The aim of this section of the site is to bring our clients the latest on the wide range of products and services that Lycetts offers in respect of each business area of the company.

• Financial Services
• Rural
• Commercial
• Personal Lines
• Equine

Financial Services

Pensions

Will you have enough when you retire? Take advantage of our new pensions forecaster to find out how much you are likely to receive at your chosen retirement age and what you will need to pay in to achieve your target pension. Speak to one of our financial advisers to get details.

Rural insurance

Avian flu

In 2006, HPAI H5N1 has been detected in a number of wild birds in several European countries. The extent to which shooting will be effected largely depends on the time of year that the virus strikes.

Avian Flu is a complex disease with two proteins: Haemagglutin (H) and Neuraminadase (N). Currently 16 different Hs and nine different Ns have been identified, with sub-types in turn divided into Highly Pathogenetic Influenza (HPAI) or Low Pathogenetic Influenza (LPAI).

Ten species of live, shot and dead wild birds are being tested: Mallard, Pintail, Pochard, Shoveler, Teal, Tufted Duck, Wigeon, White Fronted-Goose, Bewick Swan and Whooper Swan.

There will be a 3km protection zone around affected farms or shoots plus a 10km surveillance zone. No compensation will be paid for the compulsory slaughter of infected flocks or for restrictions on the movements of birds of people. Healthy flocks compulsory slaughtered will be compensated, providing they are registered on the Great Britain Poultry Register.

Lycetts has the widest shoot cancellation policy due to Avian Flu in the market place and we are currently negotiating to improve the cover further for next season.

Moorland Fire

Many upland farms and estates have found out, through bitter experience, exactly how much a moorland fire can cost to control and extinguish. Lycetts has introduced a unique scheme providing protection against these substantial costs.

Estates can arrange cover based on a limit of liability of either £10,000 or £20,000 at extremely competitive premiums. The cover includes the cost of hiring a helicopter provided it has been deemed necessary by the fire officer in charge.

To complement our successful moorland wild fire policy, we are able to offer clients a loss of income policy, on a £100,000 first loss basis, for income forgone following a moorland wild fire. Uniquely, this is based on the productivity of the moor in question.

Agricultural motor

Our Agricultural Motor department deals with a number of specialist agricultural fleet insurers and provides our clients with advice and competitive cover for all their private, commercial and agricultural vehicles under a single policy.

Commercial woodland insurance

The market for woodlands insurance has, in the past, been restricted by the lack of insurers willing to underwrite such a specialist field. Commercial woodlands, if insured at all, have tended to be placed on cover through the management companies charged with looking after the forestry interests of clients. However, the insurance often ends up with a restricted panel of insurers.

Lycetts has negotiated an exclusive woodlands policy with a major UK insurer and this is now available to our clients. The premium rates are extremely competitive with the broadest cover available.

Agents and foresters need to take a number of factors into consideration when placing insurance. For example the sums insured should be amended each year to reflect not only the increasing value of the timber, but also the costs of fencing, site clearance and professional fees. Equally, agents will need to consider what would happen to salvage in the event of a claim and indeed whether to extend cover to include windthrow. Other aspects of the cover include public liability and, if required, employers liability.

Personal insurance

Life assurance

Are you paying too much for your life assurance? Ask one of our independent financial advisers for a quotation and to ensure that you take advantage of tax relief on contributions following the changes from 6th April and cheaper premium rates.

Inheritance tax

Are you happy that, on death, the Chancellor will take 40 percent of your assets in excess of the nil rate band (£285,000 in 2006). Our highly qualified advisers are able to provide you with an assessment of your current Inheritance Tax position and put forward solutions to mitigate this or make provision for it so that the Chancellor is NOT the biggest beneficiary of your estate.

Mortgages

The mortgage market is highly competitive and our dedicated mortgage team can help you to get the best rates and, in many cases, achieve substantial savings. We can advise on residential and commercial, principal property loans, second homes and re-mortgages. Call now on 0191 2321151 and speak to either Ian or Jan on our mortgage team.

Corporate pensions

For the business owner or manager, pensions and employee benefits are a major issue. Lycetts has considerable experience in this area and can provide an assessment of your existing structure to ensure that you are getting value for money and that your scheme reflects current best practice so that your employees appreciate the benefits they receive. Revitalise your scheme - contact either Nick Straker or Angus Keate on 0191 2321151.

Require more information? email info@lycetts.co.uk