Expression Blog

Community counts, now more than ever. So here is a collection of stories, tips and insights from fellow great independents. Do get in touch if you have a story you'd like to share

We Are Not Your Typical Business Insurance Company

Not got time to read the full fat version, here is a summary: • We only insure well-run, lower risk businesses. • We use data to identify them in advance. • That means fewer claims and stronger loss ratios. • Fewer claims mean lower premiums to the right customers. • We are backed by Accelerant, one of the world’s largest specialty insurers. • We combine financial strength with UK-based service & claims handling. For years, business insurance has followed the same pattern. 1. You answer a lon

The rise of the pet pound on UKs High Streets

As the saying goes “dogs are man’s best friend” and with an estimated 13 million dogs living in UK households, high street businesses up and down the country are throwing open their doors and welcoming customers and their four-legged friends. statista [https://www.statista.com/statistics/308235/estimated-pet-ownership-in-the-united-kingdom-uk/] details “as of 2020, the United Kingdom was the second highest-ranking European country in terms of its dog population, preceded only by Germany”. Not

Protecting your glass shop frontage

First impressions, the almost-instant opinion we make when encountering something for the first time. Your glass frontage is your first impression. A way of establishing your business on the high street, attracting customers, showcasing products, new menus, seasonal produce and as we all know, first impressions count. Exposed daily to a variety of potential perils the impact of glass damage should never be underestimated. How can you protect one of the most effective marketing tools within you

Using Reviews - Don’t let your customers be secret admirers

Mark Twain famously quoted “ I can live for two months on a good compliment” and we believe that goes for us all if not longer. In this modern world obsessed with ‘friends’, ‘sharing’ and ‘likes’ the importance of your happy customers spreading the word is a critical part of your business plan and customer reviews should be centre stage of your marketing strategy. After all, customers are friends of your business and friends like sharing. Why are customer reviews important? Understanding how

Business Love Stories - Inspired Worthing

Give a seagull it’s due it doesn’t care who it steals from. Old ladies, daytrippers, small children, it matters not. A chip, is a chip, is a chip. When you live by the sea you don’t consume snacks out in the open, that’s for the tourists. We residents keep our snacks close, especially where Mr Whippys are concerned. On the other hand there is nothing better than to watch seagulls in the sky above the waves, or clammering around a fishing boat. This is the love hate relationship we have with the

Gardners' Bags

After 150 years, trading in the same area, Gardners’ Bags had to move. Founded in 1870, originally manufacturing and repairing grocer’s scales, the store supported the markets in the East End of London. But the area changed, big brands moved in pushing up rent and rates, the location was no longer affordable for this specialist shop. We spoke to Paul Gardner, the fourth generation of the family to run the business. He told us many stories about how the shop changed and about living and working

Pop London

Pop London is a boutique, online store and fashion label. It produces beautiful, feminine and glamorous fashion for women who value original designer-quality clothing and accessories. It is a business with sustainability at its core. In 2020 it was named by Conde Nast magazine as London’s only sustainable fashion boutique destination. Pop is based at Blue House Yard, a community of small shops in Wood Green, London. The Yard is described as a hidden treasure, set back off the main road. Shops l

The Rise and Shine of Shop Local

At Expression Insurance we champion independents and the local high street, read on to find out how as a local independent business you can capitalise on the growing trend to Shop Local Consumers are falling out of love with their generic supermarket bags for life and in love with the new “must have item” of the ethical packaging or shopping bag from your local deli, baker, or boutique. This indie bag is one designer branded piece you won’t regret investing in! This rise of Shop Local looks to

A leading cause of loss for businesses

A leading cause of loss from the businesses we insure is escape of water.  At this time of year, it’s often caused by burst pipes.  Protecting pipes from freezing is a crucial step in saving your business from what can be catastrophic damage. Whether you’re a tenant or own the premises, considering a few simple steps can be well worth it to prevent the catastrophic impact of a burst pipe incident.  As temperatures drop during winter months, water inside pipes can freeze.  This can put pressure

Local loyalty – a lifeline for independent businesses

It goes without saying that local loyalty is especially important for independent businesses in the UK. So, what can be done to encourage this ? · Provide exceptional customer service “People remember you for all the right reasons; they like what you do, come back for more and tell their friends” Getting to know your customers by name and understanding their preferences can make a real difference. By offering a consistently good service, through reliable product quality and a friendly attitud

Getting Ahead for The Golden Quarter

The build up to Christmas, otherwise known as the Golden Quarter, is when independent high street businesses traditionally see an increase in takings. Preparing for this early can support a stronger and more successful Christmas to come. Marketing plans need to be ready by the end of September if you want to take full advantage of consumer’s spending habits at this important time of the year. A study by Appinio shows nearly a third of consumers start their Christmas shopping 10 weeks ahead of C

Boost Your Online Presence with the Power of the Review

In today’s digital age, word of mouth marketing has taken on a whole new level of significance. With just one click, customers can share their experience and post real time reviews, visible to the world, all for free. In fact, online reviews and user generated content have become some of the most influential factors in shaping consumer decisions, particularly when it comes to choosing where to eat and where to shop. According to brightlocal.com Local Consumer Review Survey, 84% of customers say