The insurance challenges facing care operators

Care operators are facing continued pressures and rising costs including insurance premiums, potential litigation, recruitment issues and a reduction in self-funded admissions. With certain insurance premiums rising, as potential risk increases and appetite for the sector diminishes, it’s more important than ever to work with an insurance broker that understands the sector.  

Specialist health and care insurance broker, TL Dallas & Co Ltd (TL Dallas), works with many independent and corporate care home groups and domiciliary care providers across the UK and is offering an all-encompassing service, including access to a wide range of insurance packages, risk management and business advice, to help care providers reduce costs and plan for the future.

Headed up by two brokers, Rico Young and James Bright, who have almost 25 years’ combined health and care industry experience, TL Dallas understands the issues care providers face and can arrange tailored insurance packages, designed to meet individual client needs, covering all aspects of insurance and risk management, as well as cyber security and management liability. TL Dallas can also provide advice to providers that require CQC assistance and guidance, ranging from CQC applications to inspections and interventions.

James Bright said: “We understand that care providers have a lot on their plates! Often insurance is only something they think about at renewal time, or when they need to make a claim. However, partnering with an independent broker like TL Dallas, that takes the time to understand your business throughout the year, will ultimately help mitigate future risks.

“Over the years we have heard horror stories of care providers falling foul to incidents, such as personally being sued over employee claims, as they have the wrong level of directors’ and owners’ liability cover, only getting a percentage of re-build costs paid out as they were under-insured or falling victim to fraud with no compensation. The key to making sure that care providers are insured correctly, is taking the time to thoroughly understand the business.”

Rico Young added: “We can offer care providers a review of what policies they have in place at any point during their policy period, to ensure they have the right cover, not just at renewal, and can advise care operators that want a second opinion. A policy can appear cost effective, however, if it’s not addressing real issues in the business, it’s worthless.

“As a broker TL Dallas is not tied to a specific panel of insurers, which means we can approach a wider range of insurance companies. As such we are providing an unbiased solution, by placing business with the right insurers.

“We also work with a specialist risk management consultancy that can review a care providers business, helping identify what they can do if for example, the CQC has put them into special measures. We know of providers, where in extreme circumstances, insurance cover has been pulled overnight after a poor CQC rating, so having access to consultants who understand this process before that happens, is hugely valuable.”

TL Dallas works with care providers that are just starting out in the industry, as well as long standing industry leaders and everything in between. James added: “All clients need to feel reassured that their broker cares about them and their business. As times change, new risks emerge, such as cyber insurance, which care providers can’t afford to ignore. As care plans become digital, sensitive information is held on devices or in the cloud. What happens if the technology fails? We heard about one provider who held everything on a USB stick – the implications for the business if that was lost or stolen are vast! 

“We work with key insurance providers that can offer a free review of IT systems to identify where the issues are through expert IT software analysis. Any problems can be addressed and certified, so an insurance company can see that the care operator has rigorous processes in place.

“If a provider is expanding their business, we can help plan for this. If they are struggling with recruitment and want to offer employees a package of benefits that will help attract people to their team, our sister company, TL Dallas Independent Financial Services can provide advice regarding this.

“It’s not just about the annual renewal for us, we do everything we can to protect clients as well as helping them grow and thrive. We discuss long-term agreements with insurers and negotiate rebates where there are low levels of claims.

“Insurance is a complex business, but we are here to make it as straightforward and as valuable as possible.”  

TL Dallas appoints experienced Cumbrian insurance broker

The Cumbrian office of TL Dallas, which launched just five months ago, has expanded with the appointment of Philip Jackson.

Philip is Cumbrian born and bred and has been in the insurance industry for 40 years this August. He joins TL Dallas from Marsh Commercial.

Philip started his career in insurance at CH Jeffries in 1983, which went onto become one of the largest independent brokers in England, before being sold multiple times. Philip said: “Having experienced first-hand what can happen when an independent firm is sold to bigger, corporate businesses, with local teams stripped out and the hiving off of certain types of businesses to central hubs, I was keen to join another truly independent business like TL Dallas.

“I take great pride in my work and wanted to be part of a business with values, purpose, accountability, and integrity and can offer a local service. Making a move after so many years was a big decision, but when I met the team at TL Dallas there was a palpable sense of calm, professional assuredness, a friendly and warm welcome and a feeling that I’d met a group of very professional and capable people.”

