According to the information provided by AA Insurance around 4,000 caravans are stolen each year in the UK, with the midlands being the area from which they vanish more than any other.
It has been suggested that the convergence of several main motorways could explain the Midlands status as caravan theft capital of the UK. With the M6 and M1, as well as the M42, all close by it is easy to get to any part of the country, traffic excepted of course. AA Insurance figures show the Midlands loses 10 percent more caravans than anywhere else.
Caravan owners should ensure their caravan is always secured, making it harder for thieves to take it away. This is especially true at this time of year, said the AA Insurance spokesman, since many people prepare the caravan on the drive prior to setting off for a trip. This is when it is most vulnerable.
A new range of insurance has been introduced by Direct Line catering for the needs of small hotel owners having 12 rooms or less.
The Direct Line insurance cover offers both public and product liability up to GBP2 million as well as loss of income protection up to GBP500,000. Policies can also be tailored to incorporate add ons specific to individual needs, typical examples being loss of licence or personal accident.
A spokesperson from Direct Line commented that this new insurance cover would be perfect for smaller operations, enabling them to enjoy all the benefits offered by an insurance company the size of Direct Line with the tailored fit provided by the policy itself.
The Prudential has named its new chairman as Harvey McGrath, previously the chairman at leading hedge fund company Man Group. Mr McGrath retired from that position late last year but has clearly felt the need to return back into the financial services sector with this new appointment.
The role will be a non-executive one for which he will receive a fee of GBP500,000 annually. Mr McGrath felt that the Prudential combined a very strong history with an exciting future and as such seemed the perfect choice for him. He also meets the requirements of investors who wanted to see a chairman who was based in the UK but also brought experience of the international arena.
Mr McGrath has plenty of experience to draw upon and is looking forward to the challenge, with lots of background and hands on knowledge of many things the Prudential are currently dealing with.
