Tc the scene issue1 web

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

Have You Got the Energy to Save Money?

Meet the Insurers Celebrating 40 Years

Ray Gravell Trust Passes ÂŁ400k

Brecon Carreg

Satisfying a Thirst for Great Welsh Brands

Win

A Year’s Supply of Spring Water!

Issue 1 / 2012

Protecting the Family Jewels: Essential Protection & Advice

Rising Stars: A Trio of Achievements for Thomas Carroll

WELCOME

11 14 16 18 20

The Scene is published by Thomas Carroll Group plc.

Editor Peter Acton, Publisher Gwenllian Davies, Art Director Alex Mills. Contributors to this issue:John Moore, Mark Eedy, Alison Davies, Kevin Price, Michael Learoyd, Lisa Jones, UES Energy, Wales Millennium Centre, Welsh National Opera, Peter Acton. Photography: Martin Ellard, Alex Mills, Kiran Ridley, Darren Britton, Andrew Davies.

Design by Burning Red.

© 2012 Copyright Thomas Carroll Group plc. No part of this publication may be reproduced or used in any form of advertising or promotion without written permission of the publishers. No responsibility will be accepted for any errors or omissions, or comments made by writers or interviewees. Views expressed in the magazine are not necessarily the views of Thomas Carroll Group plc and services and goods featured are not necessarily endorsed

by Thomas Carroll Group plc.

Have You Got the Energy?

Handlebar Heroes Hot Topics Heavy Metal Price to Pay Rising Stars

Thomas Carroll Group plc Pendragon House, Crescent Road, Caerphilly CF83 1XX www.thomas-carroll.co.uk Tel: 029 2088 7733 Printed by Hartley’s Colourprint

Editorial submissions to thescene@thomas-carroll.co.uk

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Thomas Carroll Group plc: Commercial Insurance Personal Insurance Independent Financial Advice Health & Safety and Employment Law

WELCOME

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

Have You Got the Energy to Save Money?

Meet the Insurers Celebrating 40 Years

Ray Gravell Trust Passes £400k

Issue 1 / 2012

Protecting the Family Jewels: Essential Protection & Advice

Rising Stars: A Trio of Achievements for Thomas Carroll

Cover Story: TC Chairman, John Moore as Sir Charles Stirling

Welcome to

Brecon Carreg

Satisfying a Thirst for Great Welsh Brands

Win

A Year’s Supply of Spring Water!

photograph Alex Mills

The “Scene” is 1972 with Heath and Barber at No. 10; Starsky and Hutch on TV, Munich Olympic champions Mark Spitz and Olga Korbut; Edwards and Bennett at half back . . . . and Thomas Carroll born on a cold wet miserable day at No. 10 Churchill Way, Cardiff.

And, forty passionate years on, still growing and very much in the Welsh business ‘scene’.

Celebrate one of Wales’ top brands, Brecon Carreg water, featured on page 4 by entering our competition to win a year’s supply* of the iconic sustenance.

It takes 15 years for the rain falling on the Black Mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park to filter through a protective mantle of millstone grit to the Brecon Carreg borehole 240 feet underground.

This delivers naturally purified water with a uniquely refreshing taste.

To enter our free competition simply go to our feature and answer the following question:

How many bottles of water are produced a year by Brecon Carreg?

Email your answer together with your business contact details to: thescene@thomas-carroll.co.uk Closing date for entries is 31st July 2012 *One year’s supply is equivalent of 365 bottles, each 50cl.

Terms & conditions apply. Available on request, for full competition

The highs to enjoy and the challenging depressions to come through and remarkably many clients/friends remain with us from 1972. Our family culture little company blessed for years with the integrity and discipline of Chairman Evan and, after the early tragic loss of Terry, the Carroll family of mother and daughters brought charm and personality to the TC image.

Through our charity commitment, sporting club contacts and business club fellowship the local community have increasingly voted for our proposition and remained fantastically loyal around our promise to deliver on intelligent service and settle promptly on the claims.

Our trusting relationship with the UK’s leading insurer groups and Lloyds of London, working in agreeably lasting partnerships with other business partners has always been important to us and furthered the growing reputation for doing things properly . . . . the many industry awards, Best Co. to work for and the Welsh People Development Co. of the Year and the exciting build of Pendragon House and the expanded Group services.

opportunities for our young Welsh talent . . . . is a most pleasing reflection on how the business has come together with reinvestment, acquisitions, good Board decisions taking us prudently into sustainable profitable growth.