During the first 20 years of Philip’s carer, he mainly insured traditional Cumbrian industries including farms, haulage firms, contracting businesses, as well as clients in the motor trade, manufacturing and charity sectors. Philip added: “As well as advising and arranging insurance cover, I was also responsible for handling any claims. I’m very passionate about providing a hands on, personal claims service, and being allowed to do this was a key driver in joining TL Dallas, but I also benefit from an in-house claims team.”

In the past two decades Philip developed an interest in specific sectors including theatres both touring and venues, along with commercial laundries, manufacturing, all aspects of the charity sector, whilst maintaining and growing his farming client base. Philip said: “My previous client base took me from Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh, through England to London and across to the Isle of Man, but I’ve never lost the original love of farming insurance and related Cumbrian businesses, which I’m looking forward to building on at TL Dallas.”

Philip joins two former colleagues at TL Dallas’s Cumbrian office, Lynne Taylor and Emma Irving, who have 60 years combined industry experience. Lynne said: “We are really pleased to have Philip join our team. We’re working with commercial, corporate, and agricultural clients and believe that Philip’s appointment will appeal to clients old and new.”

Polly Staveley, managing director at TL Dallas, said: “It’s an exciting proposition for clients to have Emma, Lynne and now Philip based in the heart of Cumbria. Their combined experience is extraordinary and their expert knowledge and dedication to a first-class service to clients is admirable. We plan to continue investing and growing in Cumbria and are committed to providing clients with access to our wider network of insurance and financial services through this team.”

We are hiring!

To support our continued growth, we are looking for new team members to join our group.

Business (SME) Broker – Bradford

Corporate Broker – Bradford

Property Owner Scheme Underwriter – Bradford

Corporate Executive – London

Private Client team members

If you are interested in working for a stable, independent broker with opportunities across the UK, that values its people highly, please email: careers@tldallas.com

More healthy growth for independent insurance broker

TL Dallas is expanding after appointing two insurance brokers that specialise in the health and care industry.

Account executives, Rico Young and James Bright have joined TL Dallas from Marsh Commercial. They have almost 25 years’ combined industry experience and will be spearheading the firm’s health and care specialism.

Rico said: “After completing my business and economic degree, I started my career in general commercial insurance at SME Insurance Services Limited, before being headhunted by Bluefin Insurance, who were later acquired by Marsh Commercial. Gaining a promotion to account executive in 2018, I managed and grew a book worth £1.5m of gross written premium, with a diverse client portfolio. Experienced at insuring care homes, domiciliary care providers, doctors and dental surgeries, I also advise clients on ancillary policies including motor-fleet, property, management liability and cyber insurance to ensure any potential gaps in cover are addressed. I was keen to join an independent broker again and TL Dallas’s reputation for personal client service and caring for their people really stood out for me, as their values align with my own.”

James said: “I started my insurance career in personal lines insurance in 2005. I then moved to the commercial sector in 2013, working for Bluefin Insurance, which later becoming Marsh Commercial, taking on a new business role for care sector clients. In 2016 I started a management role focussed on growing the care department, looking after a team of account executives and brokers, while still liaising with key clients. In 2019, I went onto replicate the successes of the care division, setting up a new business department for the SME team, whilst also dealing with most types of commercial business, before returning to head up the health and care department in 2021.

“I really enjoy the work mitigating the risks that businesses face in the health and care sector, including medical malpractice and professional indemnity. I also work with clients to provide them with other vital cover, including management liability, cyber, engineering and property insurance. I’m thrilled to be joining TL Dallas. The firm is renowned in the industry for supporting its people and has an excellent team of talented brokers working across 12 UK offices.”

Polly Staveley, managing director at TL Dallas, said: “‘James and Rico are professional, technical brokers who have been working in the health and care sector for over 20 years. They understand the challenges faced by the sector and have access to specialist insurers that cover a wide range of insurance options for our clients.

“They will help us grow our market share in the health and care sector working with individual and large-scale multi-site care homes, children’s homes, foster care agencies, hospices, retirement homes, domiciliary care and supported living providers, charities, dental practices and GP surgeries, as well as with providers of complementary and alternative therapies.”

Head of commercial at TL Dallas, Tim Mortimer, added: “Our commercial division is going from strength to strength with a 15% uplift in business over the last financial year. Welcoming Rico and James to the team is a real highlight for us. Both are dedicated professional brokers who put clients first and have the technical knowledge and expertise to get the best policies in place for clients.”

