As a valued client of East West Insurance Brokers, you’re supported by a team of experts who bring more than just insurance knowledge to the table; they also have passions, hobbies, and aspirations that make them who they are. Get to know the people dedicated to looking after you and your business.
Christian Monzon Insurance Advisor
Christian works closely with clients and insurers, analysing renewals, managing client enquiries and helping find the right insurance solutions.
Outside of work, you’ll likely find him on the golf course, at the driving range or training for a half marathon. He’s always looking to improve his golf game and dreams of one day visiting Bora Bora.
Rebecca Mulcahy Insurance Advisor
Rebecca works closely with clients to help them stay protected and works closely with colleagues to deliver great outcomes.
Outside of work, her weekends are all about family, with plenty of kids’ sporting events, birthday parties and playground adventures. In quieter moments, Rebecca enjoys jigsaw puzzles. She dreams of taking the family to Britain to explore their family history, culture and heritage.
Zara Gomez Finance Manager
Zara oversees the financial planning, reporting and operational finance functions, helping to ensure the company’s ongoing financial success.
Outside of work, she enjoys DIY projects and planning overseas adventures, often organising every detail from itineraries to bookings. A road trip through Switzerland tops her travel bucket list, and she’s keen to sharpen her driving skills to make it happen.
If your business insurance renews in June, you may already know it can be a busy time for the insurance industry.
Many businesses choose June renewals because they align with the end of the financial year. However, this also means insurers are reviewing a high number of policies at the same time.
Moving your renewal away from this busy period may have some benefits, including:
1. More time for Insurers to assess your business
A quieter renewal period may give insurers more time to understand your business, assess your risks and consider the terms they can offer.
This can be especially helpful if your business has changed, your risks are more complex or your policy needs a more detailed review.
2. More opportunity for us to negotiate
Having more time can also give us greater opportunity to speak with underwriters, explore alternative markets and negotiate premiums and policy conditions on your behalf.
It allows us to thoroughly consider the options available and work with insurers to find the right solution for your business.
You May Be Able to Change Your Renewal Date
Many business owners with a June renewal assume they need to renew in June every year. In some cases, that’s not necessarily the case.
Depending on your insurer and policy, we may be able to arrange a one-off policy term of 8 to 16 months.
This could move your next renewal to a different time of year.
For example, if your policy currently renews in June, we may be able to extend the policy term so your next renewal falls later in the year, outside the industry’s peak renewal period.
Is It Worth Asking?
Changing your renewal date won’t suit every business.
We’ll look at your circumstances, see whether it’s an option and explain what may work best for you.
Planning ahead could give insurers more time to assess your business and give us more opportunity to negotiate the right cover and terms on your behalf.
We know when something goes wrong, making an insurance claim can feel like one extra hassle.
As a business owner we also know your priority is usually getting things back to normal or continuing to run with as little disruption as possible.
However, what you do after an incident can affect how smoothly your claim is handled.
As your insurance advisor, we are here to help guide you through the claims process. Here are five of the most common mistakes that can make a claim more difficult.
1. Waiting too long to notify us
One of the most common mistakes we see is waiting too long to report an incident.
You may think the damage is minor or you want to look into all details of what happened before contacting us.
However, it is best to let us know as soon as possible.
Early notification gives us the chance to understand what has happened and help you take the right steps.
Your policy may also have rules about when and how you need to report a claim.
Our advice: If something happens that could lead to a claim, contact us as soon as possible. Even if you are unsure whether you want to make a claim, we can help you understand your options.
2. Not keeping evidence
Good records can make a big difference during a claim.
Where it is safe to do so, take photos and videos of the damage. Keep receipts, invoices, repair quotes and other records linked to the incident.
It is also useful to keep emails and other messages about the incident. This may include conversations with contractors, suppliers or other people involved.
The more information we have, the easier it can be to understand what happened and assess the loss.
Our advice: Keep records of the incident, the damage and any costs. Don’t rely on memory alone.
3. Starting repairs too soon
We understand that when your business is damaged, you want to fix the problem straight away.
In some cases, urgent action is needed to make the area safe or stop the damage from getting worse.
However, starting non-urgent repairs before speaking with us may make it harder to assess the damage. The insurer may need to inspect the property or arrange an assessment before repairs begin.