A fiercely independent Welsh business . . . . ‘not for sale’.

And, enjoyably in recent years the opportunity to offer the troops a share incentive plan to reward the loyalty and committed hours of making things happen for the clients.

Enjoy and win your 2012 challenges.

The future . . . . a 2020 vision perhaps with social media, online trading, text2insure, virtual policies . . . . but, whatever the change, always an open invitation to come visit Pendragon House; a good coffee, mother’s Welsh cakes and another promise to understand your risks and find a solution.

Enjoy and win your 2012 challenges.

John Moore Chairman

The people recruitment, development, qualifications all creating career

prize details visit www.thomas-carroll.co.uk/termsandconditions

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

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PROFILE

Brecon Carreg Satisfying a thirst for great Welsh brands

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Thomas Carroll

A long and winding road deep in an area of outstanding beauty in Wales leads to the door of Brecon Carreg Natural waters, the UKs biggest selling Welsh bottled water brand.

This is a success story which began as a cottage industry in 1978 in the converted barns of Lwyndewi Farm.

Today Brecon Carreg, a Welsh icon displayed on the shelves of leading supermarkets, clearly remains true to its rural roots, located literally at the source of its success.

Next to the state of the art plant producing 45-million bottles a year, in the hamlet of Trap near Llandeilo, in Brecon Beacons National Park, stands a quaint white walled little cottage, home to the company’s very modern boardroom.

PROFILE

Photograph: Andrew Davies

On a suitably wet day the Thomas Carroll team, headed by Robert Jones, South West Wales Regional Director, met with members of the Brecon Carreg team - David Stockley, Finance and Commercial Manager and Jeff Phillips, Production Manager.

The relationship began in 2011 when Thomas Carroll’s Independent Financial Advisers had been brought in by the water company to advise on its pension arrangements.

This led to discussions about Group services which Thomas Carroll provides to clients, happily resulting in Thomas Carroll handling most of Brecon Carreg’s general and commercial insurances.

Asked about the current buoyancy of Brecon Carreg which in Wales is second only to the

giant Evian in sales, David Stockley said: “We have strong growth plans to increase market penetration to become the number one bottled water brand in Wales and to further increase our sales in England.

Over the past two years we have implemented a major investment programme approaching £3/4 million, to increase production capacity to meet growing market demand for the Brecon Carreg brand.

In the medium term we are looking to increase output, and we plan further investments in the future to achieve that.”

David Stockley told The Scene that Brecon Carreg is now one of the half dozen Welsh brands which have reached national status in the UK, including Brains Beer and Peter’s Pies www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

“There deserves to be more”, he added, “we have some great home grown brands in Wales.

Our market research shows obvious strong appeal for our brand in Wales, but interestingly also strong resonance for our Welsh identity in London and the South East. We are also increasingly making inroads into other English regions which is very encouraging.”

Once he had dried off after our enthusiastic water-themed photo shoot, Robert Jones said: “Business aside, we are passionate about Wales and it is great to be involved in supporting a Welsh brand as powerful and popular as Brecon Carreg. It is wonderful to see the steady march of the brand across the UK.” For more information visit: www.breconwater.co.uk 5

COMMERICAL INSURANCE

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Photograph: Martin Ellard

West is Best

COMMERICAL INSURANCE

Ray Gravell Trust Passes £400k

Out & About Events run by organisations supported

by Thomas Carroll Ffos Las Racecourse, Carmarthenshire Reader Offer - 15% off Hospitality Packages* Please quote FfosLasCorp when booking to receive your discount.

BOYS’ TOYS RACEDAY Thursday 31st May

Under the imposing 90ft tower of the new Sosban restaurant at Llanelli’s North Dock development, rugby greats and local businesses gathered to support the Ray Gravell & Friends Charitable Trust.

QUEEN’S DIAMOND JUBILEE RACEDAY Tuesday 5th June LADIES NIGHT Wednesday 27th June 2 Day Festival:

Words: Peter Acton Thomas Carroll’s West Wales office and fellow patron companies hosted the luncheon at the transformed Grade 2 Listed former pumping station.

The destination eatery was co-founded in 2011 by rugby greats Stephen Jones and Dwayne Peel, restaurateur and food broadcaster Simon Wright and Robert Williams, Chairman of the WRW Group who is also Chairman of the Trust.