Contact James Bright on 07984 143885 / James.Bright@tldallas.com or Rico Young on 07984 143758 / Rico.Young@tldallas.com, or contact the office on 01274 465 500 / care@tldallas.com

TL Dallas tells the same story as figures reveal a rise in independent bookshops

The Booksellers Association (BA) has reported that the number of independent bookshops in the UK and Ireland has grown for the sixth consecutive year, and the rise is something insurance broker, TL Dallas is also seeing, as enquires increase for book related insurance products. 

TL Dallas provides a suite of specialist insurance policies to hundreds of bookshops throughout the UK. It has worked with bookshop owners, book dealers, book binders and private collectors for over 30 years, and also specialises in insuring unusual collectable items, including gaming cards.

The figures from the BA reveal that the number of independent bookshop members at the end of 2022 grew to 1,072 shops, up from 1,027 in 2021, and the lowest point of 867 in 2016. This marks a decade of growth, following 20 years of decline.

TL Dallas is reporting an increase in the number of new policies it has provided to independent bookshops, in particular. Molly Jones, from TL Dallas in London, said: “We feel privileged to have protected hundreds of bookshop owners, book dealers, book binders and private collectors for so many years, and it’s an area that we feel very passionate about.

“We have seen a steady increase in the number of new bookshop owning clients taking out policies with our firm over the last few years, which is great news, and many are independently owned.

“We find that independent bookshop owners want to work with an insurance broker who understands how important their business is and the unique challenges they face. Our bespoke approach, as well as our knowledgeable and experienced team, alongside an in-house claims team, is proving very popular amongst independent bookshop owners.”

Polices typically bought by bookshop owners include cover for buildings, stock, contents, goods in transit, book fairs, other locations, business interruption, public liability, employers liability and money.

TL Dallas is the approved insurance provider of the Provincial Booksellers Fairs Association (PBFA), a national organisation that organises second-hand and antique book fairs in the UK, with over 400 members offering rare books, prints, manuscripts, maps and more.

Contact TL Dallas in London on 020 7426 5330, email molly.jones@tldallas.com or visit https://www.tldallas.com/ for more details.

Independent insurance broker expands into Cumbria

An independent insurance broking and risk management specialist is expanding into Cumbria. TL Dallas, which already has 11 UK offices, has appointed seasoned insurance professionals, Lynne Taylor and Emma Irving, who have 60 years combined industry experience, to head up the office. 

TL Dallas in Cumbria offers general commercial, corporate and agricultural business insurance and will be based on the Dovenby Hall Estate, near Cockermouth. 

Lynne began her insurance career at General Accident in Workington and worked in personal and commercial underwriting including claims. After a period as a commercial and farm underwriter at Provincial in Carlisle, Lynne was offered a position at C H Jeffries in Cockermouth 28 years ago. She became a broking manager for the firm’s three offices and latterly, for more than a decade, worked as an account executive across the commercial, corporate and agricultural sectors.  

Emma joined C H Jeffries 24 years ago, in the firm’s commercial business unit, which she helped develop into a substantial core part of the business. Emma then took on the team leader role, whilst also developing as an account executive, with her own book of commercial clients. 

C H Jeffries was the largest independent insurance broker in Cumbria before it was bought by Willis, which sold to Smart & Cook and was later bought by Bluefin.  A subsequent merged company with Jelf Insurance was then purchased by Marsh Commercial.

Emma said: “C H Jeffries was very customer focussed. When TL Dallas announced plans to expand into Cumbria, their core values instantly resonated with both Lynne and myself. 

“We have a diverse mix of businesses in Cumbria, and we believe that essentially Cumbrian businesses continue to want to work with people that they know and trust and prefer face to face contact. Of course, we use all the latest technological advancements to facilitate a personal service, genuine expertise and in-depth industry and local market knowledge. 

“We are looking forward to working with the rest of the TL Dallas team and can’t wait to welcome clients from Cumbria and beyond, as well as growing our team here.” 

Polly Staveley, managing director at TL Dallas, said: “Both Lynne and Emma have excellent industry reputations and they know the Cumbrian market inside and out. Their attention to detail, client focus and impressive industry expertise will appeal to clients keen to work with the pair, whilst also benefiting from our wider network and services.” 

