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As UK businesses look ahead to 2026, many are reassessing how they plan, protect and fund their operations.

The landscape remains challenging. Rising costs, ongoing economic uncertainty, evolving customer expectations and the need to invest carefully all require a more considered, strategic approach.

At Readhunt, we see this every day in our conversations with clients and strategic financial planning for UK SMEs is critical as business costs mount.

Beyond Insurance Alone

Insurance plays a critical role in protecting businesses from risk – but it is only one part of the picture.

Increasingly, successful businesses are thinking about how finance and insurance work together to support stability, flexibility and growth.

Used strategically, finance can help businesses:

• Manage cashflow pressures
• Invest in equipment or infrastructure
• Navigate seasonal trading
• Create contingency for uncertainty
• Support controlled, sustainable growth

A Shared Approach to Business Support

As part of SRT & Partners, Readhunt works closely with First Business Finance – a specialist asset finance and business funding adviser that shares our people-first values.

Like Readhunt, First Business Finance focuses on:

• Understanding the business first
• Providing tailored, practical advice
• Long-term relationships over short-term transactions
• Clear, transparent communication

Together, this allows for more joined-up conversations around risk, funding and planning.

Why a Joined-Up Approach Matters

When insurance and finance are considered together, businesses often benefit from:

• Better visibility of risk exposure
• Funding structures aligned to real trading patterns
• Improved decision-making
• Reduced duplication and complexity
• More confidence in future planning

It’s not about selling products – it’s about creating clarity.

Looking Ahead

As businesses plan for 2026, now is a sensible time to review not just protection, but also how funding could support your wider strategy.

At Readhunt, our role remains the same:

To provide clear, personal advice that helps businesses focus on what they do best – while knowing they are properly supported behind the scenes.

Tony Saunders, Readhunt’s Managing Director, believes in leading by example. At Readhunt, we often get asked: “What makes your approach to insurance different?” The answer is simple — people. We’re a customer-first business, proud of the trusted, long-term relationships we build with every client. Each business we work with has a dedicated insurance advisor who understands their sector, their challenges, and delivers tailored insight and advice that truly fits their business.

This week, we’re putting the spotlight on Tony Saunders, our Managing Director, whose journey reflects the values at the heart of Readhunt.

A Journey Rooted in Experience

Born and raised in Sheffield, Tony started his career in personal lines insurance, becoming a branch manager at just 21. A brief spell in construction allowed him to support his young family, but he returned to insurance at 28, joining Readhunt as a broker. Rising through the ranks, he became a Director in 2013 and proudly stepped into the Managing Director role in 2024.

 “When you genuinely enjoy what you do, success follows naturally.”

Vision and Values

Tony’s vision for Readhunt is to continue building a truly independent, service-driven brokerage that puts people first – clients and team alike. His goal is for every client to feel valued, known, and confident that they can always speak to someone who understands their needs.

For him, success isn’t just about growth or numbers – it’s about setting the standard for service, trust, and personal relationships, and extending that people-first approach as the business grows.

Strengths and Leadership Style

Described by colleagues as caring, supportive, and hard-working, Tony is a strong listener who adapts to meet the needs of clients and his team. He believes that strong relationships are the foundation of great service, both internally and externally.

His career has taught him a key lesson: loving what you do provides the drive, resilience, and determination to succeed, no matter the challenges.

Life Beyond Insurance

Outside the office, Tony has been coaching junior football for over 16 years, running a local grassroots club with more than 200 children. He enjoys family life, walking the dog, travel, trying new restaurants, and watching sport. Balancing family and work has been a guiding principle, allowing him to give his best both professionally and personally.

Fun fact: as a child, he thought he wanted to be a barrister – a career path he soon realised wasn’t for him. Instead, he found his true passion in insurance, proving that finding purpose at work makes all the difference.

Looking Ahead

The future of Readhunt is shaped by an unwavering commitment to clients, open and proactive communication, and the personal service that has defined the business since its beginnings. Tony believes that growth should never come at the expense of trust, care, and meaningful client relationships.

At Readhunt, it’s simple: people buy from people. Our clients trust us because our advisors know their sector, understand their needs, and provide insurance advice that truly protects their business. And it’s leaders like Tony who ensure that every interaction is personal, informed, and service-driven.

