MOTORING

Insurance is changing but Cornish Mutual is not following the crowd, says managing director Peter Beaumont. He is leading his board in a different direction, with farming at the centre of its plans.

Previously we called ourselves ‘rural insurers’. This could reasonably have led to us expanding our insurance products to wider rural businesses and beyond, but this wasn’t what I felt was right for us.

Cornish Mutual was founded by farmers and farming is still very much our heartland. Many in our team have close links to farming or are farmers themselves including our current chairman, Jeremy Oatey. I believed the risk of diluting our offer was high if we diversified away from agriculture.

The insurance industry is becoming more commoditised and automated, with the relationship side of the industry disappearing. But we engage directly with our members and really care about their success. Not many services can say that.

My vision is that we strengthen our role as an ally to our members. Our risk survey last year showed farmers are deeply concerned about many upcoming issues and unsure where to turn for information and advice.

Expanding our services beyond insurance products to help farmers manage risk will assist businesses to build profitability and resilience, increase natural resources and protect people.

The team is looking for new technology to help farmers manage risk. An early example is our collaboration with Quanturi to provide members with the HAYTECH probe which can reduce the incidence of haybarn fires and protect hay quality.

It’s a simple solution that can make an enormous difference if the devastating consequences of a farm fire are avoided.

Information and on-farm advice will also be central going forward, helping to address a gap by offering a pragmatic service rather than ‘finger wagging’ rules.

Our new health and safety guide offers free advice and a template for farmers and farm managers to create risk management policies for their businesses.

Those needing more tailored advice can access further services which involve a farm assessment visit and a ‘no stone unturned’ approach to cover whatever is needed.

There is no doubt farmers have continued uncertainty and a bumpy road ahead. We hope the expansion in our services can continue to serve the industry we care so passionately about. We want to make things better, not just send out cheques when something goes wrong.

For more information visit www.cornishmutual.co.uk or call us on 01872 277151

New 4X4 Ineos Grenadier

comes to Devon and Cornwall with Ocean Group

Ocean Group are delighted to have recently partnered with INEOS to bring you the new nononsense 4X4. Ocean are really excited to be involved with this impressive brand, who have created a true utilitarian 4X4 designed for the 21st Century. The Grenadier boasts proper 4X4 capability, with notable features that make this vehicle one of the most stripped back, hard-working 4X4s engineered for modern day compliance and reliability. Impressive features ensure that this vehicle is durable and reliable enough, and built to go the distance, even on the roughest of terrains that the Grenadier will take in its stride.

Practical features include a 70:30 split rear door, integrated roof bars, pre-wiring for auxiliary lamps and accessories, and a front bumper to sit on. An ‘open-source’ approach to accessories means owners can tailor the vehicle to their specific requirements.

The interior combines utilitarian practicality with the technology and comfort today’s users expect. Its intuitive and functional layout features physical switches, widely spaced for easy use on the move, a central infotainment screen, and an overhead console for off-road and auxiliary controls. Hose-out rubber flooring, hard-wearing Recaro seats and numerous stowage options mean the Grenadier is ready for anything work and life can throw at it.

“We have worked tirelessly for over a year to find retail partners that share our enthusiasm and excitement for the Grenadier,” said Jack Stanley, regional business manager UK and Ireland for INEOS Automotive. “We have so far established a global network of over 160 partners who understand 4X4 users and their requirements, and have a proven track record for exceptional customer service. We are working with these partners to ensure they are ready to offer Grenadier customers and owners the advice, guidance and support they need.”

As Ocean Group approach our 40th birthday, we are thrilled to be expanding our product base and including another brand within our retail centres, and with our recognised outstanding customer service, our INEOS experts will provide Grenadier customers across Devon and Cornwall with all the relevant information needed when enquiring about this vehicle.

Scan the QR code and enquire today to find out more about the Grenadier, and to talk to our INEOS experts.

KIA’S ALL-NEW NIRO remains emperor of the hybrid car market

Andy Pyle, content manager at pbmedia, road tests the all-new Kia Niro HEV from Rodgers of Plymouth.