TL Dallas is a fourth-generation family firm, owned by its management and staff that has been in business for more than 100 years. Renowned for its personal broking service and really getting to grips with its clients’ needs, TL Dallas strikes a balance between the most comprehensive and cost-effective policies. 

The company has a team of 145 and offers insurance services spanning commercial, personal, trade credit, books and collectables, farming and agricultural, specialist avian influenza (bird flu) and demolition contractor, as well as due diligence, risk management and independent financial services. TL Dallas also has an in-house claims consultancy division.  

Contact Lynne Taylor on 07496 326 448 / Lynne.Taylor@tldallas.com or Emma Irving on 07496 325 138 / Emma.Irving@tldallas.com.

TL Dallas expands in Glasgow following flurry of contract wins

TL Dallas is expanding in Glasgow following a flurry of contract wins, including clients in the renewables, technology and life science sectors. As a result, TL Dallas has appointed Iwona Siwik, who has a first-class honours degree in risk management from Glasgow University and several years industry experience as a corporate broker. She will support the commercial team, which includes Douglas Lapsley and Fiona Parker. There will be further team expansion this summer with another senior appointment.

Bernard Dunn, from TL Dallas in Glasgow, said: “As well as providing commercial insurance services to clients in the manufacturing, property, construction, food and drink sectors, we have developed a niche service specifically for the renewables sector and now have a significant number of hydro scheme clients.

“Glasgow is a real powerhouse for early stage high-growth technology and life science companies, and we have been privileged to guide a number of new businesses starting up in these sectors with specialist insurance advice, through our close working relationships with major Scottish Universities.

“In addition to commercial insurance, our due diligence consultancy service, which provides an insurance health check review to investment firms acquiring equity stakes in businesses, is continuing to grow, and we plan to recruit further this year, as we continue to work with our valued clients and win new ones.”

TL Dallas is a fourth-generation family business with 11 offices across the UK, included its Glasgow office on St Vincent Street. The team of 10 in Glasgow are led by experienced insurance brokers Bernard Dunn and Tim Mackenzie, who have more than 70 years combined industry experience.

The TL Dallas Glasgow and Edinburgh teams are all active in their local business communities. Douglas is on the board of the Glasgow Chamber of Commerce and a director of the Merchants House of Glasgow. Tim, Bernard and Fiona are board members of various charities and not for profit organisations. TL Dallas is a member of Family Business United (FBU) Scotland, and proud sponsors of The Glasgow Accies Rugby Club in Glasgow.

TL Dallas gears up for growth with hat-trick of office moves

TL Dallas, is expanding after relocating three of its offices to new premises, which follows the successful launch of two new businesses within the group last year. 

TL Dallas, which has 11 UK offices, expanded into Lincolnshire at the end of 2021, launching Dallas Scott Davey with experienced insurance professionals, Ed Davey, and Darren Scott, who have 45 years combined industry experience.

Dallas Scott Davey offers specialist agricultural and business insurance and has now relocated to Plowright House, which is the University of Lincoln’s former agricultural campus within its Riseholme Estate. Today Plowright House is a Barclays Eagle Labs office hub with a focus on cutting-edge AgriTech research and related businesses.

The company now has a team of three in Lincoln and plans to triple in size over the next 18 months, recruiting six new account handlers and brokers.

In April 2021, TL Dallas also opened an office in the Craven district of North Yorkshire. Known as Dallas Wilding Drew, the office is headed up by Simon Drew and Mark Wilding and offers general commercial insurance to privately owned businesses across all sectors. Simon and Mark have a combined total of more than 50 years of corporate insurance, personal insurance, and risk management experience between them.

Originally located in Settle, Dallas Wilding Drew has already grown to a team of four people, following the recent appointment of Shirley Walters from Marsh Commercial, and has now expanded into larger offices at Asquith Business Park in Gargrave near Skipton.

In addition, the London office of TL Dallas has relocated to 14 Devonshire Square, in the City of London, close to Liverpool Street Station. The office has recently recruited three new people and now has a 16-strong team supplying commercial insurance products to businesses across all industries, SMEs and hotels. In addition, the London office offers a variety of specialist products, including books, collectables and demolition insurance.

