For local retailers and community sports clubs in Northern Ireland, there remain constant challenges. From inflation and reduced footfall to rising liability claims and uncertainty around civil unrest, the landscape has shifted – and insurance must reflect that.
SMEs are the backbone of our economy. Approximately 89% of businesses in Northern Ireland are micro or small businesses with 10 employees or less, many of which are family run and operating on tight margins. With rising costs across tax, energy and supply chains, insurance is often one of the first things people cut. But this can be a costly mistake.
Policies must be reviewed not just for price but for relevance and completeness. A low premium means nothing if the cover does not hold up when something goes wrong.
One of the most common gaps is around business interruption. Many retailers underestimate the time and cost involved in recovering from an incident. Insurance should cover realistic rebuild times and lost income, not just physical damage. Short indemnity periods or missing extensions such as power failure or supplier interruption can leave businesses exposed.
Retailers should also review how contents are itemised. High-value equipment such as point-of-sale systems, signage, glass fronts and shutters may not be covered unless specifically listed. These need to be detailed in the policy to ensure claims are fully paid.
Civil unrest is another area where risks are evolving. Many commercial policies still exclude damage from riot or political disturbance due to legacy terrorism clauses. While the Criminal Damage Compensation Scheme may offer support, it is not guaranteed and does not cover all scenarios.
Recent unrest is a reminder that civil disorder remains a real threat. Insurance cover must reflect today’s risks, not outdated definitions.
Retailers also face rising liability exposures. The surge in no-win no-fee advertising means even minor incidents can escalate into costly claims. Two or more in a single policy year can result in steep premium increases or exclusions at renewal. Strong liability cover and clear risk management are essential. A good broker can help reduce claims risk and negotiate better terms.
Northern Ireland’s community sports clubs face similar pressures, often with even more complex needs. From soccer, rugby and GAA clubs to golf courses, most rely on fundraising and volunteers. Many are still recovering from Covid-19 while dealing with higher utility and maintenance costs.
Clubs that own their facilities face additional risks. Clubhouses, bars, event equipment and grounds-keeping tools need cover for fire, theft, accidental damage and stock loss. Public liability is essential, not just for spectators but also for third-party property damage such as a stray golf ball hitting a neighbour’s window. Event cancellations and injuries to players or guests add more layers of exposure.
While the insurance market has traditionally been cautious around amateur sports, there are now more tailored schemes for clubs and non-profits. These offer flexible, affordable options designed around the real risks faced by grassroots organisations.
The most important step any business or club can take is to review their insurance regularly. The policy should reflect real operations and risks, not a generic check-list.
Brokers play a vital role in identifying gaps, stripping out unnecessary costs and making sure cover stays relevant and up to date, and AbbeyAutoline works closely with independent retailers, sports clubs and small businesses to build policies that reflect the real risks they face.
- Jack Mitchell is commercial account executive at AbbeyAutoline (www.abbeyautoline.co.uk)