If you would like to know more about Readhunt or have a corporate insurance need, speak to Tony on 01709 278 178.

UK SMEs should review their corporate insurance – and the new year provides the perfect opportunity to take stock, reset priorities and reduce unnecessary risks. While many businesses review budgets, staffing and growth plans in January, insurance is often overlooked – even though it plays a critical role in protecting cash flow, reputation and long‑term resilience.

At Readhunt, we regularly see businesses that are either under‑insured, leaving them exposed to serious financial loss, or over‑insured, paying for cover they simply don’t need. A New Year business risk audit helps ensure your insurance works as hard as your business does.

Why reviewing your insurance matters

Your business rarely stands still – and neither should your insurance. Changes over the past 12–24 months can significantly impact whether your cover is still appropriate, including:

• Growth in turnover or headcount
• New contracts, clients or suppliers
• Additional vehicles or equipment
• Changes to premises or remote working
• Increased reliance on digital systems and data

If your policy hasn’t kept pace, you may discover gaps in cover only when you need it most.

Under‑insured, over‑insured – or just right?

Under‑insurance: a hidden risk

Many SMEs underestimate the true value of their assets, liabilities or professional exposure. Under‑insurance can result in:

• Claims not being paid in full
• Reduced settlements due to average clauses
• Unexpected cash flow pressure after a loss
• Reputational damage if claims can’t be met

Over‑insurance: paying more than necessary

Over‑insurance is equally common. Businesses often continue paying for cover that no longer reflects their operations, such as excess limits, duplicated policies or outdated asset values. The result? Higher premiums with no added protection.

A structured audit helps strike the right balance – ensuring you’re protected without overpaying.

How the right insurance saves money long term

Insurance isn’t just a regulatory or contractual requirement – it’s a financial strategy.

Well‑structured cover can:

• Prevent significant out‑of‑pocket costs following a claim
• Reduce downtime after property or cyber incidents
• Protect directors and professionals from personal liability
• Improve lender, investor and client confidence
• Support business continuity during unexpected events

In short, the cost of inadequate insurance is often far greater than the premium saved.

Key areas to review in your 2026 risk audit

At Readhunt, our audits focus on the risks that matter most to UK SMEs, including:

• Commercial insurance – ensuring your overall business risks are accurately reflected
• Commercial motor – fleet size, usage, driver exposure and claims trends
• Property & liability – buildings, contents, employers’ and public liability
• Professional indemnity – advice, services and contractual exposures
• Cyber insurance – data protection, ransomware, business interruption and regulatory risk

Each area is reviewed in the context of how your business actually operates today – not how it looked years ago.

Make insurance part of your New Year business strategy

A New Year business risk audit doesn’t have to be complicated or time‑consuming. It’s a practical conversation that can uncover cost savings, reduce risk and provide peace of mind as you move into the year ahead.

Now is the ideal time to check whether your insurance is still fit for purpose.

Speak to Readhunt

If you’re a UK SME and haven’t reviewed your insurance recently, get in touch with Readhunt to arrange a New Year business risk audit. We’ll help ensure you’re properly protected – without paying more than you need to.

Contact us today to start the year with confidence:

T: 01709 278178

E: info@readhunt.co.uk

Underinsurance is one of the most common – and most costly – issues we uncover when reviewing clients’ policies. Recent industry data shows that over 70% of UK commercial and residential properties are underinsured – in some cases for as little as 60% of their rebuild value. 

What does this mean? The amount they’re covered for will be less than the true cost to rebuild. Simply put, more than 7 in 10 UK properties – commercial and residential – don’t have enough cover.

For businesses, landlords and homeowners, underinsurance can turn a serious incident into a financially devastating one.

What Does Underinsurance Mean?

Buildings insurance should cover the full rebuild cost of the property – not its market value. The rebuild cost includes:

• Materials and labour
• Professional fees
• Demolition and site clearance
• External works, outbuildings and access

If your sum insured is set lower than this total, your property is underinsured, even if you believe the figure “sounds about right”.

