And the typical out of school club is now 38 pounds for 15 hours in England and Scotland with the cost 34 pounds for out of school clubs in Wales.

So if parents are having to pay more for child care facilities it would seem logical that nurseries and other child care providers would look at making sure they remain competitive by making sure their own expenditure is constantly reviewed and kept in order.

On such way in which nurseries can possible make savings (which in turn could be passed onto customers) is to reduce the amount they pay for nursery business insurance. And yet with so many insurance companies and insurance brokers all trying to secure business (with offers of low cost insurance) it can sometimes be hard for nurseries and nursery owners to know in which direction to turn to ensure they not only get the right premium but also the right cover, service and experience from their insurance provider.

Help is now however available to nurseries in the form of specialist nursery insurance products available.

Specialist nursery insurance policies allow nurseries to benefit from business insurance cover tailored to their exact needs. This means that nurseries, day care, pre schools, kindergartens and out of school clubs can pick and choose exactly what cover they want (rather than having cover they dont really need).

The result being that they can save time (as an insurance broker will search the market for them) and ultimately save money on their nursery insurance.

Another benefit of using a specialist nursery insurance broker is that because they have experience of the pre school sector they can offer you advice and guidance on health and safety and risk management that could not only reduce your exposure to risk but once again reduce your nursery insurance premiums.

Nursery Insurance Brokers also employ dedicated in house claims managers so if you and your nursery so suffer a loss and need to make a claim they will work on your behalf to make sure it is settled as quickly and as favourably as possible.

So with fast nursery insurance quotes available online or on the phone it has never been easier for nurseries to see how much they can save on their nursery insurance.

A simply visit to a website or phone call could see massive insurance savings, expert advice and a fast and friendly service.

Whilst other forms of insurance are very often only decided on price the benefit of using a nursery insurance expert is that you dont have to sacrifice quality for a lower premium. If anything the opposite is actually true as many nursery experts have years of experience and knowledge of the pre school sector so you can quality all the way.

And with parents looking for more in terms of service and quality from nurseries, there is no reason why nurseries shouldnt also look for the same from their service providers.

Just because the cost of childcare continues to rise it doesnt mean the cost of your nursery business insurance has to as well so shop around, find an expert and see how you and your nursery can benefit.

The bottom line is whatever type of industry or trade your business is in you have numerous issues to deal with on a daily basis before you even start to think about your customers and suppliers. And yet despite this apparent need for people in business to make their lives easier it is surprising to see many traders still choosing to have their numerous Insurance policies with many different insurance brokers and companies rather than under a single Traders Combined Insurance policy.

The result of this is that many Traders and business owners pay too much for their insurance and they spend time (that they simply cannot afford to waste) on looking after them. Here a just a couple of reasons why business owners should seriously consider a Traders Combined Insurance policy when their insurance is next due for renewal:

1. All your risks together. By opting for a combined policy your vehicles, your staff, your premises and your profits can all be protected under one policy. No longer do you need your buildings insured with one Broker, your Business Interruption and Liabilities with another and your Fleet with yet another. Just all your risks under a Commercial Combined Insurance policy.

2. Time Savings. Gone are the days of many different types of cover with different renewal dates and provided by different companies. Just your Combined Insurance policy with a single renewal date. If you need to make a change you just need to ring one broker rather than hunt around your paperwork to find out who it is insured with. And if you chose the right broker they should ring around all the main Insurance companies to find you the best deal.

3. Money Savings. By putting all your risks under a Traders Combined Insurance policy you can very often benefit from savings on your premiums as many providers offer discounts. At a time when getting value for money from your service providers then making savings by getting a policy that is easier to administer could be just what you need.

At a time when companies are faced with increased competition, higher taxes and increased commercial mortgage payment, Traders Combined Insurance can save you time and save you money and that is why it works.

This article looks at 2 secrets that nurseries and schools can use to reduce their premiums.

With literally thousands of insurance companies, brokers and providers nurseries, schools and other childcare providers are faced with a massive choice. So faced with decisions at every turn finding the right insurance cover is sometimes difficult.

This article will therefore give you some free advice that insurance providers rarely share with their customers. These few steps could help you find the cover that is best for you at the right premium and with the best service.

The first secret to making sure you get the nursery insurance and school insurance cover at the right premium is perhaps the one that most people will find hardest to believe but it really works.

When ringing around for insurance quotes the chances are you will be asked what is your current premium or what is the best price you have had elsewhere.

The mistake most people make when asked this question is to not tell the person asking the question. However if you are asked the best price you have had, tell them.

Most people assume that by telling an insurance broker or insurance company your premium you are at a disadvantage. The truth is the opposite is true. Let me explain.