Our advice: Contact us before starting non-urgent repairs. If urgent work is needed, take photos first where it is safe to do so and keep records of the work and costs.
4. Assuming something is covered
It is easy to think that if you have insurance, your loss must be covered.
But insurance policies can be complex. They can include different terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and excesses.
Cover can also depend on what happened and how the loss occurred.
Rather than making assumptions, talk to us about your policy and the situation. We can help explain what your cover may respond to and what steps you should take next.
Our advice: Don’t guess. If you are unsure whether something is covered, ask us before making decisions.
5. Not understanding your excess
Your excess is the amount you may need to pay towards a claim.
The amount can vary depending on your policy and the type of claim. Some policies may also have different excesses for certain events.
Knowing your excess before you need to make a claim can help you understand the possible cost to your business.
Our advice: Make sure you know what excesses apply to your policies. If you are unsure, we’re happy to explain them.
What should you do if something goes wrong?
EvEvery claim is different, but there are some simple steps you can take.
Make the area safe. Put the safety of your employees, customers and others first.
Prevent further damage. Take reasonable steps to protect your property where it is safe to do so.
Document the incident. Take photos and videos and write down what happened.
Contact us. Let your broker know as soon as possible.
Keep your records. Save invoices, receipts, quotes and other documents.
Importantly we are here to help, ask questions. If you are unsure what to do, speak with us before taking action.
The best time to review your insurance is before a claim
A claim can highlight whether your insurance still matches your business needs.
Your business may have changed since your policy was first arranged. You may have bought new equipment, increased your stock, moved premises, hired more employees or changed how you operate.
That’s why regular insurance reviews are important.
At East West Insurance Brokers, we work with you to understand your business and help you make informed decisions about your insurance.
If your business has changed, speak with your broker. We can review your cover and help make sure it still suits your needs.
Because the best time to find a gap in your insurance is before you need to make a claim.
Most business owners think Business Interruption insurance only covers damage to their own premises.
But when we review a client’s cover, we look at more than their own business.
We also consider the businesses they rely on, such as suppliers, customers and storage providers.
If one of these businesses is affected, it could also disrupt your business and reduce your income.
This is where Contingent Business Interruption cover can help.
How Can Contingent Business Interruption Cover Help?
Your business does not need to be directly damaged to suffer a loss.
If a business you rely on is affected, it could cause delays, lower sales or lost income.
When we review Business Interruption cover with our clients, these are some of the key areas we encourage them to think about.
1.Your Suppliers or Manufacturers
Many businesses rely on suppliers for products, materials or equipment.
But what would happen if one of your key suppliers could no longer deliver?
If their premises are damaged, it could delay your business and affect your income.
For example:
A dressmaker cannot source fabric after a supplier’s warehouse is damaged by fire.
A café cannot receive deliveries after a bakery supplier is damaged by a storm.
A construction company faces delays after a supplier’s factory is damaged by fire.
Depending on your policy, Contingent Business Interruption insurance may help cover the financial impact.
This is something we recommend considering if your business relies heavily on a small number of suppliers.
2. Your Customers
Sometimes, the disruption can come from the other side of your business; your customers.
If a major customer is affected by an insured event, they may not be able to operate as normal. They may reduce or stop buying your products or services.
For example, imagine you supply products to a restaurant that is damaged by a storm and needs to close for repairs.
While the restaurant is closed, they may not be able to purchase from you. If they are a major customer, this could have a real impact on your income.
If your business relies on a small number of key customers, Contingent Business Interruption cover may help protect your income.
3.Third-Party Storage Facilities
We also see businesses storing stock at warehouses or storage facilities they do not own.
If that location is damaged, it could delay orders and affect your ability to trade.
Your policy may provide protection if the storage facility belongs to another business.
However, we also recommend checking that any stock stored at third-party locations is properly insured.
Two Important Things to Know
Contingent Business Interruption cover can provide valuable protection, but there are some important limits to understand.
1. The Damage Must Be Covered
For your claim to be covered, the damage will usually need to be something your Property Damage insurance would cover.
For example, your supplier’s warehouse is damaged by flood, but your Property Damage policy does not include flood cover.
In this situation, your Business Interruption claim may not be covered.
This is why we always encourage our clients to look at their Property Damage and Business Interruption insurance together. The two covers can work closely together when a claim occurs.
