Brachers advises on Beech Underwriting sale specialises in space and energy risk. Both companies are approved Lloyd’s coverholders.
The acquisition of Beech is part of Occam’s strategy to diversify into additional lines of business. Beech brings with it an expertise in terrorism insurance and a wellestablished panel of underwriting partners. Working closely together, Beech and Occam will be able to deliver a broader service offering to their clients. Brachers’ corporate team has advised the owner of managing general agency (MGA) Beech Underwriting on the sale to Occam Underwriting subject to FCA approval. Beech Underwriting was founded in 2001 by owner Geoff Stilwell and is a market leader in the placement of terrorism and other specialist related insurance, with agents throughout the UK. Occam, also an MGA, currently
The Beech team will continue to be led by Geoff Stilwell, Andrew Woodhams and Matt Gates from their Maidstone offices. Claire Williams, corporate partner, led the deal team at Brachers and was supported by corporate partner Matthew Simmonds, corporate solicitor Raul Hernandez and employment partner Antonio Fletcher. The team advised on all aspects of the transaction from initial
The Great Jaffa Cake Robbery of 2021: a simple oversight or an act of gross misconduct? The decision by a police force to fire a police constable who failed to pay full price for Jaffa Cakes reveals the range of factors that an employer can use in instances of alleged misconduct, warns law firm Furley Page. PC Chris Dwyer was sacked after failing to pay the correct price for two packets of Jaffa Cakes at a charity stall at his place of work. The packets of cakes were priced at 50p each, but PC Chris Dwyer paid a total of just 10p. At his disciplinary hearing, the panel agreed that he was guilty of gross misconduct and he was dismissed with immediate effect. Tom Swann, a Trainee Solicitor with Furley Page, said: “Gross misconduct is a potentially fair reason for dismissing an employee, provided the employer has reasonable grounds to believe that the employee in question was responsible for the alleged
misconduct, and has carried out reasonable investigation. “The decision to dismiss must also fall within the range of reasonable responses which an employer may take. Decisions that may be considered “harsh” or “lenient” can still fall within the range of reasonable responses: a tribunal judge will simply make a ruling as to whether it was reasonable for that employer to have reached the decision it did.” As a police constable with the West Yorkshire Police, PC Dwyer’s job was to enforce the law. His actions regarding the Jaffa Cakes were described by the disciplinary panel chairman as “dishonest and of a criminal nature”, and although were recognised to be of low monetary value, could therefore bring his employer into disrepute. The panel concluded that the act of failing to pay full price for the
Members News heads of terms, through to due diligence and final documentation on the basis of a split exchange and completion (subject to FCA consent). All parties took a collaborative co-operative approach, which enabled a smooth and speedy transaction. Claire Williams said: “We’ve worked with Beech for many years and it’s fantastic to see how the company has gone from strength to strength and become the successful business that it is today. Now, as part of the Occam group, the business has the opportunity to continue to develop its service offering.” Geoff Stilwell, managing director of Beech Underwriting, said: “The whole team here at Beech is really excited about going forward with Occam. This will enable Beech to continue to grow and firmly establish itself as the market leader in terrorism insurance.” Mark Fisher, Occam CEO, said: “I’m very pleased to welcome Beech Underwriting to the Occam group as we continue with our planned expansion.”
Jaffa Cakes, was one of gross misconduct entitling the police to dismiss with immediate effect. Tom continued: “Put simply, an individual, whose job was to enforce the law, broke the law himself. In addition, he was found to have breached West Yorkshire Police’s professional standards regarding integrity, honesty and discreditable conduct, and the panel found that he had given dishonest accounts when questioned, in an attempt to reduce his culpability. “Although this decision may be viewed as harsh by some, it is a good reminder for both employers and employees of the factors that an employer can take into account when dealing with instances of alleged misconduct.” For advice about employment law matters visit www.furleypage.co.uk
b&m reveal new look Canterbury based construction consultants b&m, formerly known as Betteridge & Milsom, have recently revealed a fresh new look. This new branding aims to tell the story of 35 years of history and highlight their wide range of services that include not only Quantity Surveying but also Project Management, Clerk of Works and Principal Designer, to name a few. The exciting new visual language within the brand focuses around the company’s values; people first, collaboration, growth, construction and partnership. The new logo also showcases the ‘&’ in the name, reinforcing their ability to do more than just quantity surveying, which historically has been their most popular service. Director, Paul Gannaway, said “After 35 years in business, we’re excited to relaunch b&m with a modern and fresh take, whilst reflecting on the history of the business. We are growing and wanted a brand that also portrayed our culture and ability. We feel this new one does that and more”. b&m are currently involved with a number of high-profile projects in Kent, London and the Home Counties. Visit www.wearebandm.co.uk Thinking Business
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