Polly Staveley, managing director at TL Dallas, said: “Simon, Mark, Ed, and Darren are all very experienced and genuinely strive to offer their clients the best products and advice possible and will negotiate hard on their behalf, so we knew they’d be a great fit for TL Dallas.

“Putting their names over the door and launching these businesses is a great way for us to bolster our business and service offerings in new areas, whilst giving experienced industry stalwarts the opportunity to be shareholders in the business.

“Our London office is also going from strength to strength and relocating to prestigious new premises in the heart of the City is an exciting prospect as we continue to grow our client base in the South of England.”

Ed Davey, director at Dallas Scott Davey, said: “In a short space of time we’ve quickly established a strong client base across a wide area, with our core business being in Lincolnshire and Yorkshire. Farming is experiencing significant challenges across all sectors, not least due to agri-inflation. Steering a course for the business and building the right strategy needs more careful attention than ever before. Ultimately farms and associated businesses are having to balance cost versus risk and our specialist industry knowledge and ability to provide a bespoke service is proving very popular.

“Expanding into new premises within the University of Lincoln’s former agricultural campus, which is now home to a wide range of businesses at the forefront of the farming industry, is the perfect address for a specialist agricultural insurance broker.”

Simon Drew, from Dallas Wilding Drew, said: “We set out with the aim of being trusted advisers and delivering the best value for money for our clients across general commercial and corporate insurance. In just over 12 months, we’ve doubled the size of our team and plan to create more jobs this year, as the number of clients we work with continually increases. This new office gives us the ideal platform to continue growing.”

Left to right is Darren Scott and Ed Davey

Our Credit Insurance team welcome new members

Bringing a total of 30 years’ experience to the company, Jonathan Grant and Sandie Cater-Wright join our Credit Insurance team in Bradford’s headquarters. The appointments follow a period of growth we’ve seen in this division, which is expected to continue into 2022.

Joining from Bibby as a Trade Credit Account Handler, Sandie brings extensive experience working in banking and insurance roles and will support our Account Executives locally. Jonathan  joined the team as an Account Executive, having previously worked on a number of large portfolio clients at Aon.

The appointments continue the positive momentum for our company, following the launch of Dallas Wilding Drew, the company’s first North Yorkshire office, in Settle earlier this year, and Dallas Scott Davey Ltd more recently in Lincolnshire.

Jonathan Smith, Strategic Director of Trade Credit and Surety at TL Dallas, said: “After witnessing significant income growth across the company, we’re delighted to welcome Sandie and Jonathan to the Trade Credit division.

“Their expertise and approach will be significant assets to the TL Dallas offering and will help us to further support clients ranging from SMEs to large corporates. In the current climate it is more important than ever for companies to protect their Balance Sheet and Trade Credit insurance assists with this through both insurance and good debtor management ”

Simon Hyde, Director of Trade Credit and Surety, added: “After celebrating our centenary in 2019, TL Dallas continues to go from strength to strength, cementing our position as a top ten specialist broker in the market, and one of the leading independents nationally.

“We expect this period of growth to continue well into next year and are currently on the look-out for further new team members who will help us to maintain our excellent reputation.”

If you’re looking for Trade Credit support or are interested in hearing about available roles at TL Dallas, please get in touch: info@tldallas.com.

 

Warning over new ‘flash for cash’ insurance scam

Criminals gangs tricking motorists before intentionally crashing into them

Investigators are warning about a new tactic by criminal gangs, dubbed ‘flash for cash’, where a driver flashes their lights to let another driver out of a junction, and then crashes into them deliberately.

The criminals then make money by putting in false personal injury claims for whiplash and loss of earnings, as well as submitting fake bills for vehicle recovery, repair and replacement car hire.

The Asset Protection Unit, which investigates fraud in collaboration with police and the insurance sector, has warned that the fraudsters often target elderly motorists or women with young children – drivers they believe will not challenge them on the scene.

And the new scam is harder to prove in court, because it comes down to the innocent driver’s word against the criminal’s that they flashed their lights to let them out.

 The number of flash for crash scams are not known, but the IFB estimates that 380 fraudulent personal injury claims from deliberate crashes are made every day and cost the motor insurance industry £392m every year.

 Detective inspector Dave Hindmarsh from the Metropolitan Police told the BBC: “[There are] emotional costs if you’re involved in a crash: you could well lose your confidence, and if your passengers are children they may well become wary of being passengers in cars, and of course you may get injured or killed.