2.Your Claim May Be Limited to 20%
Many insurers place limits on claims involving suppliers, customers or storage facilities that are not specifically listed on your policy.
A common limit is 20% of your Business Interruption Sum Insured, although this can vary between insurers and policies.
For example, if your Business Interruption Sum Insured is $500,000, your claim for an unnamed supplier, customer or storage facility may be limited to $100,000.
For a business that relies heavily on one key supplier or customer, that limit may not be enough.
When we review your policy, we can help you understand these limits and whether they provide enough protection for your business.
Is Your Insurance Keeping Up With Your Business?
Your business does not stay the same forever.
You may work with new suppliers, gain bigger customers, hold more stock or change the way you operate.
That is why we recommend reviewing your insurance regularly.
We encourage you to ask yourself:
What would happen if my main supplier stopped operating?
What if my biggest customer could no longer trade?
Could my business continue if my stock was damaged at another location?
How long could I continue operating if a key business partner was affected?
If the answers raise some concerns, it may be time to review your cover.
As your broker, we can help you understand your policy, explain any limits and look at whether your current cover still meets your needs.
A quick conversation with us today could help you identify a gap before you need to make a claim.
At 19 years old, Chantelle Rogers joined her family’s transport business without knowing where it would take her.
Eighteen years later, she is helping lead the company alongside her brother.
But becoming a business leader was never part of a carefully planned career path. In fact, transport wasn’t even her first choice.
Chantelle had a passion for scuba and was close to completing her training as a diving instructor when her asthma brought that dream to an unexpected end.
With scuba diving no longer an option, Chantelle tried a few different jobs, before making the decision to join her family’s business.
That decision would shape the course of her career.
Starting from the ground up
Rogers Transport was founded by Chantelle’s parents, Gary and Val Rogers, with just one truck before growing into a company with 60 trucks; providing transport, logistics and warehousing services across Australia.
But Chantelle didn’t walk into a leadership role. She started in administration and worked her way into accounts and the warehouse before moving into operations. With every new role, she learned more about the business and the people who kept it moving.
Over the course of 18 years, Chantelle built her skills, gained experience and developed a deep understanding of the business her father had created.
In 2022 Gary stepped back from the day-to-day running of the business and handed the reins of leadership to Chantelle and her brother, Brad.
After years of working at Rogers Transport, she was now trusted to help lead and grow the business.
The biggest challenge? Building the right team
One lesson Chantelle has learned as a leader is that you can’t grow a business by trying to do everything yourself.
Delegation is an important part of leadership, but finding the right people is about more than simply finding someone who can do the job.
In the transport industry, there are many moving parts that need to work together. Having the right people in the right roles helps keep the business running smoothly, while finding people who align with the company culture and work well with the wider team creates a stronger foundation for growth.
Over the past years, Chantelle has built a strong and supportive team around her and she’s excited to continue growing it with people she can trust to help keep the business moving forward.
Then there’s motherhood
Just as Chantelle was finding her feet in her new leadership position, she took on another life-changing role: Mum.
Today, she is a mother to a busy two-year-old while also growing a transport business.
And if there is one thing she wants other women to know: Balancing motherhood with running a business is hard. Really hard.
There isn’t always a clear line between being a mum and being a business owner. Some days, Chantelle is focused on the business. Other days, motherhood comes first. And on many days, she is doing both at once.
Her schedule can change quickly. Plans need to move. And there isn’t always much time to stop and catch her breath.
But Chantelle wouldn’t have it any other way.
She genuinely cares about both her family and the business. She is passionate about what she does and wants to see the company continue to grow.
It’s a lot to juggle, but it’s a challenge she is willing to take on.
Making it work takes a village
For Chantelle, having a strong support network isn’t just helpful, it’s essential.
Her advice to other women, particularly mums considering leadership, is simple: be prepared and surround yourself with people who support and understand you.
At work, Chantelle has her father, Gary, and their COO, Josh to turn to for guidance, advice and a fresh perspective when she needs to talk through an idea or decision.
At home, she has a supportive husband who understands that work sometimes extends into evenings and weekends, with both sharing the demands of family life.
For Chantelle, success isn’t about doing everything yourself. It’s about having the right people around you to help keep you moving forward.
And with so much of her life centred around work and family, she’s also learned the importance of making time for herself.
