News in brief

Metal theft concerns

Ecclesiastical Insurance wants the police to treat metal theft more seriously and the government to push for tougher sentencing. The specialist church insurer, which has paid out 700 claims this year, costing nearly £2m, has also lobbied scrap metal associations to recommend its dealer members check the source of metals. “It is not just theft of metal,” Ecclesiastical’s claims and risk services director, David Bonehill, said. “It’s also often damage to our country’s heritage. That is something that needs protecting.”

Travelex deal for Heath

Heath Lambert has agreed a three-year deal with Travelex Group, the foreign exchange and business payments specialist, to arrange its corporate global insurance programme including cash in transit and professional risks. Heath Lambert managing director for client relations and development Alan Pratten said the company was “delighted” to be chosen as the preferred broker for the programme. Meanwhile, Heath managing director Mike Bruce is leaving the company at the end of the month after 11 years. He said: “This is very much a personal decision to take stock and look for the next challenge in my career. I am proud of the work I have achieved with Adrian and the Heath Lambert team.”

FirstAssist hires heads

FirstAssist Legal Protection has revamped its before-the-event (BTE) sales and product team. Nigel Robbins joins as head of sales. He was head of sales for Mortgages plc and has held senior sales roles with Kensington Mortgages and First National Bank. Andy Glynne has been appointed as head of product and pricing. He previously led the sales teams for both the BTE and after-the-event businesses of FirstAssist.