Thomas, Carroll News

2012

31st January 2012
Government Reveals First Regulations for the Chop
The Government recently launched a consultation exercise that represents the first step in its bid to reduce health and safety legislation by half over the next two years.

25th January 2012
Sketty man joins us at Swansea West Wales HQ
Thomas, Carroll has appointed Jeff Partridge as an Account Executive based at its new South West Wales Headquarters in Swansea. Jeff Partridge, who has twenty years experience within the industry, joins Thomas, Carroll (Brokers) Ltd division where he will be responsible for the insurance and risk management requirements of corporate clients throughout the South West Wales region..

24th January 2012
Congratulations to our lucky prize draw winners!
In association with Swansea Building Society, Thomas Carroll ran a Home Insurance competition during 2011 for the chance to win £500 worth of Marks and Spencer vouchers.

13th January 2012
Key Dates in Employment Law 2012
There are a number of key dates to be aware of in 2012 which are set out in chronological order.

13th January 2012
IFA Brief - Fixed Protection Deadline
Mark Eedy, Managing Director of our Financial Advisers arm highlights the need to consider fixed protection before 5th April 2011.

12th January 2012
Winter Driving - Stay Safe
With the first "big freeze" of winter approaching, even the best of drivers are pushed to their limits. At Thomas, Carroll Private Clients we would like to see our customers stay safe this winter. Not preparing a car for winter motoring could increase the risk of an inconvenient upset such as a breakdown. Here are some hints and tips to help you through the winter months.

5th January 2012
Consultation on Proposed Employment Tribunal Fees
The Ministry of Justice, as part of the Government's wide ranging review of employment rights and tribunal procedures, has commenced consultation on charging fees in Employment Tribunals and the Employment Appeal Tribunal.

2011

21st December 2011
Welsh insurance plc announces job creation and headquarters expansion
Thomas, Carroll announced its latest expansion, creating new jobs together with an extension programme to significantly extend its headquarters.

1st December 2011
Government Vows to Restore Clarity to Health and Safety Regime
The Government has announced an immediate consultation on the abolition, consolidation and further review of large numbers of health and safety regulations and aims to remove the first rules from the statute books within a few months.

1st December 2011
Thomas, Carroll reaffirms its sponsorship at Christ College
Rugby teams at Christ College Brecon are set to continue to benefit from one of the most important sporting sponsorship deals in the school's history.

30th November 2011
Radical Changes to Employment Law System
As part of the Government's strategy to increase flexibility in the workforce, the most radical reform to employment law for decades has been announced following the publication of the Governments response to the Consultation on Resolving Workplace Disputes and the Red Tape Challenge Review.

21st November 2011
Brynmor supports Tros Gynnal in a Comtemporary Art Auction
Penarth was chosen to host the charity auction of contemporary Welsh art from an exhibition which has been touring Wales since the summer.

4th November 2011
Criminal convictions should not automatically result in dismissal
In the recent case of Towart v Northumberland Tyne and Wear NHS Foundation Trust it was found that Mr Towart's dismissal was unfair after he was dismissed for two relatively minor criminal convictions.

20th October 2011
Breakfast of Champions, Llanelli 25th November
Experts from the accountancy, legal, health and safety services sectors share their tricks and tips in three 10 minute slots.

20th October 2011
All employers must prepare for the future NOW!
From 2012 the Government is bringing in new responsibilities for employers that will have a significant impact on your business.

20th October 2011
Employment Law Seminar for Charities
In today's tough economic climate many organisations have to consider restructuring and reorganising their workforce. Charities are no exception!

20th October 2011
Light up a Life with George Thomas Hospice Care
Thomas, Carroll work closely with George Thomas Hospice and we would like to tell you more about the Light up a Life Campaign coming up on the 10th November.

10th October 2011
New standard for first-aid kits
A new national standard for workplace first-aid kits has been launched to ensure that they contain the right equipment to meet employers' needs.

27th September 2011
Thomas Carroll supports the Ty Hafan Bollywood Banquet
Ty Hafan are delighted to offer guests a culinary treat as award winning chef Anand George, formerly of Mint and Mustard, cooks up a sumptuous Indian banquet at our annual charity ball.

20th September 2011
Agency Worker Regulations
On 1st October 2011, the Agency Worker Regulations will come into force with potentially wide reaching and costly outcomes for those organisations that do not comply. The Regulations aim to enhance the rights of agency workers, but unfortunately this is likely to be at the expense of the organisations that use them.