Guest of honour was the legendary Phil Bennett OBE, ably supported by Thomas Carroll’s own scrum-half greats Robert Jones MBE, South Wales Regional Director and Brynmor Williams, Group Sales Director.

Phil Bennett is an Honorary Patron of the Trust which was established in 2007 to support causes and individuals in West Wales that would have been close to Ray Gravell’s heart.

Phil Bennett said: “I was privileged to have played ten seasons with Ray and I know that he would have been so proud that the Trust in his memory has given over £400,000 to local people and causes. I also feel very humble to be part of it, to see the hard work put in by so many people, not least our 60 corporate patrons.

BIG DAY OUT Thursday 23rd August

One of his sayings was ‘West is Best’ and I know Grav would have been so happy that we are able to support young people in sport, helping local teams throughout the region as well as individuals who need help; Grav would have loved that.”

Brynmor Willams said: “We are privileged to insure Sosban restaurant which has deservedly become an important new landmark on the West Wales culinary scene and a credit to the team behind it. To be involved in the Ray Gravell Trust in the company of such supportive colleagues in the local business community here is an absolute honour and we look forward to playing our part in the future.”

Speaking at the event Robert Williams said: “This has been a very successful business event in support of the Trust and we are grateful to our patron companies for bringing their customers with them. We are also pleased that the restaurant is going from strength to strength with great support from the public and to be part of the growing culinary reputation of West Wales.”

For more information visit: www.gravandfriends.co.uk www.sosbanrestaurant.com

LADIES DAY Friday 24th August For more information or to book call us on 01554 811092 or email info@ffoslasracecourse.com More: www.ffoslasracecourse.com *Terms and conditions apply. Limited availability and excludes Ladies Night and Day.

Tŷ Hafan IT’S A KNOCK OUT Saturday 21st July TAFF TRAIL CYCLE CHALLENGE Sunday 2nd September More: www.tyhafan.org

South Wales Chamber of Commerce OLYMPIC LUNCH Sunday 18th May, Liberty Stadium Swansea LARGEST NETWORKING BREAKFAST IN WALES Thursday 14th June, Cardiff City Stadium SWCC BUSINESS EXHIBITION Thursday 14th June, Cardiff City Stadium ANNUAL GOLF DAY Thursday 21st June, Whitchurch Golf Day Cardiff BUSINESS WOMEN’S LUNCH Thursday 5th July, Marriott Hotel, Swansea More: www.southwaleschamber.co.uk

Pictured opposite at Sosban restaurant(L-R): Robert Jones, Robert Williams, Brynmor Williams, Phil Bennett www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

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PEOPLE

Rhys Thomas as Sinclair Strand

Photographs: Alex Mills

Alison Davies as Contessa Eckland

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PEOPLE

Meet the

1970s squad formed to raise £40,000 for Tyˆ Hafan hospice On a bright if chilly day in December, Welsh rugby great Robert Jones MBE is being filmed running to join his crime-fighting colleagues in Pendragon House, the headquarters of a newlyformed squad of retro charity fundraisers.

“I could get used to this,” he said, clearly enjoying the role of an all-action hero and alter ego, Tony Dart.

Fellow Thomas Carroll Director and former rugby star, Brynmor Williams, sports a leather jacket, flares, an Elvis wig and glasses, to take on the role of Harry Lion.

The dynamic duo are on a mission to raise £40,000 for Welsh childrens’ hospice, Tŷ Hafan, along with fellow directors of Thomas Carroll Group.

The eight-strong team are celebrating 40 years in business by going back to 1972 and becoming The Insurers; a charity fundraising outfit, modelled on 1970s crime-fighting TV shows such as The Protectors, featuring Robert Vaughan and The Persuaders, starring Roger Moore and Tony Curtis.

Their mission is to raise £40,000 for Tŷ Hafan, the Vale of Glamorgan hospice, which cares for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.

The directors, led by Thomas Carroll Chairman John Moore, who plays Sir Charles Stirling, will be appearing as The Insurers at charity events throughout the year.

scenes video of its making. Interviews include Brynmor Williams as Harry Lion, Robert Jones as Tony Dart, and Managing Director Rhys Thomas, who plays card sharp, Sinclair Strand.

The film also features cameo appearances from Tŷ Hafan staff.

John Moore said: “We wanted to use our landmark year to celebrate forty years in business and raise vital funds for Tŷ Hafan during what are tough economic times for charities.

