Avensure Ltd

About McCarthy Country Store:

A small company owned and ran by Peter McCarthy, producing artisan bread and other baked goods. The business retails the baked products on various markets across the south of England. Peter prides himself on building this business over the last 10 years from scratch.

Why did McCarthy Country Store need HR or Employment Law Advice and Legal Assistance?

An ex-employee had commenced proceedings in the employment tribunal. Peter had been handling the matter himself fairly comfortably for several months and had attended tribunal on the first occasion on his own against the claimant’s solicitors.

As matters became more protracted and the claimant’s solicitors were seeking a sum over £26,000, it was then that Peter decided to engage the services of Avensure to represent him in the next tribunal hearing as well as the long term services of outsourced HR advice and support. The claimant was claiming that they had been discriminated against, unfairly dismissed and further to this claiming unpaid wages, notice pay and holiday pay.

Peter instructed Avensure with approximately 1 week to go before the next tribunal hearing.

How did Avensure help address their HR issue?

After reviewing the paperwork Avensure advised Peter on the course of action. Avensure took preparation for the tribunal out of Peter’s hands and contacted the tribunal as well as the Claimant’s solicitors. With only a few days preparation the Claimant’s solicitors had already halved their settlement expectations by making an offer of £10,000 in full and final settlement.

The hearing was to deal with complex issues, law and submissions in trying to have the claim struck out on an intricately argued legal point. The claimant was cross examined whilst on oath and Avensure were able to demonstrate frailties, inconsistencies and make the claimant’s evidence look wholly unreliable.

After some scrutiny from the tribunal the submissions and representation from Avensure was well reasoned and all the claims against Peter were struck out and the claim failed without progressing any further.

Peter commented “I wouldn’t usually want to have outsourced services like HR but now I wouldn’t look back and think that the result was exceptional. It was a great result with such a limited time before the hearing and I’m pleased to have engaged the services of Avensure.

I attended the previous hearing and understood the majority of it but this one was more technical and more legal and I was thankful for Avensure’s representation and I look forward to having Avensure as a valued partner for the years to come.”

What services do Avensure provide McCarthy Country Store?

HR and Employment Law

• Bespoke HR Documentation: Contracts and Handbooks and guidance on implementation.
• Immediate 24/7 advice on all ongoing HR and Employment Law issues.
• Access to our own dedicated Employment Law Consultant, who is invaluable.
• Access to a team with a vast range of experience in Employment Law Contracts and HR.
• Insurance to cover all legal and tribunal representation costs including all compensation awards.
• Barrister/ Solicitor trained legal advisors.
• Training to help us understand Employment Law and HR issues better.

What would you say to someone thinking of using Avensure's services?

“The services have been great. Very prompt and timely in a situation that was looking likely to be costly and getting extremely complex. I would recommend those with tribunals to seek the advice and representation of Avensure.”

About Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd:

Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd is one of the North East's largest and best known independent heritage consultancies, offering a full range of archaeological and historic environment services across the UK. Established since 1990.

Why did Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd need Health and Safety Assistance?

Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd contacted the Health and Safety Team at Avensure in need of Health & Safety expert advice, on a project they were contracted to produce an archaeological report for a number of buildings on a former industrial site prior to demolition. Their client informed them that the buildings which required a report, had asbestos present and were currently under an asbestos management plan.

“At Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd we pride ourselves in protecting the health, safety and welfare of our employees, with this project we required the assistance of Avensure’s Health and Safety advice team to support us in gaining an understanding of our requirements under Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.”

How did Avensure help Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd address their Health and Safety query?

“First off we provided Avensure with a copy of the asbestos surveys which were completed and provided to us by our clients. We needed Avensure’s expertise on what the job would entail based on the findings on those surveys.

They reviewed the asbestos surveys, completed by a competent Health and Safety contractor and identified that whilst the surveys had been carried out a few years back, these urgently needed a re-inspection.

We were given detailed information of what we should be made aware of regarding the specific job at hand and a systematic approach of what steps we needed to take going forwards. The thorough review and the detailed email enabled us to confidently go back to our client with further queries and information regarding the status and condition of the Asbestos.

Following further information from our Client we didn’t hesitate to contact our Health and Safety advisor, to review the more recent asbestos surveys.

It was nice to get clarification on the processes we were already doing and further support on the specific PPE required for carrying out the non-invasive project.”

What services do Avensure provide Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd?

