In the nicest possible terms, Kathryn Gallen, Managing Director of recruitment consultants 2nd City Resourcing, hopes never to talk to First Recovery again.
Arriving in the morning at their offices in Birmingham, employees of two companies, part of the same group who share the same offices, were to discover that a flood on one of the upper floors, although not physically damaging their offices in any way, had left the building without electricity and internet connectivity.
While one company was fortunate enough to be able to relocate their employees to their main London office for the duration of the clean up, the other was faced with the bigger challenge of working out how "business as usual" could be achieved without an office and, as their entire back office function is web based, without an internet connection.
In stepped their insurer and the invoking of the First Recovery element of their insurance policy. Within one hour of Ms Gallen registering the event with the insurer, First Recovery was on the phone discussing her requirements and the logistics of moving her offices to an alternative location. Within 24 hours, the client was relocated to an office within the same postcode, temporary PCs and printers were installed with complete broadband access to their back office function and post was re-directed. First Recovery were even able to redirect their 0870 number to phones in the new location.
"Being the least technical person I know" said Ms Gallen, "it was brilliant to have someone take charge and organise us to the extent that we were up and running so quickly. We have learnt first hand how important it is to have contingency plans in place so it's comforting to know that we are able to minimise the impact in situations such as this".
The insurance broker reports "The Disaster Recovery element of the insurance policy provides cover in the event premises are unusable for any length of time and is designed at minimising any interruption to business and the loss of profit one might suffer as a consequence."
AUGUST 2005
Sutton Kersh an estate agents/surveyors/auctioneers with five offices in and around Liverpool were prepared for one of their most busiest days of the year; a major property auction which would entail a large volume of calls. When disaster struck and one of their offices was badly damaged by fire. Sutton Kersh's insurer AIG (now Chartis Insurance UK Limited) mobilised First Recovery to provide the disaster recovery service. Liaising quickly with Sutton Kersh, First Recovery sourced conveniently located offices, installed computer equipment and redirected all telephone lines. Within a few hours Sutton Kersh were able to contact their entire database and were able to receive calls in readiness for their auction.
"We took out disaster recovery cover on our office insurance policy with AIG (now Chartis Insurance UK Limited) without really thinking we would need it, and we are so glad we did. Our office was recently damaged by fire and First Recovery dealt swiftly and effortlessly in relocating us into new offices. Within 24 hour we were fully operational. Thanks to First Recovery - your efforts were very much appreciated." – James Kersh, Managing Director.
DECEMBER 2008
"The combination of the AIG (now Chartis Insurance UK Limited) financial backing together with the practical and technical assistance offered by First Recovery has made our offering to the Professions and those sectors where offices are the core of their operation a market leader.
At The Insurance Partnership we believe that by our involvement we will add value and working with AIG (now Chartis Insurance UK Limited) and First Recovery have certainly ensured we have delivered this by providing clients with a critical service that will enhance their recovery process should they suffer a serious incident or disaster."
Richard J Tuplin – Senior Associate Director
JULY 2008
"Just a short note to say how very much we appreciated your help in the first few hours in what turned out to be a total loss for our clients Teckno Developments Ltd. The efficient service provided by your company was a great help in enabling our clients to be up and running within two days of the fire occurring. As Brokers it takes a great deal of weight off our shoulders in being able to tell the client that we can provide them with an office with telephone and computer facilities when they are faced with a catastrophe. Your help and assistance was invaluable. "
Stuart Young - Bluefin
JANUARY 2009
