Message From the Chair

As 2020 comes to a close, no-one would have thought that when we locked down in March we would still be unable to meet face to face with our friends and colleagues within the world of underwriting and claims.

We all acknowledge the risks presented from this “once in a lifetime pandemic” which has meant that the opportunity to come together as one has not materialised and rightly so. At the very heart of FOCUS the wellbeing and good health of our members are of paramount importance. Nevertheless, from a pure personal point of view, having been part of FOCUS for more years than I can remember, not being able to share the educational aspects of underwriting and claims as well as the networking our events promote was a big loss.

Sadly, this is will continue as we enter into 2021 although the recent news about vaccinations is most encouraging. As such, we as a committee will be looking at all our options going into next year to ensure that we stay connected to all our members. Face to face contact will not be a viable option, certainly in the early months, but there are other opportunities that we have which can be done remotely to ensure that our members stay connected to what is happening/developing in the underwriting and claims arenas. We believe that this is very important as our industry never stands still and we continue to provide a valuable service and product to our customers at this difficult time.

So watch this space and as we enter into 2021, we will be determining what our plans are for the year and will be sharing this with all of you.

In the interim, as we enter the festive season, we would like to bring a little light relief and are offering the opportunity to win some extra “cash” to put into your own or someone else’s “Santa sack”. We acknowledge that this time of year is not all for learning and that some fun can go a long way. Therefore, to keep the old brain cells working, we have devised a quiz with a Scottish theme which I’m sure you will find entertaining as well as educational (no cheating of course).

This can be found on the menu above or clicking here. We will be offering a first prize of £50 with a runner up prize of £25 for winning entries. We encourage you all to pit your knowledge against the best in the industry although the committee have been excluded.

The winners will be announced before Christmas.

Other than that, I would like to wish our members a merry festive season and look forward to engaging with you all in some capacity throughout 2021.

Alan Dott