Manager’s Travels – New Year

What a busy year it has been!  My first 12 months as Mutual Manager at AIM have flown by.  It has been an exciting time for me in this new role, full of variety and one I have thoroughly relished.  As we start another new year, reviewing 2018 and looking forwards to 2019, I thought it would be a good time to review with you my last 12 months and what we at AIM are looking to achieve in the next 12 months, and beyond.

Visits!

This has been an integral and exciting part of the Manager’s role.  I have very much enjoyed my travels and meeting as many of you, the Members, as possible.  Visits have taken me as far south as Southampton and Poole, west to Somerset and Devon, east to Norfolk and north to Inverness via Cheshire, Derbyshire, Yorkshire and Cumbria!  I have  always been so warmly welcomed- thank you.  It has been really interesting for me seeing your sites and activities,  discussing your businesses with you and assisting in risk management and answering queries.  I will try and see you in 2019 if I have not managed to meet you in 2018.

Activities

2018 has been a year for seeing new places, trying new activities and learning new skills.  I have managed to take my running kit with me on my travels and have enjoyed different routes, running along the south coast, in various towns and villages, in the Cumbrian fells and the Scottish hills.  I learned to climb with ropes on an indoor wall, something I had wanted to try for a while, having successfully defended climbing claims for AIM.  Thank you to The Castle for their hospitality!  I also loved assisting Firetrail with their Illuminator 25km night run in October at the Glen Tanar Estate, acting as a marshall throughout the night and helping with the clear up the following day.  I am still to have a go at axe throwing so if any Members want to demonstrate this to me in 2019, I am a willing contestant!

Claims and defensibility

Protecting your brand and reputation is key.  Accidents do occur but with good risk management and documentation, the opportunities for a successful defence are increased.  We have achieved some great successes in 2018, successfully defending claims which ensure both the integrity of the sector and also act as a deterrent to spurious claims.  I am more than happy to assist you if you have any risk management issues or want to discuss risk assessments and best practice.

Industry matters

It is very important to us at AIM that we listen to your issues and provide you with a voice in the industry, representing your interests at various levels.  This has included being involved in the discussions concerning the new AALA scheme and how this might look in the future.  I have also attended various sector events and conferences, making new contacts and joining several new Members.  The main purpose has been ensuring that we keep abreast of issues affecting the industry and those affecting our Members.

We held our main Member event and AGM in March last year at Plas Y Brenin and a smaller localised event at Glenmore Lodge in Aviemore in October.  Both were well attended and I really enjoyed meeting Members and discussing hot topics on both occasions.  Our next exciting event takes place on the 21st March at Lord’s cricket ground with a variety of speakers, networking opportunities and followed by the AGM.  Do attend if you are able to – it would be great to see you there! Details can be found here http://snip.ly/41ddt5

What’s next?

Well, the plan is to grow the Mutual whilst protecting your interests and keeping the very special mutual ethos, unique to AIM.  This is achieved through contact with you all, as well as regular liaison with your hard working Board of Directors.  We have spent time in 2018 discussing the future for AIM and debating a clear strategy for the next few years.  We always welcome feedback and Member involvement through the Membership Committee and if you are interested in getting involved, please let us know.

I am looking forward to the next 12 months and beyond, and wish you all a very successful and prosperous 2019.

Sophia