Why It’s Such a Widespread Problem

Several factors are driving the scale of underinsurance across the UK:

• Rebuild costs have risen sharply – Labour and material prices have increased significantly in recent years. Many policies have not kept pace with these changes.
• Market value confusion – Owners often insure their property based on what it would sell for, rather than what it would cost to rebuild from scratch. These figures are rarely the same.
• Renovations and improvements – Extensions, refurbishments and new equipment can increase the rebuild cost – but the policy isn’t always updated to reflect these changes.
• Auto-renewals – Some companies have policies that are renewed without reviewing the sums insured, allowing a small gap to grow into a major exposure over time.

The Impact at Claim Stage

If a property is underinsured, insurers may apply the Average Clause. This allows the insurer to reduce the claim payout in proportion to the amount of underinsurance – even for a partial loss.

For example:

• True rebuild cost: £1,000,000
• Insured for: £600,000
• Underinsured by: 40%

A £200,000 claim might only result in a £120,000 payout, leaving the owner to cover the £80,000 shortfall.

For many businesses, this gap can be financially devastating.

How to Check If You’re at Risk

Most insurance policies contain a condition for an up to date professional rebuild valuation carried out often within the last 3 years. Failure to have one invariably delays claims and could impact the amount that can be claimed.

1. Consider when your buildings sum insured was last reviewed properly – if it’s been several years or if you have made changes to the property, it’s time to reassess. 
2. A professional rebuild assessment tool – such as Rebuild Cost Assessment can offer an accurate, up-to-date figure. The assessments take into account construction type, location, building complexity, outbuildings and today’s reinstatement costs.

Regular reviews every 3–5 years, with adjustments at renewal where needed, are now widely recommended across the industry.

How Readhunt Can Help

As an independent corporate insurance broker, our role is to ensure your cover genuinely protects you.

We support clients by:

• Reviewing existing buildings sums insured
• Identifying potential underinsurance risks
• Arranging professional rebuild cost assessments
• Working with insurers to ensure cover aligns with true rebuild values, whether underinsured or overinsured, neither benefits business owners.
• Advising on business interruption sums insured as part of a complete protection review

Our focus is on clarity, accuracy and good value when it comes to your policy, ensuring that should the worst happen, your policy responds fully.

Is It Time to Review Your Sums Insured?

If you’re a business owner, landlord or property manager and would like to check whether your properties are valued correctly, our team is here to help.

A quick conversation can highlight whether a reassessment is worthwhile – and potentially prevent major issues later.

Get in touch with the Readhunt team here to arrange a review or discuss concerns about underinsurance. 

Cybercrime has increased sharply over the past year, affecting organisations of every size and sector. While high-profile incidents involving well-known brands often dominate the headlines, the reality is that smaller businesses are now some of the most frequent targets. Many attackers deliberately focus on SMEs because they often lack the resources, time or in-house expertise to manage cyber risk as effectively as large businesses and corporations.

At Readhunt, we are seeing more clients ask how they can better protect themselves – not only from the financial consequences of an attack but also from the operational disruption that follows. That is why we have been working closely with insurers to develop accessible and affordable cyber-protection options tailored to the needs of smaller organisations.

Why Smaller Businesses Are Being Targeted

Cybercriminals increasingly view SMEs as easier targets. Many rely on online banking, email, websites, customer databases or cloud software to run their business – yet underestimate how vulnerable these systems can be. Common risks include:

• Phishing emails used to steal passwords or financial information
• Ransomware attacks that lock systems until a payment is made
• Business email compromise, leading to fraudulent invoices or payments
  Data breaches exposing customer or employee information

Even a relatively minor cyber incident can lead to costly downtime, reputational damage and significant financial loss. For SMEs, the impact can be particularly severe.

What Cyber Insurance Can Offer

Cyber insurance is designed to support businesses before, during and after an incident. Modern policies typically cover:

• Financial losses from business interruption
• Ransomware and extortion costs (subject to insurer conditions)
• Data recovery and system restoration
• Legal, regulatory and notification expenses if personal data is compromised
• Access to specialist incident-response teams
• Forensic IT support to identify how the attack happened

Importantly, cyber insurance is no longer just for large corporates. Insurers now offer scaled, flexible options designed specifically for smaller firms.

Affordable Cover Designed for Your Risk Profile

Although cyber-insurance premiums have risen across the market, we have worked with leading insurers to create a range of products that offer meaningful protection at accessible price points.

Policies start from under £100, depending on your business activities and the level of cover selected. The application process is intentionally straightforward:

• Answer a short set of questions about your business,
• Review the available cover options,
• Choose the level that best matches your risk and budget.