Everyone in the company dressed up for the filming and I am proud of them. We are not afraid to laugh at ourselves in trying to make a difference and The Insurers is a bit of fun which we hope will have a seriously good result for Tŷ Hafan by the end of our busy year of celebrations.”

Mark Eedy, Managing Director of the group’s IFA division plays grappling iron expert Platinum Barnes and Private Clients Managing Director, Alison Davies is the exotic Contessa Eckland.

The team has filmed a trailer, at TC’s Caerphilly headquarters, together with a behind-the-

Brynmor Williams as Harry Lion 9

PEOPLE

Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Management Services, Kevin Price, nabbed a prized role as James ‘00 Dangerfield’. Group Marketing Manager, Gwenllian Davies plays martial arts expert Falcon Fairway.

Frank Ady, head of corporate partnerships at Tŷ Hafan said: “We are absolutely delighted that Thomas Carroll have demonstrated their continued commitment to fundraising for Tŷ Hafan and have chosen us yet again to benefit from this very special year for them.

Mark Eedy as Platinum Barnes

The organisation has been a wonderful ambassador for us over the years and the staff have supported and taken part in our own events as well as organising their own.

Everyone at Tŷ Hafan would like to congratulate Thomas Carroll on their 40th anniversary and wish them well with their fundraising campaign.”

Laugh and Donate To view The Insurers videos and donate visit: www.theinsurers1972.org Robert Jones as Tony Dart

For more information about Tŷ Hafan visit: www.tyhafan.org

HELP US TO RAISE ˆ HAFAN £40,000 FOR TY Contribute today: www.theinsurers1972.org

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Kevin Price as James ‘00 Dangerfield’

INSIGHTS

Have You Got the Energy?

Do you have an effective energy management strategy?

Energy management has become a boardroom issue. Price hikes, energy-saving legislation and the reputation-enhancing aspects of having an energy management strategy have catapulted this issue to the top of boardroom agendas.

Caerphilly-based energy consultancy, UES Energy, with clients including Thomas Carroll, has offered tips for an effective energy management strategy:

1. Bill Check Check the meter readings on your bill against the actual reading on the meter.

Also check that unit charges match the ones in your contract with the supplier. It is not unusual for businesses to be overcharged by 3% to 5% over a year, through incorrect billing. Always check energy bills or, for multiple site businesses, appoint a consultant to do this for you.

2. Energy Procurement Consider putting the contract for supplying energy to your business out to tender, involving all suppliers interested in the type and scale of supply for your business.

Ideally you should work towards a tailored contract, designed to match your business’ energy consumption patterns. Ensuring your premises are on the correct contracts can save you money.

You should monitor price trends of gas and electricity prices, which are volatile. Or you could ask your energy consultant to identify the best time to secure the best deal for you.

We provide a free weekly report of energy price trends. To register, email info@uesenergy.co.uk.

3. Monitoring Energy Usage Reducing consumption starts by monitoring usage. This is easier if sites have half-hourly metering. If not, consider an Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system as a first step towards streamlining energy consumption.

Research by the Carbon Trust suggests a business which monitors and manages its energy usage could reduce consumption by more than 12% a year.

More: www.uesenergy.co.uk

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

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PERSONAL INSURANCE

Protect

family your

jewels

Words: Alison Davies

Whether you have just been given a beautiful piece of jewellery, inherited a work of art or an antique, or simply bought a new set of golf clubs, a phone call to your insurer should be one of the first things you do.

Although personal possessions are generally covered under a standard insurance policy, expensive items such as jewellery, furs, collectables and precious stones may not be, as many policies are value capped.

While there is no way to replace the sentimental value of these possessions, having them properly insured means you can at least physically replace them, if damaged, lost or stolen.

Putting in the hard work now in calculating the value of your treasured items, could save you a great deal of time and energy if you were unlucky enough to suffer such losses, damage or theft.

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Thomas Carroll

Illustration: Lo Price

PERSONAL INSURANCE

You have probably been meaning to check whether your valuables are covered under your home insurance Thomas Carroll Private Clients offers a free, no-obligation assessment of your home insurance. Meanwhile, we recommend you consider the following: Contact your insurer. Let your insurance representative know immediately that you now own a valuable item. Find out how much cover you have and whether additional insurance is needed.

Keep a copy of your purchase receipt. Forward a copy of the receipt to your insurer so that the company knows the retail value of the item. Keep a copy for your own records and store it safely with an inventory of your personal possessions.

