Media Centre

Jason Harris, senior property claims manager at Norwich Union,said: “Because of the exceptionally busy period, some of theday-to-day tasks for businesses become less important. But byremembering certain points, the season’s risks can be reducedsignificantly.

“As traders are likely to have more stock at Christmas thanother times of the year, ensure that sums insured are adequate andcheck that the policy provides any increased seasonal cover.

“Ensure that premises are secure and safe when closed, andsufficient measures are in place to avoid shoplifting. Thieves areaware that small businesses tend to have a higher stock load duringthe festive period.

“To prevent the risk of a fire, ensure that decorations, suchas electrical fairy lighting in offices or shops, are tested andkept away from flammable materials. Use extension leads that arenew and have a cut - out device.

“With the use of external decorations like Christmas trees,ensure that they are securely fixed and do not present a hazard tothe public which may result in damage or injury. Make sure to checkfuses on all electrical items.

“Finally, if the business is closed during the festiveperiod, ensure that it is safe and secure and that any electricaldecoration is switched off.”

-ends-

For further information, please contact:
Sally Leeman atNorwich Union on 01603 684225/ 07800 699670 or Jo Brearley 0161 9198014, Jon Clements 0161 919 8022, Sam Bramwell 0161 919 8024.

Notes to editors:

• Norwich Union is the UK’s largest general insurer with amarket share of around 15%, with a focus on insurance forindividuals and small businesses.
• It is a leading provider of life, pensions and investmentproducts and one of the largest financial adviser (FA) providers.FAs provide over 70% of the company's long-term savings businessin the UK.
• Norwich Union’s news releases and a selection of imagesare available from Aviva's internet press centre atwww.aviva.com/media.