For Chantelle, that’s baking, a creative outlet that helps her switch off, reset and recharge. Whether it’s decorating a cake for a family celebration or baking late at night after work, it’s a small but meaningful part of her life.
Building what comes next
Rogers Transport has already faced its share of challenges, including losing 11 trucks in the 2011 floods and 30 trucks in the 2022 floods.
Despite these setbacks, the business has continued to grow.
Now, Chantelle is looking ahead to the future. She is excited to carry on her father’s legacy and grow the company that all started from a single truck…
As a valued client of East West Insurance Brokers, you’re supported by a team of experts who bring more than just insurance knowledge to the table; they also have passions, hobbies, and aspirations that make them who they are. Get to know the people dedicated to looking after you and your business.
Rebecca Sawers Chief Insurance Officer
Rebecca leads the group’s insurance divisions, focusing on strategy and growth, through the ever-changing industry.
Outside of work, you’ll often find her coaching her daughter’s netball team and helping young players develop their skills. She hopes to one day conquer a marathon and has Turkey and Italy’s Amalfi Coast at the top of her travel bucket list.
Michael Traill Insurance Advisor
Michael helps business owners find suitable insurance and manages small business insurance renewals.
Outside of work, he’s a self-confessed night owl who enjoys discovering new music, gaming, and exploring niche topics. He would love to learn Mandarin and dreams of visiting Antarctica one day, with China also high on his travel list.
Jose Flores Claims Assistant
Jose is passionate about guiding clients through the claims process from start to finish.
On weekends, he enjoys attending cosplay events, crafting costumes, gaming, and going on day trips. Jose also hopes to attend the 18th-century themed Fêtes Galantes ball at the Palace of Versailles, one of his top must-visit destinations.
Insurers have significantly tightened their underwriting over the past 12 – 18 months, and the level of data required before quoting has increased acrosss the board.
What’s changed?
Insurers are now scrutinising risk information far more closely than they used to. Where a brief overview may have been enough in the past, underwriters today want specifics: detailed claims histories, updated asset values, current risk management practices, workforce numbers, and revenue breakdowns. We are essentially asking for the works.
It’s not about being difficult. It’s about insurers protecting their books in a tougher market.
And here’s the reality: incomplete or vague information leads to higher premiums, coverage restrictions, or declined quotes.
Why we’re asking (again)
We know it can feel repetitive. You provided this information last year, and your business hasn’t changed significantly. Why do we need it all over again?
Because insurers treat every renewal as a fresh underwriting exercise. They’re reassessing your risk profile based on current information, not last year’s data. If we don’t provide comprehensive, accurate details upfront, we lose negotiation power, and potentially you may lose more as a result.
What good information gets you:
Sharper pricing – Underwriters price what they understand. The clearer the picture, the tighter the premium.
Broader coverage – Detailed risk information helps us argue for better terms, higher limits, and fewer exclusions.
Faster turnaround – Complete submissions avoid the back-and-forth that delays quotes and eats into your renewal timeline.
More options – Insurers are more willing to quote and complete when they have confidence in the information.
Our commitment to you
We are not asking for details to tick boxes. We’re asking to secure the best possible outcome for your business. Every data point you provide gives us leverage to negotiate on your behalf, and in this market, that leverage matters.
We also get that you’re busy. If there’s a way we can make the renewal process easier by pre-filling forms, scheduling a quick call instead of lengthy emails, or consolidating requests, please let us know. We’re here to make this work for you, not add to your workload.
What this means for your business
The more detail we have, the harder we can push for competitive terms. It might feel like extra effort now, but it translates directly into better cover and better value when renewal time comes.
As always, if you’ve got questions about what we’re asking for (or why), we’re happy to walk you through it.
For Martin Turner, recruitment has never been just about filling roles. It’s about helping people find opportunity, guiding careers, and building connections that can genuinely change lives.
As one of the founders of TTG, Martin has spent more than three decades helping businesses find the right people and supporting individuals to step into roles where they can thrive.
Along the way, he’s navigated economic downturns, industry challenges, and delivered some of Australia’s largest recruitment projects.
His journey into business wasn’t part of a grand plan. After building a career in human resources and recruitment consultancy, Martin and a group of colleagues saw an opportunity to do things differently.