If you tell a good insurance provider the premium you have elsewhere they should have a good idea straight away whether the premium is too expensive, too cheap or about right. And knowing this information they can give you an immediate indication if they can get a lower premium for you. If the insurance broker or insurance company know they will not be able to help you they can tell you and save you time.

Another reason you should give them your premium is because most insurance companies will not give you the best price unless they have a premium to beat. Let me say that again, if you do not give your insurance broker or insurance company a price to beat, there is every chance you will not get the best premium. However, if you do tell them, they can often use this information when dealing with the insurance company which can ultimately save you money.

One final tip on this matter is, do not be tempted to make up a premium. For example, Mrs Buzz is looking for a Nursery Insurance quote and she has a best price of 2000.00. She wants to save some money so when asked the question of what is the best price you have had so far she decides to go in low at 1000.00. By Mrs Buzz doing this most companies will know the price seems low and because of this many will not provide a quote because they know they will not be competitive. However, had Mrs Buzz been honest and said 2000.00 there is every chance she could have saved some money on her nursery insurance.

Therefore Secret Number 1 when looking for nursery insurance, school insurance or indeed any type of business insurance is be totally honest. Give it a go…it really works.

Secret number 2 is common sense but so many Nurseries and school fail to make sure it happens because they are focusing on the premium. Tip number 2 to ensure you get the right cover is therefore to use an insurance broker or company who has an understanding of your requirements.

You can often establish this by listening to what, how and how many questions they ask you. And how they react to what you are saying. If they enter into a conversation about your nursery or school it is very likely to be because the more information they have about your premises and needs, the better cover, premium and service they can provide you.

If the conversation is very scripted and they fail to understand what you are looking for or do not ask the type of questions you would expect there is every chance it is because they do not really understand what your school or nursery needs. If this is the case you risk not getting the right cover and ultimately not being correctly insured.

These 2 secrets alone could save you time and save you money on your nursery insurance and school insurance premiums. Give them a go and make sure the protection and peace of mind you want for the children in your care doesnt cost the earth.

So do higher fuel costs mean we are likely to buy or use cars, vans and Lorries less in 2008? Well seemingly not based on a latest poll of motorists. Despite fuel prices increasing at alarming rates a whopping 79 percent of motorists questioned said they had not changed their petrol and fuel buying habits and had no plans to do so. In fact the motorists questioned said petrol prices would have to increase at even more alarming rates to stop them from filling up.

Environmental issues would it seem not be as important as governments throughout the world as over 1 in 3 motorists confirmed they had no plans to replace their vehicles for more environmentally friendly cars before 2010.

And so if motorists are seemingly unaffected by rising fuel costs and are prepared to continue driving despite increased road tax and the impact on the environment surely positive times are ahead for the industry in 2008?

Well before car manufacturers and dealers start doing cartwheels, caution would certainly be advised as whilst General Motors can seen promising performance in emerging markets they have seen big losses in both American and European markets.

And with the world economy in such an uncertain state as 2007 draws to a close 2008 could well see new car sales fall with used car sales increasing. Car sales and indeed sales of all types are also likely to increase via the internet in 2008 so car dealers (new and used) without an internet presence should really be looking at establishing themselves in this emerging marketplace.

And what of the actual motorist, what does 2008 have in store for us? Well how about further increases in vehicle tax, more toll roads, increased congestion charges and still a seeming lack of a viable alternative to road use through reliable, clean and safe public transport.

The good news for some motorists on one front is that whilst the government is seemingly do all they can to penalise the motorist, insurance premiums including car insurance, van insurance and motor trade insurance are pretty stable. In fact with such competition in the insurance industry the cost of insurance like combined motor trade insurance could even fall and savings could be made.

And motor traders who are looking to make savings on their motor trade insurance premiums in 2008 using a specialist motor trade insurance broker could well be the route to take to make sure they get the protection they need at a price that is right.

2008 promises to be an exciting time for all involved in the automotive industry so put your seat belts on, buckle up and enjoy the ride.

School field trips are a great experience for children as it gives them the chance to see exciting places and take it sights and sounds that are not available from a text book or DVD. It is for this reason that school field trips provide our children with such a buzz of excitement. However, field trips can also be a logistical nightmare for teachers as controlling several children in unfamiliar surroundings can be a difficult and stressful experience.

So with childrens safety paramount, schools, nurseries and colleges alike can now take advantage of modern technology to make the school field trip is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

With the vast majority of people in the western world now being familiar with cell or mobile phone technology, staying in touch has never been easier. However, mobile or cell phones often suffer from a lack of coverage, short battery lives and they certainly incur ongoing costs which mean they are not a viable option for schools and teachers who want a portable communication method in which to stay in touch whilst away from school on field trips.

