Cereals: Risk management service launched to lower levels of claims

Acres Insurance Brokers officially launched a new service at the Cereals event last week (June 11), designed to help farms, estates and rural businesses improve safety standards, manage risk more effectively and build safer, stronger and more resilient businesses. Acres Risk Management marks the next stage in the company's commitment to supporting farms, estates and rural businesses beyond insurance. READ MORE: Farm shop staff facing verbal and physical abuse as retail crime hits 90% of businesses The launch comes at a challenging time for many farming businesses. Over recent years, farm insurance costs have increased significantly, driven by inflation, rising labour and repair costs, and substantial increases in the replacement value of farm buildings, machinery and equipment. At the same time, many businesses continue to face pressure from rising input costs, changing support schemes and increasingly complex compliance requirements. Recognising these challenges, Acres Insurance Brokers has spent several years working closely with farming and rural businesses to better understand the factors that contribute to fewer incidents, lower claims activity and stronger business resilience. This work identified a clear trend: organisations with robust risk management practices in place often experience fewer incidents, fewer disruptions and lower levels of claims activity. Kyle Phillips, health, safety and risk management consultant at Acres Risk Management, said: "Rural and agricultural businesses involve some of the highest risks of any sector, yet health and safety is often pushed down the priority list simply because owners are busy running their business and don't know where to start. "Machinery, vehicles, livestock, lone working and even the weather combine in ways rarely seen elsewhere." Common risk management practices included well-maintained buildings and machinery, regular inspections, effective staff training, documented procedures and a proactive approach to identifying and managing risk. To help clients strengthen these areas and take a more proactive approach to risk, Acres has developed Acres Risk Management, a specialist service which will provide practical support including: Farm and Estate Safety Reviews PUWER and LOLER Inspections Business Continuity and Strategic Risk Reviews Ongoing Risk Management Support Health and Safety Compliance Guidance Any other health and safety requirements, including policies, risk assessments, procedures, COSHH assessments, and noise and vibration assessments. Nigel Wellings, founder and chairman of Acres Insurance Brokers, said: "For many farms, estates and rural businesses, health and safety can feel like a complex and time-consuming area. "Our aim is to provide practical, effective support that genuinely helps businesses manage risk, protect people and strengthen their long-term resilience. "Acres Risk Management is not about creating paperwork for the sake of it.