Albany are proud to announce that we recently joined with the Scottish Youth Theatre to enable a group of children to see the opening performance of the SYT's Christmas Show on Saturday 3rd December.

The children from Yoker After School Care had a great day out at the show.

We will be closed on Friday 9th December, Christmas Day, Boxing Day and Tuesday 27th December. We will also be closed on the 2nd and 3rd of January.

In the event of a claim please refer to the website for claims numbers or contact Alex Keenan on 07976 157 120 for emergency assistance. Emails may still be collected and will be answered where possible.

We have started an exciting new venture here at Albany, our very own newsletter. The "Risk Whistle" is an opportunity for us to help you with hints, tips and advice on everything relating to your insurance needs. We will help you to minimise your risks and to give you peace of mind. We will be guided by you in what we include and will need your feedback to help us deliver the information you need. It will also offer us a platform to share good news from the company and into the wider community.

As well as the newsletter, we have increased our online presence by joining Twitter and Facebook. This will give us a chance to interact with you, the customer on a daily basis. We hope you will join us to help us give you an even better service as we build a community around the Albany Childcare banner.

On the 1st December 2011 Chartis will be changing their name from Chartis Insurance UK Limited to Chartis Europe Limited. This change of name will not impact your insurance cover or your ability to claim.

All policyholders in the UK will continue to enjoy the security of being insured by a financially strong FSA regulated company.

During the unfortunate incidents in London and other major cities in the UK over the last few days many homes and businesses have been devastated by fire, theft or general malicious damage. If you have concerns that your property or business may be at risk over the coming days the following advice should help them minimise the risk of damage from riots or subsequent looting:

• Liaison with their local police authority to gather the most up to date intelligence.
• They should carry out an audit of their security to ensure that premises are adequately protected. Particular attention should be paid to the ground floor and basement level, but not forgetting windows, emergency escape doors and roof-lights accessible from external fire escape staircases, scaffolding and roofs of adjoining buildings.
• Remember to brief staff - aim to minimise opportunities for confrontation by discouraging doorstep cigarette breaks, avoid lunching out and instruct them to walk away from provocation.
• Review contingency plans so that they are prepared in the event of building damage, and for emergency repairs, boarding-up, cleaning-up operations, etc.
• A lot of damage has been done by arson; to help prevent this policyholders should make sure that all exteriors of buildings are cleared of combustibles and waste materials to which the public may have access.
• Be particularly aware of any unusual or suspicious activity and ensure they maintain tight control over any entrances or exits to property.

If you are unlucky enough to have been affected by these events we are here to help. The majority of our policies will provide protection against any loss or damage caused by riot. Please follow the guidelines below.

The Riot Damages Act 1886 places a responsibility on the Police Authority for any damage caused by riot. The Act defines Riot as “when 12 or more people have gathered to use or threaten violence for a common purpose”. It may be that police authorities will not accept that the damage reported is as a result of “riot”, however, it is important policyholders make the intention to claim under this Act clear at the time they notify the police of any damage, from thereon we will take on any recovery action on their behalf.

Policyholders should report any damage to the police at once as there is a 14 day limit for notification under the Riot Act 1886, obtain a crime reference number and inform them that they intend to make a claim against them for the cost of any loss or damage under the Act.

Please ensure we are notified in writing within seven days of the incident occurring giving full details together with the appropriate completed claim form. For further information please check Ansvar policy wordings in the ‘General Conditions’ section. Should you have any queries, please contact our Claims Department on 0845602 0339.

Our recommended supplier, Solaglas are prioritising boarding and make safe works and they can be contacted directly on 0800 474747.