Macbeth Insurance celebrates 30 years with brand refresh

By JAKE CLOTHIER jclothier@rdg.today

A THAMES Valley insurance broker is marking a major milestone with a new look.

Macbeth has unveiled bright new livery and branding to celebrate 30 years in the business and to reflect its evolution since its founding.

The relaunch has been rolled out across the company, from its website and online presence to the company logo and even its sponsorship positioning.

With the refreshed look, independent agency Plott Creative aimed to reflect how not only the company itself but also the world has changed in three decades, while also building on the firms heritage.

While the old logo and branding featured a silver “M” in a bright green circle motif, the new look is stripped back, with Macbeth imposed over the top of the circle.

The revamp follows continued growth for the firm, which has just expanded its team to 56 people and is planning further expansion later this year.

The firm is currently headed up by the son of founder Malcolm Macbeth, Paul.

He explained: “We wanted our brand to capture how the world’s shifted for our clients and our people, at the same time, mirroring the personal and business sides of our business.

“There’s been a real rediscovery to this process but at its heart, it remains grounded in people and relationships.”

He added: “So much consolidation continues to change the market landscape. It’s imperative that we emphasise what differentiates Macbeth – our independence, expertise, talent, and regional heritage.

“This refresh communicates who we are today and fosters stronger, more meaningful engagement with our clients, partners, and our community.”

Millie Smith, head of marketing said, “We know our clients are feeling the impact of the uncertainty shaping their day-to- day.

“Infusing Macbeth’s brand with warmth and reassurance at every touchpoint was essential.

She explained: “Our clients are the heart of what we do – they know that we offer a riskless service, that we’re the safe pair of hands they need.

“We’re so excited to share this expanded vision with them.”

Macbeth has provided independent insurance and financial services in the Thames Valley since 1993, as well as supporting Pride of Reading, Ethical Reading, and Reading Rotary Club, among many others.

Warning over fire risk to home caused by smoking

STOPPING smoking has plenty of health benefits, but it can also make your home safer.

That’s the message from Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Service in a bid to cut down on house fires caused by smoking.

It says that cigarettes, vapes, pipes and other smoking products are responsible for more people dying in a blaze than any other item.

And the best way to avoid the fire risk is to stop smoking.

The Reading-based service says the NHS has many programmes available to help people wanting to quit for good, many of which are free.

But anyway who is still a smoker can follow some simple steps to try and reduce the risk of seeing smoking lead to your home going up in smoke.

They include never smoking in bed, ensuring a cigarette is always fully extinguished, and never leave lit items unattended.

Other advice includes testing smoke alarms on a regular basis, and using a heavy ashtray that can’t tip over.

A spokesperson for the fire service said: “Fires ignited by cigarettes or smoking materials result in more fatalities than any other fire. Every smoker should be aware of the risks they take every time they light. The risk of falling asleep before you ‘put it out, right out’ is just too great.

“Make sure you have working smoke alarms on every level of your home and test them at least monthly. Working smoke alarms can give you the extra time you need to escape if the worst should happen.” n For more information, log on to: www.rbfrs.co.uk