Have the item valued. Heirlooms and antique jewellery will need to be appraised. Thomas Carroll Private Clients can recommend a reputable valuer for you.

Photograph your prized possessions. Get into the habit of keeping a visual record of all your personal items.

This will certainly help to document your loss and speed up the claims process.

Add the item to your home inventory. This can help you purchase the correct amount of insurance and speed up the claims process if you are unfortunate to suffer a loss.

You have probably been meaning to check whether your valuables are covered under your home insurance but have put it off in the melee of things which bombard us in our busy lives.

Thomas Carroll Private Clients can take the strain for you, with its flexible and independent approach to your home insurance, car insurance and travel insurance requirements.

Alison Davies is Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Private Clients Visit: www.thomas-carroll.co.uk/personal-insurance alison.davies@thomas-carroll.co.uk

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

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CHARITY CHALLENEGE

Handlebar Heroes

TC in training for their North-South bike ride from Holyhead to Cardiff Bay (from l-r): Michael Learoyd, Gwenllian Davies, Simon Bradwick, Jeff Partridge, Richard Pask, Paul J. Evans, Richard Williams

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Thomas Carroll

Photograph: Darren Britton

CHARITY CHALLENEGE PEOPLE

TC’s Charity Team takes on a 250 mile North to South Bike ride for Tyˆ Hafan Saddles will be blazing in June when a team of intrepid Thomas Carroll cyclists tackle an extreme charity bike ride spanning the entire length of Wales.

The four-day bike ride forms a major milestone of TC’s pledge to raise £40,000 for Tŷ Hafan children’s hospice this year.

The team is due to set off on June 21st and will encompass 250 challenging miles from Holyhead in the north to Cardiff Bay. The spectacular route, known as Lon Las, takes in three mountain ranges and is regarded as one of the toughest on the National Cycle Network. Travelling through the foothills of Snowdon, the trail includes Caernafon, Dolgellau, Trawsfynydd, Builth Wells and Brecon and then continues on to the Taff Trail down to Cardiff Bay.

As well as hardened mountain bikers, the TC team will include complete novices, many of whom were helped to acquire their rides by the Government’s Cycle to Work scheme which TC offers.

Around twenty members of the Thomas Carroll team are expected to take part in the endurance challenge, with a combined mileage of 5,000 miles on reaching Cardiff Bay. True to TC’s 1970s charity theme for the year ‘The Insurers’, the squad have adopted their own official bike, a 1970s chopper-style bike.

Rhys Thomas, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Brokers said: “We wanted to take on a high mileage challenge which was also accessible to as many colleagues as possible.

Finding a cycling event which traverses the whole of Wales was perfect for our company which has served Wales for forty years. It is going to be tough but we are up for the challenge for this vital cause.”

HELP US TO RAISE £40,000 FOR TYˆ HAFAN Contribute today: www.theinsurers1972.org

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

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FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Looking forward financially Words: Mark Eedy

TC Scene asked Mark Eedy, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers, to name his hot financial topics looking forward.

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Q What steps can employers take to improve their competitive edge over the next 12 months?

There are indications that the seeds of recovery are starting to grow. For instance, encouragement can be taken from a headline in the Federation of Small Businesses Survey results – “Small firms ready to employ again as confidence picks up�.* Even though job queues may be long, an employee benefits package that is both attractive and cost effective is key to attracting and retaining the right people. More and more employees are looking for fringe benefits like pension scheme membership, life assurance cover, private medical insurance and so on, giving them the opportunity to trim their personal budgets. Salary exchange is also very high on many employees shopping lists.

Thomas Carroll

Q We have seen a number of legislative changes around pension planning in recent years. What is the current situation and what advice would you give to clients?

Pension compulsion is most definitely going to happen. From October 2012 the largest employers will be required by law to automatically enrol all eligible employees into a pension scheme and pay contributions on their behalf. The timing of pension compulsion will be phased in, depending upon the number of employees, and is due to be completed by June 2018.

Pension advice for individuals can be extremely complex despite recent attempts to introduce pension simplification. High earners in particular need to take care not to fall foul of recent legislation and suffer penal tax charges.

Photograph: Darren Britton

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

My advice would be to consult a specialist independent adviser at the earliest opportunity, giving you time to effectively budget and plan ahead for pension provision.

Q How is the Government intending to help small businesses grow?

The Government is intending to reduce the top slice of income tax and corporation tax. They are committed to a process of consultation on a number of tax simplification proposals.

