing left to do is focus on making the most of your event or stall.

Now I have it all under control!

Good luck!

You may have read in the press that the DVLA have withdrawn the counterpart driving licence (Paper Endorsement Section) with effect from 8th June 2015. You will no longer be required to keep the counterpart, and any new driving licence applications will be issued without the counterpart.

Insurance companies will still need to validate information that has been supplied to them regarding your policy, and the following procedure will need to be followed.

Go to https://www.gov.uk/government/news/driving-licence-changes
You will need to enter your Driving Licence Number, National Insurance Number and Postcode (Please make sure that you use the postcode that is shown on your photocard driving licence).
Once you consent to the DVLA checking your information, you will be presented with your driving licence details. Click on the “Share your licence information” tab
Click on the “Create a Code” button, you will be presented with a random code, this code will last for 3 weeks, and can only be used once. Therefore please click on the “view, print or save your licence information” link. This will give you the option to save the file as a PDF.
Email the saved PDF file to us to the following email address : info@graham-sykes.co.uk quoting your name and address and you client reference number.

Please Note: Each driver on your policy will need to obtain their licence information and follow the above steps.
It’s a criminal offence to obtain someone else’s personal information without their permission.

Download the visual how to here

What to do with your paper counterpart

The paper counterpart to a driving licence has had no legal status since 8 June 2015. You should destroy yours if you have one, but keep your photocard driving licence.

Report by Mike Champion on a “taster” visit to the

Flight Simulator – Now at The Flybe Training Academy

Sometime ago the Virtual Jet Centre invited Graham Sykes, Chief Executive of Graham Sykes Insurance for a brief “demo” session in their flight simulator. Graham asked if I would visit on his behalf and evaluate the session to see what relevance it might have to his business. I have a passion for aviation I was an RAF pilot for twenty years and then worked in a family business.

I was initially met by the VJC Boss Captain Andy Wilkins a former airline captain and his team of instructors. They all demonstrated a very high level of enthusiasm for the project.

An ordinary looking small industrial unit was to unveil a very non-ordinary scene. A flight simulator (BOEING 737-800) a cabin (containing around 20 seats) and a suite of computers flying simulators (about 10)

After a tour of these very impressive facilities I had a go myself at take-off circuit and a simulated landing at Munich airport. Having flown many hours in flight simulators I was amazed how realistic this was The flight simulator was built by Captain Andy himself, it was superb. When, as you come into land you get an adrenalin rush you know it’s good!

The three main areas of interest are :

Pilot training, professional/student pre and post graduate qualifications etc.
A fun day for the boss or valued employee or customer, which I consider very good value at around £150 per day. As a former business owner I would seriously consider this particularly if clients are interested in aviation, even better if more than one.
The third major area of interest and perhaps the most important is that of “a team building experience!”

Many aircraft accident and incidents over the years have been caused by a breakdown in communication between Captain, first officer, cabin staff, engineers and air traffic controllers even my single seat Jet flying experience there were incidents of this nature. In the mid 80’s the airline industry very rapidly realised that ‘Human Factors’ now called ‘Crew Resource Management’ was a very important aspect of training.

The relevance in a small business may not immediately be apparent and I can assure you with both my flying and business hat on, it is! My small business was a classic family business where many employees had been in the business for many years, complacency had set in and team spirit was very poor therefore the business was inefficient.

So back to the Virtual Jet Centre here they run day long courses for typically 6 – 8 people or fewer and introduce many team building experiences. For example a team of two could fly the simulator and could be assessed individually or as a team, one person could be the pilot and the other 2nd pilot responsible for undercarriage, flaps, navigation etc. Another experience might involve the cabin where emergencies could be simulated and ‘before flight’ briefings could be given in teams. There are too many team situations to be covered here. Refer to www.virtualjetcentre.co.uk where you can get more information.

In all these activities I feel a very close and efficient team of employees would gain as much as a group of employees who are far from a team from this experience. I would not hesitate to have sent my employees on this adventure as I am sure productivity would have improved or I would offer this as a day out for a valued Client. And it’s a bit more exciting than a day at the races or a day’s cricket!

Many thanks, once again, to Captain Andy Wilkins for a quick look at a very professional and thought provoking experience.