16th September 2011
Tour of Britain visits Thomas, Carroll Caerphilly HQ
On Wednesday 14th September the HQ office at Caerphilly enjoyed the presence of some delightful racers from the Tour of Britain. The streets of Caerphilly and the road from the Medieval Castle to our office were full of excited fans waiting for the bikers to come over the mountain.

13th September 2011
The TC Runners Team reached 29th place in the Cardiff 10k race.
Our running team did Thomas, Carroll proud on Sunday 11th September after reaching 29th position out of 104 team entries at the annual Cardiff 10K run.

13th September 2011
Extension to RIDDOR Reporting Period.
The need to report an accident connected with work where an employee, or a self-employed person working on your premises suffers an injury that leads to them being incapacitated for work for three consecutive days is to be increased to seven consecutive days.

6th September 2011
Thomas Carroll chairman John Moore on group's future development.
Robert Llewellyn Jones from the Western Mail talks to John Moore on the prospects for the business and the importance of customer and staff loyalty.

2nd September 2011
Breakfast of Champions Seminar - 7th September Aberavon Beach Hotel.
Thomas, Carroll (Brokers) Ltd, JCP Solicitors and Bevan and Buckland Accountants will be providing in 10 minute slots on 'Trading in the Marketplace' at a breakfast seminar on the 7th Septmeber at Aberavon Beach Hotel in conjunction with the South Wales Chamber.

9th August 2011
TC Brief - Riot Insurance & the Riot (Damages) Act
Gareth Cotty, Associate Director of Thomas Carroll (Brokers) Limited discusses the implications of the Riot (Damages) Act on commercial insurance policies following the recent events around the country.

5th August 2011
Long Term Sick Employees Still Entitled to Holiday Pay
In the recent case of NHS Leeds v Larner, Mrs Larner had been employed by NHS Leeds for 20 hours a week since 2000. In 2005 Mrs Larner was provided with written particulars of her employment which stated that she would not accrue leave above 20 days if she was absent from work due to sickness. Later in her employment she was issued with a holiday policy which stated that annual leave could only be carried over to the next holiday year in exceptional circumstances and prior written consent was required to do so.

5th August 2011
IFA Brief - NEST
Mark Eedy, Managing Director of our Financial Advisers arm discusses the low risk, low return investment strategy adopted by NEST.

5th August 2011
TC Brief - Directors & Officers Insurance
Gareth Cotty, Associate Director of Thomas Carroll (Brokers) Limited discusses the risks facing company Directors and Officers and a recent case study.

5th August 2011
David Rees joins Thomas,Carroll swansea office In commercial insurance role.
Thomas, Carroll Group plc, the Welsh risk management to financial services group, has appointed David Rees as an Account Executive based at its new South West Wales Headquarters in Swansea.

5th August 2011
Competent Fire Risk Assessments
The importance of ensuring the person undertaking fire risk assessments on your behalf is competent has again been highlighted following the jailing of an external fire risk assessor and a hotel manager for eight months.

25th July 2011
Scaffold Safety
In response to industry demand, the National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) has launched a free guide for organisations and individuals responsible for appointing, monitoring or managing scaffolding contractors.

25th July 2011
Thomas, Carroll Group plc opens new West Wales Headquarters
Thomas, Carroll Group plc, the Welsh risk management and financial services group, has officially opened its new South West Wales Headquarters, with Chairman John Moore pledging continued investment in the region.

22nd July 2011
Ex Gratia Payments and Notice Pay
In the recent case of Publicis Consultants v O'Farrell, it was held that Miss O'Farrell, an employee of the Company, was entitled to 3 months' notice pay, but she was dismissed with only four days' notice.

22nd July 2011
Beware - Computer Thefts
There is a real concern that we could see an increase in the number of thefts of computer components as a result of the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan.

20th June 2011
'Fundraising for the Future' Seminar for the Charity Sector
A free seminar for Appeals Directors, Administrators, Finance Officers, Fundraisers, Bursars and Trustees within Charities, featuring motivational speakers and renowned fundraising expert David Poppitt.

17th June 2011
Indirect Discrimination and Reliance on Defence of Economic Consideration
In the recent case of Cherfi v G4S Security Services Limited it was found that cost factors can justify the indirect discrimination of employees.

6th June 2011
Thomas, Carroll Property Risk Services Sponsors Insider Awards
Thomas, Carroll Property Risk Services (TCPRS) has joined Principality Commercial, Austin-Smith:Lord, GVA, Evolvin and Stride Treglown in sponsoring an award in the annual Insider Wales Property Awards 2011.

6th June 2011
Ty Hafan
Join Ty Hafan at the St Davids Polo to eat you picnic and enjoy top class polo. All proceeds from the picnics, raffle and auctions on the day will go to Ty Hafan. Click here for more information

6th June 2011
Safety for Directors Training
Thomas, Carroll Management Services are holding two Safety for Directors training courses on 30th June and 29th September 2011.

