Author Archive for Successful IBO

How to make a successful business interruption insurance claim

Originally written by Steven Skiba on Small Business
A crucial High Court ruling is set to determine whether insurers will have to pay out under business interruption insurance policies, to meet claims for COVID-19-related losses.
While the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) test case is set to provide much-needed clarity to businesses and insurers alike, paying close attention to the wording of individual policies is key to making a successful business interruption insurance claim.
So, what else do businesses need to consider in order to maximise their chances of success, and what are their options in the event that a claim is rejected?
Landmark High Court case
The issue of whether business interruption insurance policies cover pandemic-related losses is one of the most controversial legal issues resulting from the coronavirus crisis. In bringing its test case to the High Court, the FCA is aiming to provide a roadmap to businesses and insurers regarding how to interpret the wording of policies and therefore the amount that should fairly be awarded.
Worth potentially billions of pounds, the case has involved examining 17 policy wordings from eight different insurers in order to determine whether COVID-19 triggers a pay-out. However, the ruling is expected to have ripple effects for the entire

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B-North plans to lend £1bn to small businesses within four years

Originally written by Timothy Adler on Small Business
B-North, the Manchester-based small business lender, plans to lend over £1bn to small businesses within its first four years.
The lender, which hopes to secure a provisional banking licence within weeks, will rebrand as Bank North once the licence comes through.
Initially, B-North aims to lend about £50m as its systems are tested under the scrutiny of the banking regulator.
Filling the gap
B-North sees itself as filling the gap for small business lending as the Big Four banks – Barclays, HSBC, Lloyds, NatWest – have centralised lending decisions, concentrating on large firms, making it difficult for them to get into the intricacies of each small business.
At first, B-North will offer secured loans of between £500,000 and £5 million.
The service plans to start in Manchester but eventually it expects to have eight regional “lending pods”, each effectively a small bank on its own.
Its founders include Jonathan Thompson, a former Santander banker who will be its chief executive, and chairman Ron Emerson, who was founding chairman of the British Business Bank.
B-North says that it will offer the fast, technology-driven credit decisions of a fintech — it claims that it will be up to 10 times faster than a

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SME wellbeing tips from performance coach, Phillippa Hurrell – a podcast

Originally written by Anna Jordan on Small Business
Today’s episode features professional performance coach, Phillippa Hurrell, who shares practical and insightful tips and advice on how small business owners can look after their wellbeing in these high-pressured and stressful times.
Covering healthy habits, how to understand stress to combat negative thoughts and how to increase productivity, the recording is packed full of practical tips every small business owner can start implementing today.
Have a listen to Phillippa Hurrell in the media player below.

For more advice on running your small business, head over to the UK Domain.
Want to hear more podcasts?
The previous podcast from the UK Domain talks about customer data and cyber security.
We’ve featured a host of guests too. Listen to the latest episodes below.

Angel investor and digital expert, Sherry Coutu
Entrepreneur and former Dragon, Rachel Elnaugh
Businesswoman and Dragon, Deborah Meaden
Entrepreneur and The Apprentice 2005 candidate, Tim Campbell
Gousto CEO, Timo Boldt
Entrepreneur and The Apprentice 2018 candidate, Jackie Fast
Investor and former Dragon, Piers Linney
Investment fund manager, Nicola Horlick
Supermodel turned entrepreneur, Caprice

We’ve got podcast episodes from the first series looking at:

How one business owner’s mental breakdown caused her to see trolls from her past
How one entrepreneur hired a videographer to track their every move and build their

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