We often get asked what the benefits are of using an insurance broker. The misconception is often that it is a more costly way of getting the insurance you need, due to there being a middle man involved in the process. However, this is not...
Cows and their calves on footpaths at this time of year are a cause of concern, both for farmers and for those using the footpaths. In an ideal world, diverting footpaths to go around headlands would be an easy process, making fencing off footpaths a...
From April 1st 2021, new laws mean that all existing residential rental properties will need an electrical safety inspection (EICR) every 5 years. The EICR highlights any urgent work which must be carried out to ensure the property is safe. Previously, since June 2020, only new...
It’s been a week since the Budget 2021 announcement and, now the dust has settled, Acre’s Sarah Attwood summarises what the implications are for farming businesses. 130% first-year capital allowance on qualifying new plant and machinery assets from 1st April 2021 until 31st March 2023, which...
Berrys’ Partner and Business Consultant, William Tongue, gives his view on how to prepare for the end of the Basic Payment Scheme A client emailed recently, explained he was worrying about the future and asked, ‘Can I survive without BPS?’ Formulating an answer covers a lot of...
All farm buildings are insured as being unheated unless stated otherwise. Therefore, you must disclose any heating in any farm buildings to your broker to be included on your policy, including heating in workshops or in sheds housing livestock. Insurers favour certain types of heating over...
There have been a number of rural thefts over the past few months in Northamptonshire and the surrounding areas, with farming businesses being warned to be extra vigilant. Here are the latest trends that we are seeing and advice on how to avoid being the...
Having a diversified income stream is a vital way for many farming businesses to ensure a positive cashflow and to weather any storms such as reduced yields or changes in markets. One way that some farming businesses are diversifying is by converting old farm buildings,...
I’m looking to change my farm insurance. How do I chose the right insurance provider for my farming business? Ask in any Facebook group or on any forum for recommendations for a farm insurer and you are sure to get positive and negative feedback about all...
Here is the insurance perspective on whether or not you should offer your services to clear roads and commercial properties when it snows. We have been fortunate/unfortunate (delete as you see fit) to see heavy snow across many parts of the country over the past few...