6th June 2011
Pension Reform Countdown
Letters marking 18 months until the first employers must automatically enrol staff into a workplace pension scheme have started landing in the in-trays of chief executives of the UK's biggest employers.

6th June 2011
Alexandra Dredge - UK Young Broker of the Year
Aged 26, with 6 years experience with Thomas, Carroll, Alexandra Dredge has won this prestigious National Award from the British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA).

6th June 2011
HSE Decides It's Good NOT To Talk
Work-related injuries and incidents reportable under RIDDOR will have to be notified to the HSE via its website from September this year, as part of cost cutting measures.

27th May 2011
IFA Brief
Mark Eedy, Managing Director of our Financial Advisers arm discusses recent developments in the pensions and retirement income markets and how best to provide for lifetime retirement income.

26th May 2011
Get Your Valuables Valued
In the 1980s, investment in fine art saw values increase to exceptional levels which gave rise to concerns that some items were not adequately insured.

23rd May 2011
Pentyrch Cricket Club v Mike Powell's 'All Star' team 5th June
Thomas, Carroll are supporting Mike Powell's Benefit year and would like to invite you to join Pentyrch Cricket Club for a Twenty20 match against Mike Powell's 'All Star' team.

23rd May 2011
Breakfast of Champions - 8th June 2011, Bluestone Resort, Pembrokeshire
Thomas, Carroll (Brokers) Ltd, JCP Solicitors and Bevan and Buckland Accountants will be providing in 10 minute slots 'Top Business Tips' at a breakfast seminar on the 8th June at Bluestone Resort in conjunction with the South Wales Chamber.

20th May 2011
The Importance of Consistent Treatment
The recent case of Mohammad v DHL services Ltd reiterated the importance of treating employees in a consistent manner. In this particular case, Mr Mohammad and Mr Aziz were involved in an altercation at work, which resulted in a physical fight.

15th April 2011
Dine with the sporting stars of Wales for Ty Hafan
On Thursday 5 May at 1:30pm join Ty Hafan's Corporate Support Group which includes Thomas, Carroll at Cardiff City Stadium, and enjoy a two course lunch with a Welsh sporting star at your table, followed by an exciting auction and guest speakers from the sporting world. Click here for more information.

15th April 2011
Peter Martin joins Thomas, Carroll Group plc in commercial insurance role.
Thomas, Carroll Group plc, the Welsh Chartered risk management to financial services group, has appointed Peter Martin to the position of Account Executive at its Caerphilly headquarters.

15th April 2011
Travel Insurance
It's that time of year again when you start looking around for your perfect summer holiday. Everyone shops around looking for that great deal, but the one thing that most people either forget or leave to the last minute is travel insurance.

15th April 2011
Wedding Insurance
Unfortunately last minute wedding cancellations are not restricted to soap operas, they occur all too frequently in real life. Everyone should take out wedding insurance because the cost of a called-off wedding can run into many thousands.

14th April 2011
Thomas, Carroll Management Services announce latest training course - Principles of Risk Assessment
This highly interactive course will examine the legal duty to assess risks and the procedures for identifying, measuring and evaluating these risks.

14th April 2011
Pension Changes - April 2011
Reduction in Annual Allowance and Pension Options from 6th April 2011

5th April 2011
Key Employment Law Changes - April 2011
Key changes to Retirement Notice, Statutory Pay and Additional Paternity Leave

5th April 2011
Cotswold Geotechnical Convicted of First Corporate Manslaughter Charge under new Act
Cotswold Geotechnical Holdings (CGH) has become the first company to be convicted of the new offence of corporate manslaughter and have been given a fine of £385,000 at Winchester Crown Court.

30th March 2011
Employment Law Seminar - Prize Draw
Following yesterdays Employment Law Seminar we would like to thank everyone for attending and for completing the delegate feedback forms which we will use to improve future courses. The winner of the prize draw and two tickets to a show at the Wales Millennium Centre is David Henderson of D.H. Logistics Services Ltd - many congratulations.

24th March 2011
If you don't use your ISA allowance in this tax year - you lose it
There are many good reasons to invest in an ISA. Each individual can invest up to £10,200 this tax year in an ISA, providing a tax efficient way to invest a substantial amount of money quickly. This allowance rises to £10,680 from 6 April and you can apply for next year's stocks and shares ISA now.