Health & Safety

• Initial visit to clients Primary site to conduct a Health & Safety evaluation
• Summary Report and Recommendations
• Health and Safety Management system and supporting documentation, including health & Safety policy statement, structure arrangements, records, risk assessment guide, guidance notes and employee handbook.
• Updates of Health & Safety documentation in line with changes to legislation, or changes to organisational structure or layout of premises.
• Unlimited email and telephone support.
• Access to an expert Health and Safety Advice Team 24/7 basis

HR and Employment Law

• Bespoke HR Documentation: Contracts and Handbooks and guidance on implementation.
• Immediate 24/7 advice on all ongoing HR and Employment Law issues.
• Access to our own dedicated Employment Law Consultant, Bev Wood who is invaluable.
• Access to a team with a vast range of experience in Employment Law Contracts and HR.
• Insurance to cover all legal and tribunal representation costs including all compensation awards.
• Barrister/ Solicitor trained legal advisors.
• Training to help us understand Employment Law and HR issues better.

What would you say to someone thinking of using Avensure's services?

Following the advice from the experts of the Health and Safety team at Avensure, we felt well equipped for the project and reassured that the control measures in place were both suitable and sufficient. I would highly recommend other companies needing Health and Safety guidance to contact Avensure’s Health and Safety team.

Northern Archaeological Associates Ltd Tel:  01833 690 800

Web: www.naa.gb.com Email: mt@naa.gb.com

About The Ark:

The Ark is a church, a soft play centre, and a cafe in the village of Crawcrook.  The Ark opened its doors in May 2013, and offers a party venue, soft play, a quality cafe, and a safe space for children and adults to explore the faith.

Why did The Ark need Health and Safety Assistance?

The Ark made contact with Avensure’s Health and Safety advice team regarding our lone Working policy and procedures. Whilst it was identified by the Health and Safety consultant, that our current policy was comprehensive, there were some areas outstanding that needed to be addressed.

How did Avensure help The Ark address their Health and Safety?

We spoke directly with a Health and Safety advisor to ask if they were able to provide us with a working example of a lone working policy. The working policy gave us the ability to see what was required in our own setting and also highlighted the need for a risk assessment of which we needed support with.

Our advisor responded promptly and sent us a template risk assessment along with guidance on this which we found really helpful. We felt that whilst the information required within the template risk assessment was really useful, we decided to use a different layout so that we could input the information we felt was necessary for The Ark and combine it into one document. The advisor was able to adapt straight away to our unfamiliar risk assessment layout, which helped us greatly in further understanding our own documentation.

Whilst we understand that as a business we have to compile our own documentation, the advisor went above and beyond supporting us and spent time providing further pointers and information to cement our understanding of this specific topic.

“The advice team are always on hand to help, we felt comfortable in asking for assistance and we always receive a competent response in a timely manner. This experience has given us further confidence to continue the implementation of further risk assessments and know that Avensure are on hand should we require their support.”

What services do Avensure provide The Ark?

Health & Safety

• Initial visit to clients Primary site to conduct a Health & Safety evaluation
• Summary Report and Recommendations
• Health and Safety Management system and supporting documentation, including health & Safety policy statement, structure arrangements, records, risk assessment guide, guidance notes and employee handbook.
• Updates of Health & Safety documentation in line with changes to legislation, or changes to organisational structure or layout of premises.
• Unlimited email and telephone support.
• Access to an expert Health and Safety Advice Team 24/7 basis

HR and Employment Law

• Bespoke HR Documentation: Contracts and Handbooks and guidance on implementation.
• Immediate 24/7 advice on all ongoing HR and Employment Law issues.
• Online access to stationary forms via Avensure Locker.
• Access to our own dedicated Employment Law Consultant, who is invaluable.
• Access to a team with a vast range of experience in Employment Law Contracts and HR.
• Insurance to cover all legal and tribunal representation costs including all compensation awards.
• Barrister trained legal advisors.
• Training to help understand Employment Law and HR issues better.

What would you say to someone thinking of using Avensure's services?

“If you find health and safety daunting and need some friendly commercially aware advice specific to your business, Avensure are on hand to understand your business and specific needs so that they can adapt specifically to what you require.”

The Ark Tel:  01914131339

Web: www.ark.crawcrook.org.uk Email: ark@crawcrook.org.uk

About Beechwood (Leeds) WMC:

Beechwood (Leeds) WMC is a members only Club based in Leeds, they provide entertainment and drinks to the local community.  