 “It’s an extra £50 to £100 on every person’s premium, so that’s a financial cost.”

 

This article has been taken from The Insurance Times dated 16th August 2013 

http://www.insurancetimes.co.uk/warning-over-new-flash-for-cash-insurance-scam/1404027.article

The TLD 100 – Sponsored Walk

On the 13th of July a bunch of brave souls inadvertently chose one of the hottest days of the year for our first TLD 100 Charity Sponsored Walk. The route we chose was just short of a half marathon; from the TL Dallas Honley office back to the Head Office in Bradford.

 A distance of 12.6 miles was completed in 4 hours & 1 min in 30 degrees of blazing sunshine and has raised the fantastic total of £1068.00. It was an amazing team effort and everyone stuck together to make sure we all finished.

 It is just one of the events organised as part of our pledge to raise £100,000 by our 100th Anniversary in 2019.

 Massive thanks to all our walkers:

Susan Gill, Claire Humphries, Kevin Stevenson, James Bailey, Kerrell Cronly, Dianne Sweeney, Jamie Swann, Lynsey Brannan, Kristina Cook, Polly & James Staveley with their sons, Dillon & Oscar, 2 absolute troupers, Bruce & Caroline McNeill, Jason Tyas, last but not least, Sharon Shaw (and her 35 blisters) with her husband Mick.

We all had a great time and even though the last mile was ridiculously long, the only thing that kept us going was the ‘Chapel House’. Raising so much money was worth it.

Can I just say I have never enjoyed a pint as much as that one? Maybe the second one as well ………..

Well done guys and thanks to everyone who sponsored us.

National Fork Lift Safety Week

23-27th September, 2013

National Fork Lift Safety Week was launched in 2008 by the Fork Lift Truck Association to raise awareness of the dangers of fork lift environments, and the importance of common sense measures that can make fork lift operation as safe and efficient as possible.

This year, we’re encouraging 1,000,000 Britons to confirm their safety awareness in a bid to break the “accident plateau”. Click here for more information.

TL Dallas do Movember

Mark Adams, Matt Smith, Matt Rhodes, Adrian Ferris & Mike Martin at our Head Office in Bradford, are participating in Movember this year (not all were willing volunteers)

 For those who haven’t heard of Movember, it basically entails not shaving your moustache at all in the month of November, and yes, also looking like Baldrick balancing a dead slug on his top lip by the end of it.

 The main charity we are raising important funds for is Prostate Cancer UK

In addition T L Dallas Group will match whatever is raised and this will be added to our TLD 100 Charity fund as well.

If anyone wants to support us please give generously. We have set up a Just Giving page and the link is below:

http://www.justgiving.com/Matt-Rhodes1

TL Dallas Proud to Sponsor Family Business Awards

TL Dallas are delighted to be a category sponsor for The Herald’s Scottish Family Business Awards.

The award ceremony takes place in Glasgow in early December and TL Dallas are giving an award for Excellence in Customer Service.

http://herald-events.com/familybusiness/

The Herald – 9th November 2013

Polly Staveley is happy to steer the family firm home

by Scott Wright, The Herald, Group Business Correspondent

It is a voyage that began in Scotland in 1919, when its founder first became involved in marine insurance.  Almost a century later, the good ship TL Dallas is moving full-steam back into the Scottish market.

Polly Staveley, deputy managing director of the family-owned commercial insurance firm, believes her great grandfather would take particular satisfaction at the news that the business had gone “back to our Scottish roots”.

The firm has been active in Scotland since opening offices in Shetland in 1993, building on its long-standing connection to shipping insurance, and in Falkirk seven years later.

But it was the launch of its office in Glasgow’s St Vincent Street two years ago that signalled a serious step change in the TL Dallas operation, north of the Border.

Ms Staveley says: “That office has been going for nearly two years and it has already more than doubled in size. We are absolutely delighted to have a presence in the Glasgow market.

 

Read the whole article on the Herald Scotland’s website: Click here.

The TLD 100 Campaign

Our centenary year is in 2019 and to mark this very special occasion we have decided to launch a charity initiative involving all our people throughout the UK.

There will be a number of charities chosen each year and our fundraising will be targeted specifically towards helping them.Over the next 6 years we have a goal to raise over £100,000 for local and national charities.

This is a massive challenge for all involved with T L Dallas but with hard work and determination we feel it is possible.  We would welcome any ideas, donations or offers of help.

