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AIM Spring 2025 On Target Newsletter

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With huge thanks to all who contributed this year, including our Members Hafod Trails and Bryntysilio we are proud to release the Spring 2025 edition of our On Target Newsletter which contains some fabulous features.  If you would like to save the read for later you can download the PDF at the bottom of the page or read online.

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Highlights include:-

  • Member Focus 
    This year we have spoken to Hafod Trails and Bryntysilio Residential Centre.  They both gave a fascinating insight into how they operate and considerations for the season ahead and beyond.  We are always interested in talking to Members from all sectors to demonstrate the diversity of the Mutual and how we work to help them.  We also use these profiles on our social media and website so if you would like us to interview you please get in touch.
  • Claims Team Update 
    How the AIM Claims team works hard for you when you need them most.
  • Legal Update 
    Featuring recent case studies and legal news that affect the industry and business owners.
  • Generational Inclusion study 
    Following the Member Event in February 2025 some more information on how generational inclusion can be transferred to your business.

We hope you enjoy the read and if you have any questions or would l please email [email protected]

 

Benefits of the Mutual – Facts

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We started thinking about what makes us different to a traditional insurance provider and why should activity providers consider us over any other, lets face it there’s plenty of options out there.

Here’s just a few benefits of being part of the Mutual.

  • AIM is a Mutual – like a co operative where the Mutual is owned by the Members, for the Members.  Membership offers a network of likeminded providers working towards a common goal.  Members connect with each other to help resolve specific issues or questions.
  • The Members answer to the Members rather than to shareholders of insurance companies looking for large profits.
  • The Mutual is run by a small, dedicated and experienced team and overseen by a Board of Directors all of whom come from the activities industry.
  • AIM’s cover is cost effective and of high quality, tailored specifically to our Members’ needs.
  • AIM is the cover provider that works in partnership with some of the leading industry bodies such as the ABC, IOL, AHOEC, CLOtC & NCC in order to support the various sectors and maintain the high standards for the industry.
  • We provide in house onsite tailored training for Members and their staff on a range of issues including Accident Reporting, Claims Defensibility, Risk Management and Lessons Learned as well as advice on Risk Assessments and Operating Procedures.
  • AIM’s Mutual Manager is a solicitor with 24 years’ experience in defending personal injury claims.  As such we have great in house expertise in risk management and claims defensibility and so work closely with Members on these issues, which stands us apart from our competitors.
  • We handle claims in house and take a strong stance where liability is in dispute, rather than settling on economic grounds as many insurers do.  We consider this helps protect your reputation and brand as well as the integrity of the activity sectors and whole industry.
  • To assist with the many challenges your business faces, the Mutual has partnered with ARAG plc to provide Legal Expenses cover.  This is included with your Membership and provides professional legal and financial support as well as counselling services for staff and their families on any issues they may face and has been utilised by a growing number of Members to help staff mental health.
  • AIM fought for its Members to ensure payments for COVID Business Interruption were paid, when other insurers didn’t.  To date, payments total over £4m.  These have ensured that businesses have been kept afloat and able to continue as well as helping the activity sector recover.
  • We love seeing our Members!  We regularly visit them including for renewal meetings, training sessions, or just on request.
  • As an AIM Member, you are eligible for a share of the underwriting profits in years where a surplus is made and a payment distribution is agreed by the AIM Board

What are you waiting for?  call us or complete the proposal form here and one of our small but dedicated team will get back to you.

We know you won’t regret it that’s why so many of our Members renew with us year after year!

 

When do Freelance Instructors need their own Personal Public Liability Insurance?

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Are you Covered? – Checklist to ensure you cover what you need

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As activity providers up and down the country prepare for a new season we wanted to remind Members that it is important to ensure all your equipment is covered and for the correct value and quantity.

Checklist

  • This means checking all your equipment and stock inventories annually rather than relying on last years’ figures.  Make sure you inform the AIM team of the correct new replacement values as undoubtedly the cost to replace these items will have risen.
  • When looking at the figures remember that whilst you may be able to replace individual items with second hand ones, in the event of a total loss, the cost to replace the whole amount with new items is actually a considerably different financial outlay.
  • Take a look at the number of kayaks, canoes, harnesses or helmets for example and ensure the number and value is correctly listed.

We have had occasions where cover was significantly underinsured and regrettably, we cannot pick up the shortfall for this. A theft of kayaks for example in the region of £21k, but listed as £3k would result in a shortfall being paid on any claim.  Many providers would struggle with a loss of this value.  

  • As providers look at diversifying or changing what they offer, please let the team know if you are planning new or different activities to those which you specified when you first came on cover with this.
  • Consider the Business Interruption and Employers Liability elements of your cover.  How long would it take for you to begin trading again after a significant claim such as a fire or flood?  Check if your BI Cover extends to the right amount of time. We can discuss this with you should you require it.
  • If you employ staff or use volunteers it is a legal requirement to have Employers’ liability for them.

