President's blog

On Thursday and Friday of last week I went to Yorkshire to support senior representatives of the ABI. The purpose of this visit was to meet local people affected by the floods, local MPs and councillors, as well as local TV and press. On Thursday I visited Hull with Nick Starling, Director of General Insurance at the ABI, and on Friday I accompanied Stephen Haddrill, Director General of the ABI to Doncaster, Toll Bar and Leeds. My Deputy, Malcolm Edwards joined Nick Starling in Sheffield on the Friday.

Communication was the key to all the meetings. From the insurance perspective we all gained a far better appreciation of the issues that local communities and businesses face. At the same time we were able to convey positive messages to support the excellent work that has already been done in response to the claims. For instance, interim payments had already been received to meet the cost of alternative accommodation for displaced policyholders in nearly every case. In particular we were able to provide reassurance over many of the concerns expressed by policyholders, their elected representatives and the press.

The overriding impression I gained was of communities pulling together. I will be providing feedback to CILA members on some of the points raised with us. As a result of the visits we are looking to provide direct liaison contacts within CILA for local councils. We are also continuing our weekly contact with the ABI Property Committee and are now in touch with the Property Claims Forum on behalf of our profession.