Our chosen charities for this year are:

  • MIND
  • British Heart Foundation
  • Candlelighters (Yorkshire based children’s cancer charity)
  • Sedburgh Club & TheJoshua Project (Both Bradford based, helping to keep children off the street)
  • Alzheimers Society, Scotland

 

Join the TL Dallas Charitable Trust community:

   Donate with JustGiving

Text TLDA10 £5 to 70070 to donate to T L D Charitable Trust and make a difference today.

24 Hour Emergency Telephone Numbers 2013-14

We’ve pulled together an updated list of our emergency telephone numbers for 2013-2014.

 

Commercial

Zurich, Allianz, Aviva, UK General;

Cunningham Lindsey

Ian Webster: 07880 780718

Kevin Hurley: 07766 511192

Rob Jessop: 07768 965681

Alternatively, they have an emergency desk line 02920386713

 

RSA; (RSA internal Adjuster) Richard Jenkins 07887 821153 or Terry O’Connor 0777032721

AXA; GAB Robins 0870 4006800

Amlin; Mainclaims telephone number 01245 396357 will automatically transfer your call to Questgates. Alternatively Questgates direct tel is 0845 0709500

 

Household

Zurich; 0845 712 5220

Zurich High Networth (ZPC); 0800 096 9999.

Hiscox; 0845 2138776

Amlin; as per commercial

RSA; 0870 607 6513

Aviva; 0800 012 345

 

Other useful numbers – (disaster recovery & cleaning services)

Chemdry – 08443245266

Rainbow International – 01623 422488

Insurance Times It Pack Finale

TL Dallas Account Executive Matt Smith has recently taken part in the Insurance Times It Pack Finale. The event, involving regional heats in London, Glasgow, Birmingham and Leeds, looks to find the brightest young broking talent across the UK.

Having won the Leeds regional heat, Matt recently took part in the event finale at Silverstone race track involving the 8 finalists undertaking a variety of activities and an interview with the judging panel.

 

The winner is announced at the prestigious Insurance Times Awards in London on 3rd December.

My Penguathlon 2013 by Jeremy Burnham

In late 2012, and after too many drinks at a friends Christmas party, I agreed to take part in my first “Penguathlon”. This was to involve cycling from Leeds to Newcastle (106 miles), run the Great North Run the following day (13.1 miles) and then cycle back to Ilkley (100 miles) the next day. Oh, and all dressed as a penguin!

Having spent the last few years doing various running events and latterly sprint Triathlons, I embarked on getting myself fit for the event. I also had to get to grips with bike cleats / shoes, which comically led to a couple of falls (for any cyclists reading this you will know what I mean!) and cycling in the Yorkshire Dales most weekends.

With Colin Jackson.
With Colin Jackson.

By early September, I was ready for the event and on the 14th September 16 penguins departed for Newcastle. The ride went very well with the weather kind to us and we arrived early evening at our accommodation in Gosforth. An early start was required on the Sunday morning as ahead of the Great North Run media duties (!) were required by the team. There was an interview with Radio 5live, being filmed by the BBC whilst cycling over the Tyne bridge and then following a quick change into our penguin suits, an interview with Colin Jackson for BBC1. By the time we got to the start line we were all more than ready for the race and we went on to receive fantastic support from the local public who turned out in force despite the very poor weather conditions.

Early Monday morning we set off on the journey home and despite encountering rain and 20mph winds most of the way, we arrived in Ilkley just before dark to family / friends at one of the local bars to enjoy some well earned beers!

To date I have personally raised over £1,700 and a huge thanks is owed to all my family, friends, TL Dallas & Co Ltd (who were one of the corporate sponsors) and colleagues, together with clients who have provided great support. In total, Team Penguin have collected over £23,000 for a local charity, Yorkshire Cancer Research.

www.penguathlon.com

Jeremy Burnham

TL Dallas at Wembley

And so it was that a party of 61 from TL Dallas Group; colleagues, family, friends and clients ended up standing side by side and as one with 32,000 others on that historic day at Wembley stadium, singing at the top of our voices for Bradford City at the end of what proved to be a game too far for our heroic team.

