SUBS FORUM NEWSLETTER

20/10/2016ISSUE 3

MEMBERSHIP

DATES FOR THE DIARY

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUP UPDATES

TRAINING DAY 2016

The Training day took place on 20th October and saw over 120 delegates with presentation covering the following topics:

Japanese Knotweed

Legal Aspects

JOG (computer controlled grouting)

HS2 / Crossrail

Ground Instability Risk Profiling / Satellite Mapping

Latest Tree Issues and Protocols

The use of Root Barriers to resolve Clay Shrinkage Subsidence

TRAINING DAY 2016

Dissertation Prize 2016Congratulations to Robert Orr from Portsmouth University who won the Subsidence Forum Dissertation Prize 2016. for his submission:“Investigation into the surface settlement caused through tunnel- ling: with focus on the Crossrail Project in Bond Street.”Highly commended went to Harry Gordon. (also from Portsmouth

University for his submission“An analysis of ground stability in the vicinity of gas storage salt caverns at Edfe’s Hole House Farm, Cheshire, UK.”The initiative would be run again in 2017 inviting Universities from all over the Country to submit projects.

MEMBERSHIPSince the AGM in May the following companies had been appointed now taking the total membership up to 94.

Bradgate Surveying Ltd - Appointed 03/05/16

Cipher UK Property Solutions Ltd - Appointed 14/07/16

How can we raise the level of engagement? Perhaps the low profile of subsidence contributes to this with

flood and fire taking precedence.

A big thank you to our speakers and the 125+ delegates who attended, making it our most successful Training Day to date.

Rob Withers, current Chairman of the forum reported in his welcoming address at this year’s training day that subsidence claims during 2016 had increased by 70 % over previous average year figures.Whilst this figure is substantial it is important to note that it is from a low base of less than 20000 claims per annum , with a likely repudiation rate of 40+% , where claims are not subsidence , the reality could be a modest increase in claims that the stakeholders in the industry are confident can be dealt with within existing service level agreements with insurers.Previous recent year claims increases were in the region of2009 -100%2010 - 65%2013 -40%None of the above figures led to a particular surge in claims , what could be the issue this time round is the Ombudsman’s require- ment for an effective repair that last a reasonable amount of time , and thus properties that have had mitigation works and repairs only carried out , could be at risk if they have moved again during this summer with a resultant increase in properties that may need underpinning a distinct likelihood.Claims notifications generally peak in mid to late October and thus by the end of 2016 the industry will have a better handle on the total number of claims to be dealt with under the Subsidence peril. The Forum has discussed many times if the industry is equipped for a major surge in claims and generally reported the answer to that question is no ,as many qualified personal have retired or left main stream industry . What is clear is that the adjusting houses have the expertise available and these people now work across many perils i.e. fire flood and accidental damage not just subsidence. Many qualified individuals have set up in private practice as they were made redundant from the majors , hence expertise is available if requested .Let’s hope transfer of skills from other perils does not coincide with a major flood event in the UK as inevitably resources will be stretched and service level agreements will be tested to their limits.

Subsidence initial claims rise by 70 % - what does this mean for the industry ?

BANNER ADVERTISINGAs part of our ongoing initiative to raise the profile of our industry and the Forum we are offering banner advertising, at very reasonable rates, to members on the website which link directly to their home pages. Our web- site averages 3000 vis-its per month but would attract many more visitors if it was the “go to page” for information about all aspects of subsidence. To do this it needs more input from mem- bers whether its industry updates, technical issues, newsletters or Met Office updates. The use of the website dovetails conveniently with our Twitter pages and LinkedIn Group which the Forum uses to promote activities and Training Days. It’s also there for members to utilise for their own announcements.

Special interest Groups

The Special Groups are split into four categories are cover the following:

CUSTOMER FOCUS

The group, headed by Nigel Barham hoped to meet in the early part of 2017 and reen-gage the financial ombudsman service

TRAINING & EDUCATION

This group had prepared the programme for the training day and co-orientated speakers, thanks were given to Alan Cripps RICS and Patrick Isaacs Cunningham Lindsey

CURRENT ISSUES

The group had met on 1 September 2016. The meeting opened discussions about The Weather: Wetter Winters, Hotter Summers and how this would affect the insurance industry

TREE ROOT CLAIMS LIAISON GROUP

The group were currently in early discussions with the London Insurance Consortium which includes a number of London Local Authorities and we are optimistic of developing our relationship and extending this to all local authorities and the likes of The London Tree Officers Association.”

ASUC AWARDSThe ASUC Awards luncheon will take place on the 11 November at the Brewery, London. Hosted by the Reverend Richard Coles is a broadcaster, writer and Church of England priest - but he’s best known for having been one half of the 1980s band, The Communards. They enjoyed three UK Top 10 hits, including the biggest-selling single of 1986: Don’t Leave Me This Way.

The awards to be presented will be for:

- Defects Insurance Guarantee - three awards for: Small, Medium and Large companies

- Basement Insurance Guarantee - two awards for: Small and Large projects

- Training (most improved company) for Extra Large Companies

DATES FOR THE DIARY

Subsidence Forum Meeting datesExecutive MeetingExecutive Meeting Annual General Meeting Executive Meeting Training DayASUC Event DatesAnnual General Meeting

9 February18 May18 May14 September 19 October

24 November

BRE Watford BRE Watford BRE Watford BRE Watford BRE Watford

The Brewery, London

Forum members are welcome to attend (at the ASUC member rate) www.asuc.org.uk

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