In 1991, four founders took a leap of faith and launched TTG. More than 30 years later, that decision has grown into a trusted recruitment business that has helped thousands of people and organisations find the right fit.
Riding out the storms
Like many long-standing businesses, TTG has weathered its share of challenges.
From the Global Financial Crisis to COVID-19, there were times when hiring slowed, projects paused, and confidence in the market dropped. As Martin explains, recruitment is closely linked to business activity. When clients slow down, hiring slows too. When confidence returns, recruitment picks up again.
One constant challenge throughout the years has been cash flow, particularly when working with large organisations that come with complex processes and longer payment cycles.
Despite this, Martin credits the team’s resilience and adaptability for the business’s continued growth.
A project close to home
While TTG has partnered with major organisations across Australia, one project stands out.
When Brisbane’s public transport network changed from Go Card to contactless payments, Translink asked TTG to help with the rollout. The team was tasked with recruiting 140 employees for a large customer engagement campaign.
For a relatively small team, it was a major undertaking. They interviewed hundreds of candidates, onboarded successful applicants, coordinated training programs, and provided ongoing performance management throughout the project.
What began as a single recruitment assignment grew into a trusted three-year partnership, a clear reflection of the team’s ability to deliver great results.
Helping people find their place
While large projects are rewarding, what keeps Martin motivated is simple: helping people find work they truly enjoy.
Many young professionals come to him unsure of what they want to do. Sometimes, they only know what they don’t want.
Martin enjoys helping them discover opportunities they may not have thought about and guiding them towards careers that suit their skills, goals, and personality.
For him, helping people build a career they love is the most rewarding part of the job.
Lessons learned along the way
After more than 30 years in business, Martin has learned plenty but one lesson stands out: don’t do it alone.
Building strong relationships with mentors, advisers, and trusted partners can make all the difference when challenges arise.
He also believes in the importance of delegation; surrounding yourself with capable people and trusting them to do what they do best, so he can focus on growing the business.
Life beyond recruitment
Outside of work, Martin has discovered a new passion: winemaking.
What started as a hobby is slowly growing into a business. He plans to obtain a wine licence and one day sell his own wines, with the profits going towards charitable causes that are close to his heart.
When he’s not in the vineyard, you’ll likely find him watching rugby on TV. A proud Welsh rugby fan, he rarely misses a match.
After decades spent helping others build their careers, Martin continues to explore new passions of his own. And if his journey has shown anything, it’s that great opportunities often begin with a willingness to take a chance.
One of our landscaping clients faced a costly setback when the incorrect fuel was accidentally added to their work vehicle, causing significant damage.
With the vehicle off the road, their ability to operate and generate income was immediately affected.
At first, the insurer approved the claim. However, four weeks after lodgement with no additional information provided, the insurer reversed their decision.
They advised that they misread the policy and that the claim, including both repairs and downtime would not be covered.
This sudden change left our client feeling confused and under pressure. The business had already been disrupted and the claim outcome had shifted.
Our role as your insurance claim support
This is where our team stepped in to provide them with insurance claim support.
Our insurance claim support team reviewed the situation and challenged the insurer’s decision. We highlighted a few key points:
The client had been open and honest from the start
The insurer had already indicated the claim would be covered
The delay in changing the decision put the client at a disadvantage
The insurer finally agreed to cover the repair. However, they still declined the downtime insurance claim.
We didn’t stop there. Given that downtime cover had been clearly discussed earlier with the insurer, we continued to push the matter further.
We escalated the case to a Dispute Resolution Officer. We also continued negotiations over several months to seek a fair outcome.
The outcome
After persistent follow-up and strong advocacy from our insurance claim support team, the insurer agreed to cover both the repair and the downtime claim.
This result made a real difference to our client. It helped them recover financially and get their business moving again.
Key takeaways:
Insurance claims do not always go smoothly. Decisions can change, and the process can feel overwhelming.
This is where having a broker can make a real difference.
Without insurance claim support, many business owners do not have the time or energy to challenge claim decisions or navigate disputes. Some may even accept an outcome that is not fair.
When you work with a broker, we handle the claim process for you. We advocate on your behalf as your insurance claim support and deal with the insurer directly.
You can focus on your business, knowing you have someone in your corner when it matters most. Learn more about our claim services. here.