This cup story starts a long time before the 24th February 2013, and our links a long time before that. Bradford City were last in contention for a major trophy in 1911, when they won the FA Cup. That year’s FA Cup was made in Bradford by one of our longest standing clients, Thomas Fattorini. It was another 8 years before Colonel Thomas Lessels Dallas started our company and since then we have grown to be one of the most successful Independent Brokers in the UK.

For many years, including those fantastic 2 years from 1999 in the Premier League, TL Dallas had been a supporter of the club. When those glory days were over, many of their sponsors walked away and the club faced some very difficult times.

As one of Bradford’s longest standing businesses we wanted to show our support. After a number of meetings we eventually agreed with Julian Rhodes that we would take over sponsorship of The Bradford End; Symphony Group had, along with many others, lost faith and the stand was left bearing their name but producing no revenue in return.

Our good friends and clients New Vision Signs & Graphics worked with us to repaint and convert it into the shiny new TL Dallas Stand. Now in our 10th year, we have seen some very harsh times, frustrating managers, and underperforming players, but have also witnessed one of the most loyal crowds in the Football League and seen a club that just won’t lie down.

So came the start of the 2012-13 season; something was different. It wasn’t the new TL Dallas logo on the stand, or the new club anthem “Claret & Amber”, or the hoops instead of stripes; it was a new found hope and it came in some of the most amazing cup games seen for many years.

In the first couple of rounds of the Capital One Cup it just seemed like a bit of long overdue good luck, until we were on the verge of going out away to Watford. But suddenly, when everyone had almost given up hope, we turned the game round and won. The next game was at home to Burton and, 2-0 down at half time, we forced extra time and clawed back to 2-2. Up stepped young Steven Darby to put away the winner. Maybe this season was going to be different?

Next up – a money spinning tie away at Premiership Wigan. Off we went with the other 5,000 faithful and after 120 minutes it was stalemate at 0-0. We could hardly watch, but Bradford were gaining a reputation as penalty shoot out kings. They didn’t disappoint!

We awaited the quarter final draw with anticipation – Arsenal at home! A nice cash windfall but surely that was the end of our cup run. The TL Dallas Stand looked great on Sky TV, taking pride of place as a backdrop to the pundits and featuring in the build up. The ticket scramble was like nothing seen before, even in our Premiership years.Bradford City v Arsenal

It was a freezing cold night; the pitch was slowing turning frosty white. Out came the teams, on went the game, then we scored; 1-0. It stayed like that until the last minutes of normal time, then suddenly Arsenal scored – extra time looming. Surely their superior strength and international super stars would overwhelm us now, but we fought hard and after 120 minutes held it to another draw. Another penalty shootout beckoned, but this time gloriously staged in front of the TL Dallas Stand live on Sky TV! Making it through would be a new English Record, and to the ecstatic joy of the home crowd, it was!

Another draw, who would it be? High flying Chelsea, hard working Swansea or struggling Aston Villa? Aston Villa it was with a home draw for the first leg, Another cold night and another team of Premiership Millionaires. Can Bradford cause another upset? Will the stand look good on the TV again?

What a crowd, what a team, what a night. 3-1 to Bradford! But then a 2 week wait for the second leg at Villa Park – another cold night with a huge Villa crowd, all with flags waving and high expectations – surely they can thrash lowly Bradford City?

At one stage they had five highly paid Premiership strikers lining up to try get back the deficit. They managed 2 goals on the night, but our £7,500 striker James Hanson, who only a few years ago was stacking shelves at the Coop, scored a vital away goal; 4-3 to City!

At last the dream. “CITY ARE GOING TO WEMBLEY”.

We loved our day out; the pride of Bradford, the loyalty rewarded after the years in the wilderness, the 32,000 fans waving flags and singing “We love you City” right to the end, the stories at the motorway services, the day our city and our football club stood tall and proud for all to see.

My brother came to the game. At 56 minutes we stood and clapped for those 56 lost in the fire; they had also played their part in inspiring the faith and determination that had kept Bradford City going; he and many others remembered that day in 1985 – he had been there on duty as a Police Officer; celebrating one minute and devastated the next. Today was different: In the end the result wasn’t important; this was for the 56, for their families and for a club that never gave up.

At Wembley we had lost to Premiership Swansea in a game that on paper we should never have even played, but we had fought to be there and we had done Bradford proud. At TL Dallas we remain equally proud of our association with Bradford City Football Club, whether good times or bad. Let’s hope this is just the start of some more good times!

Mike Martin

Group Director