A new Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEID) will be introduced and Enterprise Investment Schemes will be made more attractive to encourage investment in smaller businesses. *Source FSB 12.03.2012

TC IFA pictured with their Retirement Planning Firm of the Year award: Louise Eedy, Mark Eedy, Stephen Francis and Peter White

Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers was named The Chartered Financial Planners of the Year by the Personal Finance Society, the body which grants Chartered status to IFA firms and individuals. TC IFA was also named Retirement Planning Firm of the Year

by Bankhall Group, the UK’s largest supplier of IFA compliance and support services.

Mark Eedy is the Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers mark.eedy@thomas-carroll.co.uk

NB: Tax and legislation are liable to change. This information is based on our current understanding of UK law and HM Revenue & Customs practise and legislation we believe may apply in the future.

No guarantees are given regarding the effectiveness of any arrangements entered into on the basis of these comments.

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

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PROPERTY INSURANCE

Words: Michael Learoyd

Reports of metal thefts across the country continue unabated as thieves pursue their lust for a fast profit, as the price of metal remains high.

Thousands of pounds worth of damage is being caused by the plundering of metal from church roofs to schools and hospitals.

From commercial warehouses to blocks of flats and parish churches, the number of cases of metal theft continues to rise. Unoccupied properties are particularly at risk from the extensive damage caused by this criminal activity.

Although copper is top of their hitlist, aluminium, bronze, steel and other ferrous and nonferrous metals have been stolen to sell on for scrap.

To the victims of the crime, the loss of metal is only half the story; it is also the damage caused in stealing it and the clean-up costs.

Anything and everything can have a second-hand scrap value and criminals will think nothing of ripping out pipes and tearing off roofing sheets, leaving property owners with a hefty bill to rectify structural and water damage.

One insurer estimates that 75% of the cost of a typical metal theft claim is for the associated damage caused to the building, which far outweighs the value of the stolen metal.

Vital services, such as gas, electricity and water supplies are often disabled and there can be property owners’

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liability issues if premises are rendered unsafe.

Each property is different and will need a mix of security measures depending on its location.

Criminals will think nothing of ripping out pipes and tearing off roofing sheets Most worryingly is that this criminal activity can be life-threatening or cause serious disruption.

In February, hundreds of children were sent home from Ysgol Gyfun Llanhari, Rhondda Cynon Taf, after metal thieves stole copper piping from the comprehensive school’s heating system.

In December, 2011, Llandough Hospital, in the Vale of Glamorgan, had to cancel operations for around 80 patients – some suffering from cancer - after thieves stole 100m of cabling from a back-up generator.

Repairs were estimated at £20,000, far in excess of the value of the metal. And with the escalating value of scrap metal, thieves will do almost anything to get to their prize, including risking their own lives.

In the past year, the UK’s Energy Networks Association has reported more than 7,000 theft incidents resulting in four deaths and more than 30 injuries.

The approach to tackling the crime should be one of prevention.

When a property becomes vacant, property owners should take the following actions: Get in touch with your insurance broker/insurer straight away to be clear about the insurance implications of the property being empty.

Allow a professional surveyor to highlight the risks and implement any suggested changes Cap off the utilities (gas, water and electricity) and chain and padlock isolation valves. Owners have a legal liability to make sure that people who enter into their vacant properties are safe, even if they happen to be burglars.

Consider any other safety risks, such as the condition of the roof.

Michael Learoyd is a Property Development Executive at Thomas Carroll Property Services michael.learoyd@thomas-carroll.co.uk

HEALTH & SAFETY

The Scene asked Kevin Price, Managing Director of Thomas Carroll Management Services (TCMS), about his division’s new training arm Q Why do organisations need to provide health and safety training?

For me, it is obvious, preventing accidents and ill health should be the key priority for organisations.

Employers really need to ensure that their employees, at all levels, are competent to undertake their work safely. It goes without saying that training is a key component part of competency.

Q What are the benefits to the employer?

Training not only helps to prevent accidents and ill health and the distress that inevitably follows, but assists employers to meet their legal obligations and also minimise the financial cost of accidents and ill health.

Q Is training the same as competency?

No, competency can be described as the ability to undertake work to a recognised standard regularly. On the other hand, training is helping

people to learn how to undertake the work safely.

Training is therefore an important part of competency, but other factors such as experience and personal qualities are also very important.

Q How can TCMS help?