Electric vehicles may feel like a relatively new concept, but hybrid cars have actually been around for more than 100 years.

The first hybrid car was built back in 1899 by engineer Ferdinand Porsche (he of sports car fame). Then, his System Lohner-Porsche Mixte used a gas engine to supply power to an electric motor which drove the vehicle’s front wheels.

That is where the similarities end between Porsche’s pioneering invention and the modern hybrids we know today.

In reality, the Mixte weighed nearly FOUR TONNES - with nearly 600kg of that being taken up by the enormous electric motors.

Motorist enthusiasts would have to wait another century until we saw hybrid power back under the bonnet with the introduction of the Toyota Prius in 1997.

Since then, many other manufacturers have thrown their hats in the hybrid ring - but few have had a bigger and more significant impact than Kia.

The South Korean brand has spent the last 30 years winning over legions of UK fans, not to mention a host of awards.

Its all-new Kia Niro may have only hit the market in early 2022, but it has already racked up a number of prestigious accolades. In July this year, before deliveries had even started, it was named ‘Small SUV of the Year’ at the annual Auto Express New Car Awards.

Then in October, the all-new Kia Niro collected a hat-trick of honours at the Carbuyer Car of the Year Awards 2023, topping the ‘Best Small Family Car’ and ‘Best Hybrid’ categories and scooping the publication’s overall ‘Car of the Year’ accolade.

The same month saw the model take the ‘Small Crossover/ SUV of the Year’ prize at the News UK Motor Awards 2022, as well as being named The Sun’s ‘Car of the Year’.

Kia UK Limited President and CEO, Paul Philpott, commented at the time: “Following on from the ever-successful first-generation Niro family, the all-new version has earned a highly positive response in a short period of time - something we and our nationwide dealer partners take huge pride from.”

Since its launch in 2016, the original Niro was Kia’s second best-selling model in the UK - behind the Sportage - with more than 70,000 sold to-date.

Kia Niro Hybrid 2 £27,745

0-62mph: 10.4 seconds Power: 139bhp Fuel economy: 64.2mpg CO2: 100g/km 24 24 Winter 2022 Chamber ProfileWinter 2022 Chamber Profile

“Joining KIA’s electric revolution has never been a safer bet.”

In fact, the fully electric e-Niro, which was introduced two years later, now accounts for 55 per cent of all Niro sales in the UK!

The all-new Niro is a hugely important model in Kia’s expansive eco-focused line-up, which they say will include 14 battery electric models in the next five years.

WHAT IS THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO LIKE TO LOOK AT?

The Kia Niro has always been a good-looking car, and this all-new version builds on its predecessor with a number of bold styling features.

No doubt the first thing you’ll notice is the move away from the iconic oval badge in favour of a more contemporary logo.

This sits on the bonnet above a redesigned grill and unique headlights which make the car look more aggressive.

As with all Kias, you can choose from three variants - ‘2’, ‘3’ or ‘4’, rising in price by £2,750 between each trim level.

The Niro Hybrid ‘2’ I drove starts from £27,745, going up to £30,495 for the ‘3’ and £33,245 for the ‘4’ grade.

All models come in a choice of eight colours, with other paint options available at a premium.

There’s even an optional twotone paint choice which lets you have the C-pillar in contrasting Steel Grey or Black Pearl, depending on your chosen body colour.

WHAT IS THE PERFORMANCE LIKE IN THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO?

The all-new Kia Niro hybrid comes with a 1.6-litre turbocharged four-cylinder petrol engine and a six-speed dualclutch automatic gearbox. This means that you can push the selector across and control the gears yourself.

Its electric power is provided by a 1.32kWh battery and a 43bhp electric motor in this regular hybrid, or an 11.1kWh battery and an 83bhp electric motor in the plug-in version.

Kia says the all-new Niro HEV will hit 62mph in 10.4 seconds and return up to 64.2mpg - figures that certainly seem possible in the real world. I actually averaged over 65mpg during the time I had the car.

At high speeds, you can ease off the accelerator pedal and the car will use only electric power - tried and tested up to 70mph.