Schools can however now take advantage of modern Two Way Radios like the Kenwood TK3201 which allows teachers and teaching assistants to stay in touch both in the school itself and whilst away on trips and visits. With no rental charges, no call charges, long battery lives and a robust and reliable way to stay in touch, both at the school premises itself and on field trips, Two Way Radio is a must for any school with a focus on security, communication and safety.

Gone are the days where teachers have to struggle to communicate whilst away from school on field trips as Two Way Radios can now be used to communicate over wide areas and modern radios can also provide functions and features such as panic alarms (ideal for lone workers), license and call charge free and a highly robust and portable communications solution.

Two Way Radios such as the superb Kenwood TK3201 are ideal for schools, nurseries and colleges who organise field trips as they provide them with an affordable and mobile way to stay in touch. And with school safe two way providers like Apex Radio Systems Ltd offering great deals for schools, colleges and universities on school safe it has never been easier for schools to make modern technology work for them.

Two Way Radios give schools a reliable and economical way to stay in touch both in and away from the school and means their pupils and staff members well being is always secure. If you are in the education sector there is now no excuse to now making sure your pupils and staff are as safe as possible.

The UCATT, which represents 125,000 workers in the construction industry, suggests that companies who appoint a dedicated director to be in charge of health and safety can see a 25 percent on average reduction in accidents. In some cases a proactive approach has seen up to an 80 percent fall in accidents.

So if appointing a dedicated person to be in charge of health and safety can make such massive differences what else can companies do?

As with most things careful planning is often the key to a job being done well. And when it comes to working in the construction industry this is even more important if the figures shown above are anything to go by. Someone once said if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. Unfortunately for people working in the construction industry not taking the time to plan your work could result in not just failure but injury and death.

Using the right equipment is also particularly important when it comes to working in the construction industry. With builders, roofers, scaffolders and many other types of worker often working high up a slip, trip or accident due to the wrong equipment being used can be fatal. For example, workers might be tempted to save time by just using a ladder when for example scaffolding should be used. Ladders and stepladders are likely to be the most misused pieces of equipment for people working at height and as with any equipment you need to make sure that anyone using them has been trained and are competent using them.

And remember if the use of a ladder is appropriate then you should ensure it is in good condition, it placed on level and firm ground, it is secure and it is of the correct type (the HSE recommend class 1 industrial or EN131).

The UK Insurance Broker and experts in risk management have produced these Top Tips on how construction workers can reduce their exposure to risk and with it their construction insurance premiums.

Planning. By having an effective management system in place the key areas of risk can be identified and goals can be set to make improvements. This should include selecting equipment and work practices that contain slip and trip hazards and if possible prevent them occurring.

Organisation. Get workers involved in and committed to reducing risks. This should involve giving people responsibilities to ensure that areas of the workplace are kept safe and then making sure everyone is aware who is responsible for each area.

Control. Keep a record of cleaning and maintenance work and encourage good health and safety.

Monitoring and Review. Keep an accident log and re examine it on a regular basis to learn from incidents that have occurred.

The Health and Safety Executive also recommend a 5 step approach to risk management when dealing with slip and trip risks and these are:

Step 1. Look for slip and trip hazards around the workplace (uneven floors, trailing cables, areas that are sometimes slippery due to spillages)

Step 2. Decide who might be harmed and how. Are the people who come into your workplace at risk?

Step 3. Consider the risks. Do you already have precautions to deal with the risks?

Step 4. Record your findings if you have 5 or more employees

Step 5. Regularly review the assessment. If any changes take place make sure that precautions are in place to deal with the risks

The safety of workers in the construction industry and indeed all industries should be paramount so hopefully the UCATTs observations wont fall on the deaf ears and construction companies will ensure their workers follow good health and safety practice and remain safe at work.

Talking CCTV cameras (closed circuit television cameras) are the latest crime prevention tool to hit the streets of the UK and US and they are proving to be extremely effective in preventing trouble and unruly behaviour before it gets out of hand.

The new Talking CCTV Camera system gives businesses and local authorities the opportunity to take advantage of a simple yet highly effective tool in the fight against crime and anti-social behaviour.

Drunkenness, drinking in the street, shouting abuse at passers by, theft, drug taking, vandalism and assaults are just some of the issues facing business owners, the police and the general public so any system which could prevent this is likely to be welcomed.

So what exactly is Talking CCTV?

Well Talking CCTV allows a central CCTV monitoring station to issue instructions and/or warnings via a loudspeaker system that is easily installed with CCTV cameras. The result being that potential trouble can be averted.

If potential trouble makers are told they are being watched and that police are on their way then issues such as vandalism and assaults could well be averted before they begin.