The simple answer is everyone! It is not just about manual tasks, it also includes directors, managers, supervisors and all employees.

We can assist organisations identify their training needs and then deliver a structured, cost effective programme of training. This can include bespoke courses tailored to the exact needs of the organisation or nationally accredited training courses such as the IOSH Working Safely, IOSH Managing Safely and NEBOSH National General Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health.

Q As an employer, how do I decide what training to provide?

Q What makes TCMS different as a training provider?

There are a number of things that employers can do to help decide this.

Undertaking an analysis of training needs will enable them to compare the current skills and knowledge of employees against the standard needed. Looking at things such as accident/incident data may identify a lack of training as an underlying cause of accidents or near misses and risk assessment will also identify where training should be provided as a precautionary measure.

Talking to employees and obtaining their views should also be considered.

As an organisation we strive to achieve business excellence in everything we do. Our trainers are highly qualified and have a wealth of practical consultancy experience and expertise which enables us to provide pragmatic advice and guidance. This underpins the quality and relevance of the training provided.

Q In your view who needs health and safety training?

For more information contact: kevin.price@ thomas-carroll.co.uk

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PEOPLE

Rising Stars Photograph: Darren Britton

A trio of talented Thomas Carroll people have been rewarded for their loyalty and achievements with senior promotions. Gareth Cotty, Simon Bradwick and Claire Humphries are elevated to director level.

As well as remaining as a Commercial Account Executive for commercial insurance, Claire Humphries will take on the role of Director for Private Clients.

Claire, who has been with us for three years, specialises in private insurance for mid-high net-worth individuals as well as in general commercial insurance.

Gordon Cleland Gordon has been appointed Training Services Coordinator at the newly launched training arm of Thomas Carroll Management Services.

Gordon, who has over 17 years experience within the health & safety training sector, will be responsible for the management and co-ordination of a wide range of nationally accredited (including both NEBOSH and IOSH) and bespoke training courses.

Gareth Cotty has been appointed Sales Director for Thomas Carroll Brokers and will oversee development across Wales. A Chartered Insurance Broker, Gareth is in his tenth year with Thomas Carroll and specialises in corporate/ complex risks, renewable energy, the legal sector, property and construction.

Simon Bradwick has taken up his role as a Director, managing commercial insurer relations and Thomas Carroll Brokers’ trading. A graduate and a Chartered Insurance Broker, Simon specialises in charity and social sector, property and construction and has 15 years with Thomas Carroll.

David Churchill

Jeff Partridge

David has joined Thomas Carroll Independent Financial Advisers as a Senior Financial Consultant.

Originally from Newport, David who is married with two children specialises in both corporate and personal protection.

Jeff has joined our South West Wales Headquarters in Swansea as an Account Executive.

He has over ten years experience in the financial sector with previous posts at Clydesdale Bank and Santander.

A resident of Sketty, Jeff Partridge joined from Richard Keen Insurance Brokers in Neath and is now responsible for the insurance and risk management requirements of corporate clients throughout the South West Wales region.

A resident of Pontllanfraith and originally form Oban in Scotland, Gordon previously worked at UGCS, CHSS, Connaught and more recently Santia.

JOB CREATION & HQ EXPANSION Pictured at Caerphilly Castle, John Moore (far right) Chairman of Thomas Carroll plc with his new recruits, from front to back: Louise Taylor, Joanne Dorey, Victoria Thomas, Louise Jones, Leanne Watkins, Amanda Clarke, Ross Forkan, Stephanie Powell, Leigh Chamberlin, Jack Lane, Jeff Partridge

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As well as 40 years in business, Thomas Carroll is also celebrating continued expansion in 2012 with job creation and further extension of our headquarters.

Thomas Carroll

John Moore, Chairman of the Group said: “We have recruited eleven graduates and executives for positions across all group divisions including insurance broking, health & safety consultancy and independent financial advice.

“The work will start next summer on the fourth stage extension of our headquarters which spectacularly overlooks the magical Caerphilly Castle, offering us splendid facilities for our exciting new people.”

Photograph: Kiran Ridley

THE ARTS

On Song With Sponsorship

Annual membership of Sponsors Group is £975 plus VAT. For more information contact Clare Titley on 029 2063 5084, email clare.titley@wno.org.uk, or visit www.wno.org.uk Wales Millennium Centre

They say that all good things come in threes and that is no exception at Thomas Carroll Group. 2012 is our third year in supporting both Welsh National Opera and Wales Millennium Centre.

