The Pinnacle
Issue 50
November 2024
Goodbye Apex. Hello Howden.
Earlier this year, we were pleased to announce our acquisition by the Howden It seems only like yesterday that I announced the exciting acquisition of Apex by the Howden Group. Now over a year later, we’re putting the final touches in play and from the end of December, Apex will be rebranded as Howden. We’ve already made the big move to our new offices in the Vero Centre. And we look forward to welcoming you there in future.
I know this year has been tough for many clients and we’ve been working very hard to help you navigate the changes in the insurance world. We’re already seeing positive signs in the economy and hope those green shoots turn into healthy opportunities in 2025. As the holidays approach, I just want to remind you that we will have a crew working through. We’re here if you need us. That just leaves me to wish you all a very Merry and safe Christmas with your families and all the best for the New Year.
Best regards,
James McGhie, Head of Apex Broking
New brand. New strengths.
As we embrace the Howden brand, as clients you might well ask “what’s in it for me?” For the most part, it is still business as usual, but you may see the Howden brand more and more. In the UK, for example, there are even Howden stores on the high street.
Here are a few Howden fast facts:
Founded in London, UK in 1994, we’re now the world's largest non-American insurance broker with a truly international focus
We advise on more than $USD38bn of annual premium worldwide
We bring you specialist risk advice in 50+ countries, with 18,500+ people ready to support you. Our network of trusted broker partners provides further access to local experts in over 100 territories worldwide
Our steadfast commitment to objectivity gives our people the freedom to deliver for clients
You get all the benefits of working with a large global broker, combined with the speedy innovation and specific know-how of a local broker
We put People First: we value and look after our employees.
We like to see people thrive.
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Very nice in Vero.
We look forward to welcoming clients to our new offices on the 17th Floor at the Vero Centre, Shortland St, Auckland. These bright, modern offices are certainly a step up and give us room to grow and work alongside our Howden colleagues. There are ample parking spaces available and excellent facilities including a café at lobby level. The building is also home to some of New Zealand’s top finance and legal firms which could make business trips a little shorter!
$4 million forfeit.
An Auckland business and its owner forfeit $4 million to police following asset recovery proceedings. This was the first ever case that used the Criminal Proceeds (Recovery) Act 2009 to seize assets gained from offending against Health and Safety and Hazardous Substances legislation.
Cyber crime targets small business.
Small businesses are the target for nearly half of all cyber crime in New Zealand, and incidents are costly – the estimated cost of a data breach, for example, is $173,000. But just over half of small to medium businesses (SMEs) have cyber security as a top priority, according to new research by the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC).
You can protect your business by using the Business online security assessment tool and by talking to your Apex rep about organising your Cyber Risk Insurance policy.
Wrong fasteners caused death.
Worksafe prosecuted an Auckland installation company after a youth pastor was tragically killed by an improperly installed roller door.
The company was fined $41,250 and ordered to make reparations of $162,000 after the 273 kilogram roller door fell from its fixings and killed her.
Love a good Christmas ad? We do.
We do. Here’s our pick from around the world to make you smile featuring Dawn French for Marks & Spencer Food. Enjoy.
We wish you a happy and safe Christmas and all the best for the New Year.
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Disclaimer
This publication has been prepared for your general information. While all care has been taken in the preparation of this publication, no warranty is given as to the accuracy of the information and no responsibility is taken for any errors or omissions.
This publication does not constitute financial or insurance, or home loan product advice. It may not be relevant to individual circumstances. Nothing in this publication is, or should be taken as, an offer, invitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or retain any insurance product or make any deposit with any person. You should seek professional advice before taking any action in relation to the matters dealt within this publication.
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