The AIM team are always on hand to talk to you about your figures so if you are not sure please call or drop as an email [email protected]

 

Offering Coasteering? – Getting the cover you need

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Many providers of this popular activity struggle to find the right liability cover, either because their insurance provider doesn’t understand the activity or they consider it too risky and will not offer terms or a quotation.

We have had recent experience of providers looking for cover at the last minute because their insurance company changed its attitude to risk and pulled out of the market and we know this can be particularly frustrating.

We can provide cover for your sessions with schools and families as well as adult groups from stag and hen weekends and corporate team building exercises.

Please be assured that Activities Industry Mutual (AIM ) underwriters are familiar with this particular activity when providing a quotation.  We are an Associate Member of the National Coasteering Charter (NCC), and we keep up to date with their meetings and events.  They promote best practice, provider and guide support in the sector, so if you are not a current Member of the NCC we encourage you to have a look at what they offer.

There is also a guide award that the NCC have introduced and the details can be found here https://www.nationalcoasteeringcharter.org.uk/coasteeringguideaward

NCC Guide award outline:

The guide award has been developed by a working group of NCC members, coasteering providers and guides from around the UK.

The award has been structured to allow new guides coming into the industry the opportunity to work through a structured scheme that allows them to gain a base line in standard coasteering guide practice by undertaking a 2-day training course, partaking in a consolidation period and then undergoing a formal assessment. Existing coasteering guides who already have experience and some formal training will be able to apply for the opportunity to APL the training elements of the award.

Photo Credit: TYF Adventure

 

Surfing & Watersports : Coast to Coast Surf School – Olympic Feature

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Coast to Coast Surf School was established in Dunbar and 2024 marks its 20th anniversary.  Now operating in Scotland’s West, North and East coastlines offering a wealth of water based activities, including surfing tours, paddleboarding and coasteering.  They have been a Member of the Mutual since 2014 and share with us their thoughts on the […]

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Surfing: Women + Waves Olympic Feature

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Skateboarding & BMX : TR7 & Team Extreme – Olympic Feature

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Top 5 UK Cycling Destinations

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Activity Providers Cycling Destinations

We have a number of Members who operate cycling and mountain bike trails and tours, we even have some BMX parks now.    Here’s a look at the Top 5 UK cycling destinations to inspire you. We can offer providers cover for Public Liability, Employer’s Liability and equipment cover.  If your business is registered in the UK then we can assist. Please speak to us about a quotation.

Yorkshire Dales

Road cycling in Yorkshire is renowned for its wild scenery, tough riding but welcoming hospitality and the real sense of a cycling community. It has grown in reputation over the last 10 years to be known as one of the best areas of not only the UK but Europe to visit and ride a bike.

Climb the likes of the Cote de Buttertubs, Grinton Moor and Lofthouse fueled on the local delicacy of Wensleydale cheese and Fat Rascals.

Lake District

The Lake District in Cumbria is one of the most beautiful places to ride a bike in the UK, but it is also one of the toughest. Mention the names Hardknott Pass, Kirkstone Pass or the aptly named Struggle and you are sure to get a large intake of breath but also a look of excitement from any roadie mates.

Cornwall

Cycling in Cornwall offers a rider an overwhelming sensory sensation – sandy beaches, sunny weather, a soft sea breeze in your face whilst you roll through the quiet country lanes flourishing with wild flowers. The breath-taking landscape allows you to part forgive the area for the punishing inclines that you get on the coastal roads, as you ride into the pretty little coves and harbours, and inevitably have to clamber back out.

Peak District

The Peak District is England’s oldest national park, designated as such in 1951, and ever since then it has been a haven for cyclists.

Being named the Peak District, you won’t be surprised that there are quite a lot of hills to climb. You can still find some more ‘gentle’ cycling routes to do if you don’t quite fancy slogging up the hills all day, but if you are a bit of a mountain goat, then you definitely won’t be disappointed. Not only are the hills plentiful, some of them are also incredibly steep. Find yourself at the foot of Winnats Pass and you will have really earned your Bakewell pudding from one of the numerous tea & cake shops enroute.

Brecon Beacons

The Brecon Beacons national park, located in South Wales offers everything from charming and lively market towns, to high peaks with incredible views of the Welsh countryside and Black Mountains.

It is a microcosm of everything that makes Wales wonderful. Cloud-piercing peaks and high road passes look down upon the meandering rivers and waterways that pierce through the lush valleys.

Whether you are there for a full week or just a quick weekend break you will enjoy every minute of the famous Welsh hospitality and amazing countryside.