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BIBA says increase in IPT will hit JAMs and is outrageous

Over the past 15 months, policyholders have already seen an increase of 66% in the Insurance Premium Tax (IPT) they pay – this further increase to 12% in this regressive tax is outrageous and is a tax on protection which will hit everyone and especially those ‘just about managing’. We believe that this increase is contrary to the stated policy of HM Revenue and Customs “that IPT should make the required contribution to HM Government revenue while minimising the effect on the take up of insurance”. This increase comes at a time when both motor and home insurance premiums are rising and our fear is that many of those who most need it will avoid taking up insurance and be unable to afford the protection they need.

Chartered Insurance Broker status renewed

When we were awarded the Chartered status in 2012, there were less than 100 firms in the UK with the sought after accreditation. Whilst the numbers have risen it is still the benchmark of quality in our profession.

We are delighted to confirm that our Chartered status has been renewed for the next 12 months and the Chartered Insurance Institute confirms “Chartered titles are jealously guarded by professional bodies and are not awarded lightly… The title Chartered Insurance Brokers is a public declaration that the advice given by your firm:

  • Is of the highest quality
  • Is based solely on the researched needs of the customer, and
  • Is provided by someone not exceeding their level of competency
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Danny Garratt leads out Preston North End

Having won the shirt sponsors competition, Danny Garratt lead the two sides out onto the pitch at the Preston North End vs Huddersfield Town Championship fixture on Wednesday 19th October in front of almost 13,000 fans.

The evening was thoroughly enjoyable, including meeting the manager and players and a full stadium tour. The evening finished to everyone’s satisfaction as North End won 3-1.

Axa’s response to EU Referendum result

There has been a lot of debate and speculation since the EU Referendum result came in and we are aware that there is a degree of uncertainty for brokers concerning insurer response to this, particularly those insurers who have European parent companies.
Axa is not going to add to that uncertainty by second guessing this situation but it is worth making clear that Friday’s results will have no impact upon axa’s operations in the uk. AXA is still committed to its business in the UK, which has an integral role to play and will be a key contributor to the Group’s future success.
Axa is the world’s largest financial services company and as such is comfortable and experienced in trading across borders and currencies, so we are confident that the uk’s withdrawal from the eu will affect neither our ability to transact business nor our commitment to the uk market. axa maintains a very good financial solidity, with a solvency 2 ratio at 200% as of the end of Q1, and our Ambition 2020 strategy has been built on cautious assumptions, including very low interest rates until the end of the plan.
Of course we are as susceptible to the outcome of negotiations as everyone else in the UK but as far as we are concerned it is business as usual. As such, there is obviously no impact on policies that provide cover in Europe (travel, breakdown, medical assistance etc) which will continue to react as they have done.
Regards,
Axa Insurance

Garratt’s Girls get ‘Pretty Muddy’

Well Done to Claire Porter & Liz Grindley for completing the ‘Preston Pretty Muddy 5K’

Race for life is run to raise money for research into all cancers.

Claire & Liz ran the race in loving memory of Sue Garratt & Wilf Grindley.

Liz & Claire - Pretty Muddy 1 Liz & Claire - Pretty Muddy

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Richard Garratt passes on the President’s medal to John Grindley

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After a successful year as President of the Insurance Institute of Preston & Blackpool, Richard has now handed over the reins to John.

We wish John every success for his year as President.

 

Lancashire Business Expo 2016

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We are looking forward to the Expo tomorrow.

Don’t forget to come and see us tomorrow with your business card for the chance to win a ‘Retro PNE Shirt’.

 

Lancashire Business Expo

Come and see us on Friday 4th March at the Lancashire Business Expo at the Guild Hall in Preston.

The event genuinely promises to be the biggest business event in Lancashire with over 160 exhibitors and more than 2000 attendees.

Drop off your business card for a chance to win a ‘Garratts’ Retro PNE shirt.

 

 

 

Christmas Holiday Opening

Whilst many of our competitors close over the Christmas period, experience has shown us that the weather can traditionally result in some severe claims at this time as we will remain open to ensure we are here in case our clients need us.

Our office openings hours over the Christmas period are as follows:

Monday 21st December OPEN 9:00am – 5:00pm
Tuesday 22nd December OPEN 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 23rd December OPEN 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 24th December OPEN 9:00am – 12.30pm
Friday 25th December CLOSED

Monday 28th December CLOSED
Tuesday 29th December OPEN 9:00am – 5:00pm
Wednesday 30th December OPEN 9:00am – 5:00pm
Thursday 31st December OPEN 9:00am – 12:30pm
Friday 1st January CLOSED

Sue Garratt

Many of our friends, colleagues and clients will already be aware that we sadly lost Sue Garratt to cancer in September. Sue (then Sue Eastham) first worked at Garratts as her first job upon leaving college before re-joining in 2001 as Company Secretary.

Sue continued to work at Garratts looking after the marketing and management accounts until her sudden death. The management and staff will miss her dearly and thank everyone for their love and best wishes over the last few weeks.