24th March 2011
Breakfast of Champions - 14th April, Dragon Hotel Swansea
Thomas, Carroll (Brokers) Ltd, JCP Solicitors and Bevan and Buckland Accountants will come together to discuss 'Trading in the Modern Market Place' at a breakfast seminar on the 14th April at the Dragon Hotel, Swansea in conjunction with the South Wales Chamber.

2nd March 2011
Thomas, Carroll Group plc launches new High Net Worth broking company.
John Moore, Chairman of Thomas, Carroll Group plc, has announced the establishment of a new company, with the founding of Thomas, Carroll Private Clients Limited - the Group's new broking arm offering bespoke services to high net worth individuals.

22nd February 2011
Inspectors begin blitz on refurbishment sector
The HSE is undertaking a nationwide round of inspections on construction sites in a bid to reduce the toll of death and injury in the sector.

3rd February 2011
Society members to be offered branded insurance services
Swansea Building Society has entered into partnership with Thomas, Carroll, Wales' largest independent insurance brokers, to provide insurance services and products for its members.

3rd February 2011
Milford Haven Port Authority navigates to Wales-based Insurance plc.
Milford Haven Port Authority has moved the management all of its insurance placing and associated servicing over to Thomas, Carroll Group plc. The Caerphilly-based insurance to financial services provider with Swansea Offices serving West Wales, will be providing a full range of insurance broking services encompassing all areas of the Port Authority work.

3rd February 2011
TC IFA wins 'Retirement Planning Firm of the Year'.
We are proud to announce that Thomas, Carroll IFA was awarded 'Retirement Planning Firm of the Year' at the Bankhall Annual Conference in London. Bankhall is the leading supplier of support services to financial advisers in the UK, supporting over 12,000 advisers who were all eligible to receive the award.

2010

9th December 2010
Major Welsh PLC reaffirms its sponsorship at Christ College.
Rugby teams at Christ College Brecon are set to continue to benefit from one of the most important sporting sponsorship deals in the schools history.

12th November 2010
Response to the spending review.
The coalition government has committed to addressing around 80% of the structural deficit through spending cuts rather than tax increases.

12th November 2010
Swansea Broker is latest to join Thomas, Carroll's new office in the city.
Thomas, Carroll Group plc, the Welsh risk management to financial services group, has announced the first phase of senior appointments to its new regional headquarters in Swansea.

8th November 2010
Thomas, Carroll announce lucky winner.
Congratulation goes to Sharon Greenslade who is our lucky email launch competition winner.

18th October 2010
Lord Young Advocates Common Sense to Health and Safety.
The Government's health and safety advisor Lord Young of Graffham, has finally published his highly anticipated review of health and safety laws and the growth of the compensation culture.

1st October 2010
The Equality Act 2010
The Equality Act 2010 provides a new cross-cutting legislative framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.

28th September 2010
Reminder of forthcoming changes to national minimum wage
New national minimum wage rates will come into force on 1st October 2010.

28th September 2010
Double win for Thomas, Carroll and Chairman John Moore
Thomas, Carroll Group Chairman has been honored by his industry, for his contribution to the profession over the past 40 years.

20th September 2010
Quinn barred from UK commercial re-entry
Quinn Insurance has been barred from re-entering UK commercial lines business by the Irish regulator.

29th July 2010
Thomas, Carroll Management Services wins Welsh National Opera Contract.
Welsh National Opera has awarded a three-year contract to Caerphilly-based Thomas, Carroll Management Services, for the provision of its Health & Safety consultancy and related support service requirements.

9th June 2010
Welsh H&S Consultancy Wins Brecon Beacons National Park Authority Contract
Thomas, Carroll Management Services has won the contract to support the health and safety management services for the Brecon Beacons National Park Authority.

5th May 2010
Quinn Insurance Update

14 April 2010
TC Celebrates Chartered Status Success
Thomas, Carroll (Brokers) celebrate Corporate Chartered status success.

31 March 2010
Important News - Insurer placed into administration
News broke on 30th March that Quinn Insurance has been forced into provisional administration.

23 February 2010
Further Investment will Directly Benefit Clients
We are pleased to announce five new senior professionals have joined to further enhance the service we provide.

25 January 2010
Protect Your Home Against Frozen Pipes

14 January 2010
New York Prize Draw Winner
On 12th January 2010, the fantastic Thomas, Carroll New York Competition was announced.

13 January 2010
Reduce the risk of slips on ice, frost and snow
Thomas, Carroll Management Services erisk bulletin issue 1 2010.

7 January 2010
IFA wins chartered award

2009

26 October 2009
Underinsurance - cutting costs could hurt when it comes to a claim

21 October 2009
Maximise your ISA Investment Limits

19 October 2009
Welsh Woman take on Kilimanjaro