As a valued client of East West Insurance Brokers, you’re supported by a team of experts who bring more than just insurance knowledge to the table; they also have passions, hobbies, and aspirations that make them who they are. Get to know the people dedicated to looking after you and your business.
Rawinia Lim Head of Claims
Rawinia manages complex claims, ensures smooth coordination with insurers, and handle escalations when needed.
Rawinia enjoys walking her dog and unwinding at home. She’s keen to explore pottery as a new hobby, and her travel wish list includes Greece, Thailand, and a return trip to Ireland.
Alicia Newell Executive Assistant
Alicia manages staff policies and supports Insurance Advisors to deliver exceptional services to our clients.
When not at work, you’ll find her at the gym or out enjoying meals, gardening, or taking her kelpie on adventures. She hopes to explore pottery and has Canada at the top of her travel list to see her favourite comedian and experience the wilderness
Shreya Sharma Marketing Manager
Shreya oversees the marketing team and leads all aspects of marketing for the business.
Outside of work, you’ll find her gardening, hiking, or experimenting with new recipes. She’s keen to explore creative pursuits like pottery or textured canvas art, with South Africa currently at the top of her travel wish list.
See what our team are loving this quarter
Jamie Olivers Gnarly Madras Lamb Traybake
Ingredients
2kg Lamb Shoulder (Bone In)
180g Madras Curry Paste
250g Yellow Split Peas
3 Red Onions
4 Tomatoes
1 Potato
6cm Ginger
1 bulb of Garlic
15g Coriander
12 Cloves
Method
1. Score the lamb and season with salt and pepper. 2. Rub with half the curry paste. 3. Place yellow split peas in a deep roasting tray with all the other ingredients along with the remaining curry paste. 4. Stir in 1.2L of boiling water and sit the lamb on top. 5. Tightly cover with tin foil and roast at 170 degrees for 4.5 hours. 6. Remove foil, baste with the tray juices.
Cyber risk is one of the most common threats for Australian businesses. It can disrupt operations and cause serious losses.
To help businesses, the Australian Government released the Essential Eight. This is a set of eight practical cybersecurity strategies. They are designed to help businesses get back to trading quickly after a cyber incident.
Essential Eight Cybersecurity Strategies
The Essential Eight encourages businesses to:
1.Keep software up to date: Regularly update your operating systems and applications to close security gaps.
2. Control access: Only allow authorised staff to make important system changes. Remove access when staff leave.
3. Use strong passwords and MFA: Strong passwords plus multi-factor authentication (MFA) add an extra layer of protection.
4. Limit risky programs: Block or restrict applications and macros that are commonly used to spread malware.
5. Back up data often: Make frequent, secure backups. Test them to make sure you can restore data quickly.
6.Protect against phishing and unsafe sites: Reduce risk from malicious emails and dangerous websites.
7.Have a simple response plan: Know what steps to take and who to contact if something goes wrong.
8. Educate your staff: .Use monthly updates from the Essential Eight team to keep staff aware of the latest cyber threats.
Why Cyber Risk Management Matters
Insurers now look closely at cyber risk management when deciding coverage, premiums, and claims for Australian businesses. Businesses that follow frameworks like the Essential Eight are better prepared if a claim occurs.
Demonstrating these controls can also help negotiate stronger coverage or lower premiums.
What You Should Do?
If you’re reviewing your insurance or risk management, now is a good time to consider how the Essential Eight cybersecurity strategies could be implemented in your business. Contact your broker to discuss these controls in detail.
Mary-Anne has been a client of East West Insurance Brokers for 20 years and we have had the privilege to watch her business evolve from when she owned childcare centres and after-school care facilities to her present business, EPEC Education.
Tell us more about your business.
EPEC Education is a Registered Training Organisation that provides accredited training and professional development to those interested in contributing to the Early Childhood Education community.
EPEC’s training covers all aspects of the care of children with special focus on identifying and preventing child abuse.
What inspired you to start your business?
As a former Approved Provider of a range of early childhood services, I was hoping I could make a positive contribution in this space.
As a former University teacher, I believed the combination of both my theoretical and hands-on industry knowledge would make a positive contribution to the industry.
What’s the most rewarding part of running your business?
Supporting educators and other personnel to be more caring and compassionate in their interactions with the children in their care.
What do you wish you knew starting out?
That it takes a long time to develop the fundamentals of a business, and that there is always a solution to 99% of business problems.