Also, by feathering the throttle at low speeds - something you’ll be doing a lot if you live in a city - you can keep the car in electric mode which in turn will ensure you spend less at the pumps.

You get two driving modes - Eco and Sport - and at higher speeds it feels like the engine has to work a little harder, but the engine noise doesn’t affect passengers in the cabin. There’s also no gear for reverse, which is done via the electric motor.

WHAT IS IT LIKE INSIDE THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO?

There’s plenty of space inside the all-new Kia Niro. At 451 litres, the boot will hold a pram and luggage, while the back seats can easily accommodate two children’s car seats (tried and tested). Like most cars of its size, though, you’d struggle to fit someone else in the middle seat in this scenario.

The front seats are comfortable and even the ‘2’ I drove had twin screens. It’s worth noting, though, that moving up to the ‘3’ or ‘4’ will give you a larger, sweeping screen.

Having said that, this basemodel was packed full of tech including Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ with Voice Control, Bluetooth® with music streaming, and rear parking sensors. There’s even a really responsive reversing camera system which includes the function to look down from your rear bumper - very useful in tight spaces.

Being a car with electric power, I would have liked it to have a wireless charger for my phone as standard. But the front console did have USB and USB-C ports - and there were even USB-C ports in each of the seats which are very handy for rear passengers.

WHAT’S THE VERDICT ON THE ALL-NEW KIA NIRO?

Kia reported a landmark September, ending the month with a 6.6 per cent market share - bolstered by sales of the all-new all-new Niro and its electrified range.

In fact, the South Korean brand is fast progressing towards achieving one in every two cars sold being an electrified model. That is a fantastic achievement and means they are well on track for the UK Government’s ban on producing petrol and diesel cars by 2030.

Hybrids represent the best of both worlds, offering electric power without that range anxiety some people may still have about all-electric models.

Add to that a seven-year warranty as standard, and joining Kia’s electric revolution has never been a safer bet.

Find out more about the Kia Niro range by contacting Rodgers of Plymouth on 01752 402623 or visit the website here: www.rodgersofplymouth.co.uk

“This basemodel was packed full of tech...”

IT’S SHOWTIME!

The Devon Business Show returned with a bang as hundreds of the region’s businesses and entrepreneurs descended on Plymouth Pavilions to connect with more than 90 exhibitors.

Our theme for 2022 reflected Devon & Plymouth Chamber’s three strategic priorities – People, Planet, Purpose – with a contemporary layout for a new era featuring seven sector zones, together with innovative and interactive exhibition opportunities.

Stands sold out in record time, and exhibitors worked hard on designing displays to bring you a fully engaging and interactive show, with evidence of their own green sustainability credentials.

Our Planet Partner, YGS Landscapes, created a Micro Forest outside the entrance, and the first 300 visitors on the day received a voucher to exchange for a free tree of their choice – equivalent to another Micro Forest!

People Partner, City College Plymouth, provided hot meals and snacks throughout the day courtesy of their talented students and staff.

And Real Ideas, our Purpose Partner, was on hand to advise how your business could be more purpose driven while still making a good profit.

On arrival, guests were handed a beautifully designed Goodie Bag packed full of useful, informative and innovative items donated by The Plymouth Charter, University of Plymouth, Airband, Waterways Drainage Specialists, City College Plymouth, Brain Tumour Research and, of course, our Goodie Bag Partner Acronyms.

The biodegradable bags themselves were printed by Imattination and are compostable and reusable. They also included a free hot drinks voucher from Devon Coffee Company for every attendee.

Networking was made fun and easy with BCR Associates hosting the Networking Hub right at the heart of the show. And all day long we recorded live podcasts presented by Westcotts in partnership with Fresh Air Studios.

A huge thank you to our partners, exhibitors and attendees. And to our dedicated Chamber team who made sure everything on the day ran smoothly and like clockwork.

We’ve already opened bookings for 2023 – secure your place here: www.devonchamber.co.uk/ devon-business-show

Pictures courtesy of Amy Stanford