And whilst there is certain to be concern from some that Big Brother is watching the fact is that there are already over 4.2 million CCTV cameras in the UK alone (one for every 14 people) so this method of security is already common place.

In fact, are trouble makers the only people who should be genuinely worried about such technology being used in the fight against crime? Surely most people would be happy in the knowledge that their homes and businesses have yet another aid to crime prevention?

Therefore the new Talking CCTV Camera system which uses modern Two Way Radio technology means there is now a new simple to use, easy to install and wireless solution to tackling anti-social behaviour on our streets.

With Two Way Radios like the Kenwood TK3201 already common place as an aid to safety and communication in schools, leisure centres, factories and with retailers the latest Talking CCTV Camera technology now gives local authorities and business owners yet another tool against crime and trouble.

With Radio Communications Experts like Apex Radio Systems Ltd embracing Two Way Radio and Talking CCTV Technology then local businesses and passers by can sleep safe in the knowledge that trouble makers near them are being watch, warned and hopefully trouble is being stopped before it begins.

To begin with it is perhaps worth looking at what the CDM regulations are and put simply they have been introduced to ensure construction projects are safe to build, use and be maintained whilst delivery good value to the client. As well as this they have also been put into place to ensure through good health and safety planning projects are well managed and problems and unexpected costs are kept to minimum levels.

For some this may seem like yet more regulation and unnecessary paperwork and processes but in reality the CMD 2007 regulations have been introduced to ensure construction and building work is done by competent people who work safely and efficiently.

When it comes to requirements of clients (or the person having the work carried out) the regulations do not apply to domestic clients. A domestic client is defined as being someone who will or does live in the premises where the work is being carried out. The premises at which at work is being done must not also relate to any trade, business or other undertaking for the client to be deemed as domestic.

So if you are a non domestic client under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 you have to take the following steps.

1. Appoint the right people. Trade associations are a great way to find designers and contractors who are competent, have sufficient resources and will carry out work safely.

2. Allow enough time for your project. Failing to allow for adequate time for the design, planning and construction is likely to mean more chance of it being unsafe or of a poor quality.

3. Information is vital. To ensure your project runs smoothly you have to ensure that your construction team is told what you want, how you will use it as well as details of the site, structures and hazards as this will allow them to plan, budget and work to your exact requirements.

4. Communication and co operation. Injuries, overspending at a later stage and misunderstandings can all be kept to a minimum if you, your contractors and your designers communicate and co operate as much as possible.

5. Management. Having adequate and suitable management in place is vital for construction projects as they can be extremely complex due to the various types of contractors and tradesmen all working together. And as some of these contractors are involved in high risk activities (for example, roofing contractors and scaffolding contractors) then it is important that management arrangements are in place to ensure all work done is safe and is completed in a timely manner. Clearly contractors like roofers and scaffolders will have their own ways of working and protection in the form of construction insurance, scaffolders insurance and contractors insurance but management of all parts of the project and checks should be done to ensure all parties are working with safety in mind.

6. On site Welfare facilities. You should ensure that workers on your site have been provided with adequate welfare facilities before work starts including any information needed for the health and safety file.

7. Workplace design. It is up to you to make sure your design team complies with the standards set out in the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 if your project is for changes to an existing workplace (eg office or factory) or if the project is for a new workplace.

In addition to the above requirements as a client you also have to make sure you do the following for notifiable construction projects with the definition of notifiable construction work being that which lasts longer than 30 days or involves 500 person days of work.

For these projects you also have to ensure that.

8. You appoint a CDM co coordinator. Although CDM 2007 doesnt mean your Construction Design and Management coordinator has to supervise or monitor work on site you should appoint one before the initial design and preparation stage. Their role will range from helping you select competent designers and contractors to making sure the Health and Safety Executive is notified of your project.

9. You appoint a main contractor. A main or principle contractor will plan, co ordinate and manage work on notifiable jobs whilst construction work is being done

10. You have health & safety plans. Work should not commence on site until the principal contractor has produced a construction phase health and safety plan that ensures that work will be carried out safety

11. You keep a health & safety file. The health & safety file should contain a record of health and safety information and should be given to your at the end of your project by the CDM co coordinator. This file should be used in the future by anyone who is looking to maintain, repair or demolish the building.

Failure to comply with CDM 2007 from a clients point of view could result in construction work being stopped by HSE or your local authority. Likewise failure to take the necessary steps to ensure good health and safety procedures are in place could dramatically increase the chances of a dangerous or fatal incident occurring whilst your construction work is carried out. And in the most serious cases you could even find yourself open to prosecution.

Make sure your site is safe, you have a duty to do so.