It has been three years since we became a founder member of the WNO Sponsors’ Group and it is an association we are extremely proud of.

As a strong, Welsh company constantly striving for excellence, we feel WNO is a perfect partner for Thomas Carroll as we go into our 40th year.

Sponsors’ Group members collectively sponsor one production a year and the performance this year, in Spring, was Mozart’s classic The Marriage of Figaro.

Thomas Carroll benefits not only from brand association and crediting in all WNO programmes and on its website (www.wno.org. uk), there is access to exclusive events and offers, hospitality, priority booking and networking opportunities throughout the year.

In the last three years we have enjoyed exclusive recitals and backstage events, entertained clients and built our networks with other businesses that support WNO. We really value what WNO can provide our business and we are working closely with them to introduce our clients – so that you too can experience one of Wales’ most significant cultural gems.

Thomas Carroll also supports Wales Millennium Centre, which is a charity in its own right.

Jonathon Poyner, Operations Director of Wales Millennium Centre said: “The Group is one of a number of businesses that support the Centre and for this crucial contribution we are extremely grateful. An integral business partner in the Centre’s development, Thomas Carroll Group continues to provide top quality insurance brokerage and risk management support.

Without the generous support shown by individuals, companies and a variety of public and private foundations, the Centre would not be able to provide performances of outstanding quality, keep ticket prices low and touch the lives of thousands of people, young and old, with free and participatory artistic activities.”

WMC creates tailored packages for a range of businesses and organisations, from small companies to global brands. Why not find out what the Centre can do for your business?

More: www.wmc.org.uk/corporatesupport or contact the Development team on 029 2063 4646 or development@wmc.org.uk.

As one of our Supporting Corporate Members, Thomas Carroll Group enjoys a range of benefits in marketing, business development and conferences and events, as well as exciting offers and discounts for its staff members.

www.thomas-carroll.co.uk

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SPECIAL OFFERS

Sunday Times Success Thomas Carroll Group has become the only insurance broker in the UK, and the only operator in the insurance sector ranked on the Sunday Times 100 Best Small Companies list having re-entered at 85.

Special Offer at Romantic Miskin Manor Hotel Visit Wales conducted an online survey for its 20,000 Facebook followers last year and this idyllic setting on the outskirts of Cardiff was named one of the most romantic locations in Wales.

The four star Miskin Manor proved to be one of the top spots for a romantic getaway, and was in good company in the top 20. Ruthin Castle in Denbighshire, Morgans Hotel in Swansea, and Craig Y Nos Castle in the Brecon Beacons were among the top 20 alongside the Miskin, situated close to Cardiff, just off junction 34 of the M4.

Save on Coastal Cottages

To celebrate their success in 2011, the hotel, which is a Thomas Carroll client, has organised a busy schedule for 2012; ranging from accommodation and restaurant offers to prize draws for weddings and health club membership.

Miskin Manor is also holding business networking functions throughout the year.

Scene readers can now take advantage of a special offer: • Double room for £65 (room only) available from Sunday to Thursday night • Please present cutting of this special offer when booking • Code for booking is TCMISK • Subject to availability • Valid from May-November 2012 To redeem your offer call 01443 224 204 www.miskin-manor.co.uk

The Group also came in at number 59 in the leadership category which reflects how employees feel about the head of the company and its senior managers. We were also ranked sixth overall in the UK for Giving Something Back to the community.

According to the Times, 85% of staff gave a positive response to the statement that they would not leave the firm if they had another job. Of the broker’s 103 staff, 36 have been working there for over a decade.

The list is derived from the views of employees and policies and processes of employers and ranks companies chiefly by their results in eight key indicators of staff engagement.

Thomas Carroll Group is the only broker, and the only insurance company, ranked on the 100 Best Small Companies list.

The Private Clients division of Thomas Carroll are working in association with Coastal Cottages of Pembrokeshire to provide insurance cover to clients who let their holiday homes.

Working in conjunction with Aviva Insurance Company, Private Clients offers a bespoke policy, to cover all sorts of eventualities.

Coastal Cottages has a special offer available to readers of The Scene. Any reader booking a holiday will receive a £30 voucher off any 2012 full brochure priced week or short break.

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Thomas Carroll

To claim your discount simply quote ‘Thomas Carroll’ when booking.

View the range of stunning cottages available at www.coastalcottages.co.uk Tel: 01437 765 765.

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