This ensures you are not paying for unnecessary features while still protecting your business from the most common threats.

Taking a Proactive Approach

Cyber risk cannot be eliminated, but the combination of basic security measures and a well-designed insurance policy can significantly reduce the impact of an incident.

For many SMEs, cyber insurance has become an essential part of resilience planning – providing a safety net at a time when attacks are becoming more frequent and more sophisticated.

How Readhunt Can Help

As an independent broker, we assess your individual risk profile and recommend solutions that offer the right balance of protection and value. Whether you are new to cyber insurance or reviewing an existing policy, we can guide you through the process and highlight what is most relevant for your business.

If you would like to explore cyber-protection options or obtain a quote, please get in touch, info@readhunt.co.uk or call us on 01709 278178 – we’re here to help you safeguard your business in a rapidly changing digital landscape.

In today’s evolving risk landscape, the best corporate insurance brokers must do more than source quotes. They must combine deep product knowledge, sector-specific expertise, and strong client advocacy to deliver the right cover at the right price. At Readhunt, this specialist approach defines how we work.

Why Readhunt’s Corporate Insurance Specialists Stand Apart

With an exceptional renewal retention rate of nearly 98% – more than 10% above the industry average – it’s natural to ask what sets Readhunt’s corporate insurance brokers apart.

Readhunt is recognised as a leading provider of corporate insurance for SMEs. But what truly makes an expert broker, and why do so many businesses across construction, haulage, manufacturing, logistics and engineering choose Readhunt?

Our Role: Independent, Client-Focused Insurance Advice

At Readhunt, our brokers act solely as trusted, independent advisers. We advocate for our clients – not insurers – throughout the entire policy lifecycle. From initial consultation to claim resolution, our advisers become long-term risk partners, guiding SMEs throughout their policy term with expert advice, transparent communication and proactive support.

Specialisms That Matter

Our sector focus ensures we understand the pressures, risks and regulatory demands influencing your business – allowing us to build insurance solutions that genuinely fit.

• Construction – from contractors and specialist trades to large construction firms requiring robust liability and contract-specific cover
  
• Haulage & Transport – including fleet insurance, goods-in-transit solutions
  
• Manufacturing – protection against operational risks, machinery breakdown, business interruption and supply chain exposures
  
• Logistics – tailored policies for storage, distribution, fleet operations and third-party liabilities
  
• Engineering – specialist cover for design, installation, mechanical, electrical and technical engineering operations

Expertise That Delivers Real Value

We understand that different industries face different risks. That’s why our team includes specialist brokers with deep experience in:

• Comprehensive policy knowledge – ensuring clients always access the most suitable, up-to-date and cost-effective cover
  
• Strong market access and negotiation – leveraging relationships with a wide range of insurers to secure the best possible terms
  
• Unbiased, transparent advice – because we’re independent and client-led, not tied to insurer agendas
  
• Proactive relationship management – supporting clients throughout the year with mid-term adjustments, policy reviews, claims assistance and dispute resolution
  
• Dedicated motor claims support – all claims handled by dedicated Readhunt client claims manager, reducing insurer costs and lowering premiums 

By blending these strengths with a genuine commitment to client advocacy, Readhunt delivers insurance solutions that protect businesses, assets and people.

Proven Trust, Proven Results

Our clients consistently recognise the value of our personalised service:

“We have been using Readhunt for many years for our company insurance. We have worked with all members of the team and found them all to be very professional, friendly and helpful – so much so that we now use them for our Fleet Insurance, Unit Insurance and Rentals. They are completely transparent with competitive prices. Thanks to all at Readhunt.” TH, Greenfield Joinery

SME Looking for Specialist Corporate Insurance Support?

Whether you operate in construction, haulage, manufacturing, logistics or engineering, Readhunt’s specialist brokers provide expert guidance and tailored protection that grows with your business.

Get in touch via info@readhunt.co.uk to speak with our corporate insurance team today for a free confidential policy review. 

We are excited to introduce our new look and feel.

So why did we need a refresh? We are now part of SRT & Partners, a holding company owning industry leading commercial insurance and finance businesses. This exciting milestone in our journey is delivering huge opportunities to our clients with a growing range of solutions and services with the same high quality, expert personal service.