What was your biggest challenge, and your solution?
Coming to terms with all the changing technologies. The best way to overcome these challenges is to stay acutely on top of new technologies and all the details of changing legislation.
What’s your favourite success story?
One of my proudest moments from my business journey is staying true to my belief in the importance of inclusive and compassionate care of all children.
What’s your one big goal for your business in the next year?
In accordance with EPEC’s commitment to the early childhood sector, it is starting to make moves into the recruitment sector and aims to develop this as another department of its business in 2026.
Outside of work, what do you enjoy doing?
Exercising on the beach, connecting with nature and recovering from the challenges of the previous week.
What advice would you give to other business owners?
To be successful in business you need to have plenty of strength and courage. Staying the course is about mental toughness and resilience above all else.
Where can people find you to connect or support your business?
For small business owners, work is more than just work. It is your livelihood. So when something unexpected stops you from working, the stress can be huge. This is where strong insurance claims support makes a real difference.
One of our clients in the commercial cleaning industry experienced this when their work vehicle was damaged in an accident. With jobs booked and bills to pay, being off the road was not just inconvenient. It caused real financial pressure.
The client had a Downtime benefit in their insurance policy, also known as business downtime insurance. This benefit is designed to provide income support while a vehicle is being repaired. After the breakdown, the client lodged a claim and received a repair quote that was below their insurance excess. They decided to pay for the repair privately to avoid the excess.
Partway through the repair, the mechanic found more damage. The new quote was now higher than the insurance excess. Because of this, the client chose to have the repair covered by insurance instead.
The insurer approved the repair costs. However, they declined the Downtime benefit. They relied on a policy exclusion because the first repairs had been done privately.
Our role
Our claims team stepped in to provide dedicated insurance claims support during this stressful time. We reviewed the situation and challenged the insurer’s decision. We explained that:
Any reasonable person would have made the same choice
The client acted in good faith and did not try to mislead
The insurer suffered no additional financial loss from the client going ahead with repairs
We kept the client informed at every step. We reassured them and handled the discussions with the insurer so they could focus on running their business. This is an example of strong insurance broker claims advocacy in action.
The outcome
Because of our team’s experience and persistence, the insurer agreed to pay the maximum Downtime benefit under the client’s business downtimeinsurance. The client received the income support they needed during a difficult period. This reduced financial pressure and helped them return to work with confidence.
Key takeaways:
This claim shows why working with an insurance broker matters:
Policy wording is not always final, and insurers must follow a fair claims process
Experienced claims support can challenge insurer decisions
Brokers provide insurance broker claims advocacy in complex situations
You don’t have to navigate claims alone
Insurance is about being there when it counts and we’re proud to stand beside our clients when they need it most.
Artificial Intelligence in business is now part of everyday operations. It helps with admin tasks, data analysis, and customer service. It can also help write messages and emails. AI is a useful tool for saving time and improving efficiency.
For many businesses, using AI is no longer a choice. It is becoming necessary to stay competitive. But every new tool brings new risks, therefore, it is important to understand these risks before relying on AI.
Understanding AI
A simple way to think about AI is to compare it to your home. A robot vacuum or dishwasher can save you time. But they only work well if the space is set up properly. If there are items on the floor, blocked pipes, or the machine is too full, problems can happen.
AI works in the same way.
The more AI is used in your business, the more important it is to control how it is used. You will need to manage what it can access and who is responsible for it.
Without clear rules and controls, businesses may face challenges. Effective AI risk management can help reduce:
Data privacy and confidentiality breaches
Cyber attacks or system failures
Incorrect results or false information
Intellectual property or copyright problems
Legal or regulatory issues
The Role of Business Insurance for AI
From an insurance point of view, protection must keep up with new technology.
Many insurance policies do not clearly cover AI-related problems. This is common when data, cyber risk, or professional advice is involved. Just as you protect your home and contents, you should also protect your business. This means checking your insurance regularly and making sure your coverage matches how your business uses technology, including AI.
Keeping Business Efficient and Protected
AI can make running your business easier and faster. The key is to set it up properly and ensure you have the right protection in place.
If your business is starting to use new technology or is expanding its use of AI, now is the time to talk to your broker. A review of your risk management and insurance cover, including AI risk management strategies will help make sure your protection grows with your business.
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