For us, this transformation represents growth, alignment with our parent company’s vision, and a commitment to innovation. Our goal is to create a cohesive experience while maintaining the relationships and personalised service you trust.

What Stays The Same 

• The quality of our service – same trusted people, same ethos
• A commitment to deliver expert, tailored advice and bespoke insurance products 
• Transparent communication and exceptional customer support

What’s New

With our rebrand, you’ll notice updates across:

• Visual Identity: A modern logo, updated colour palette, and refreshed digital presence.
• Expanded Capabilities: Access to a broader range of insurance products and services through our parent company’s network enabling us to innovate and grow to benefit our clients
• Enhanced Tools: New resources designed to help our partners grow and manage risk effectively – we can invest and thrive in a changing market, while protecting and enhancing what makes Readhunt unique.

Looking Ahead

This rebrand marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Our mission remains clear: to empower businesses with comprehensive insurance solutions that support long-term success. We are deeply grateful to our clients, partners and staff for their trust and loyalty as we take this next step together.

Join Us on This Journey

Explore our new website and discover how our refreshed brand and expanded services can better support your business. Stay connected with us on LinkedIn for updates, insights, and industry news.

Here’s to a future built on growth, innovation, and strong partnerships.

Insurance renewals can be an arduous and sometimes complex process. At Readhunt, supporting clients through this renewals journey is a key part of our role. Every business has unique risks and evolving needs – and researching available insurance products can be time consuming and sometimes baffling. Our role is to simplify this process for our clients. Our teams pride themselves on a profound knowledge of available insurance solutions. We ensure every detail is reviewed with care and clarity and reflects our client’s goals and needs. Our client, Daynes Monumental, sums up our approach: 

“I have had the pleasure of working with Laura at Readhunt over the last few years. She has always been friendly, knowledgeable, reliable and professional. I used to find renewing various company insurances each year a headache but Laura takes that headache away. She makes the insurance process very easy and stress free for me. I’d not hesitate to recommend her and the company.”

Hellen Daynes, Company Secretary, Daynes Monumental

By combining professional expertise with a friendly, client-first approach, we help UK businesses renew with confidence. 

In today’s fast-moving economy, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) must deliver products quickly and reliably to stay competitive. Yet fragile supply chains, limited resources, and rising cybersecurity risks can leave businesses vulnerable to costly disruptions. At Readhunt, we understand how these challenges can affect your operations, revenue, and reputation—and that’s where our tailored commercial insurance solutions come in.

Commercial insurance combines multiple protections into one policy—covering everything from property and liability to business interruption—designed to safeguard your company’s assets and financial health. As specialist B2B insurance brokers, we take the time to understand your unique risk profile, conducting an in-depth review to identify potential vulnerabilities within your supply chain and beyond. Your dedicated account manager will then help fine-tune a cost-effective policy that keeps your business secure and resilient.

With the right cover in place, you can focus on what matters most—keeping your business moving forward with confidence.

For more information about our commercial insurance products, contact us info@readhunt.co.uk

The insurance world can be complex. Whether you’re a national SME managing multiple sites, staff, vehicles, and digital infrastructure, or a catering company with potential fires in the kitchen, or a construction company building an industrial warehouse, there are multiple risks to consider. Off-the-shelf insurance products may seem convenient, but they often leave businesses either overinsured or facing critical gaps in cover. 

At Readhunt, we believe what truly sets us apart is the strength of our relationships with both providers and clients, married with the depth of our expertise. As specialist commercial insurance brokers, we stay at the forefront of a constantly evolving market, monitoring new products and emerging risks to ensure our clients always receive the most comprehensive and competitive protection. 

But expertise goes beyond product knowledge – it’s about understanding your business inside and out. That’s why we specialise in key sectors such as Construction, Manufacturing, Haulage, and Logistics, where our team’s in-depth knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges, manage risk effectively, and provide solutions that fit your operations perfectly.

Your dedicated Readhunt advisor will take time to understand your business, identify vulnerabilities, and design a tailored, cost-effective insurance programme that safeguards your assets and supports your long-term goals.

At Readhunt, we don’t just arrange cover, we build trusted partnerships grounded in sector and product insight, professionalism, and genuine care for your business success.

Contact us to explore the right insurance solution for your specific business needs.