They pride themselves on their welcoming and friendly atmosphere as well as the regular entertainment and activities programme that they organise which includes: Games night, Bingo night, senior Citizens night and Saturday night Star entertainment.

They offer an entertainment room, a snooker and billiards room and a lounge and bar area 7 days a week.

Why did Beechwood (Leeds) WMC need Health and safety Assistance?

At the time of coming on board with Avensure I was not involved with the Health and Safety for the club. From being appointed the responsible person for Health and Safety, it was clear that there was little proactive implementation of Health and Safety arrangements. It was from reviewing the initial report produced by Avensure, that I sought further assistance with the interpretation and implementation of our duties under UK Health and Safety Law.

How did Avensure Help Beechwood (Leeds) WMC address their Health and Safety?

The initial evaluation visit was carried out with Avensure’s Health and Safety Consultant. The initial evaluation visit involved a review of the current Health and Safety documents, assessing what systems and controls are in place, a walk around of the premises to see how this is implemented in practice. The visit is closed with a brief session on completing a risk assessment by going through a worked example. 

“I wasn’t present at the initial Health and Safety Evaluation visit and although the documents were well presented, I was not familiar with what I had in front of me. I contacted the Avensure Health and Safety team for some further assistance as I was the new appointed responsible person for Health and Safety.”

Following the initial Health and Safety visit, it was established that further assistance was needed to review the action plan and implement the processes into the business.

“The response time from speaking with the Health and Safety team and being contacted by their Health and Safety consultant was fantastic. I also appreciated that Avensure had arrange for the same consultant who had carried out the initial Health and Safety evaluation visit to come and meet with me for a second time at no extra cost to Beechwood WMC.”

Avensure provided support through the process of the implementation of the Health and Safety Management System and regular interactions resulted in a clear and systematic approach to Health and Safety within Beechwood WMC.

“The consultant that was allocated to us had a vast amount of knowledge for our sector and was very personable. I found the support visit very interesting and was able to familiarise myself with the first report that was produced in my absence. During this Health and Safety support visit, the consultant reviewed the Health and Safety documents with me and step by step we went through the risk assessment process. I found this an invaluable tool during the early stages of my role as the responsible person for Health and Safety.

The systematic action plan produced by the consultant enabled us to work through the most urgent items first and prioritise our actions going forwards.”

What services do Avensure provide Beechwood (Leeds) WMC?

Health & Safety

• Initial visit to clients Primary site to conduct a Health & Safety evaluation
• Summary Report and Recommendations
• Health and Safety Management system and supporting documentation, including health & Safety policy statement, structure arrangements, records, risk assessment guide, guidance notes and employee handbook.
• Updates of Health & Safety documentation in line with changes to legislation, or changes to organisational structure or layout of premises.
• Unlimited email and telephone support.
• Access to an expert Health and Safety Advice Team 24/7 basis

HR and Employment Law

• Bespoke HR Documentation: Contracts and Handbooks and guidance on implementation.
• Immediate 24/7 advice on all ongoing HR and Employment Law issues.
• Access to our own dedicated Employment Law Consultant, Bev Wood who is invaluable.
• Access to a team with a vast range of experience in Employment Law Contracts and HR.
• Insurance to cover all legal and tribunal representation costs including all compensation awards.
• Barrister/ Solicitor trained legal advisors.
• Training to help us understand Employment Law and HR issues better.

What do you feel the value of the Health and Safety Documentation will be to your organisation?

“Avensure have supported Beechwood (Leeds) WMC with the initial implementation of our Health and Safety Management System. Along with the action plan and Health and Safety report produced by the Health and Safety expert, I am able to refer the guidance notes that is provided by Avensure as a quick reference during the compilation of our Risk assessments and policies.

The records folder that Avensure provided us is a great resource for when we require a risk assessment template for a new expectant mother or we hire a young person under the age of 18. There are also forms for recording our fire arrangement checks and staff training.”

How did you find the assistance and advice of the Health and Safety Team that helped you?

“The communication between the Health and Safety Consultant and our dedicated advisor ensure efficiency and consistency between our initial visit and ongoing advice.  When we call the Health and Safety Team at head office we are greeted in a friendly manor and any advice given is always followed up by an email for our records.”

As a good will gesture Avensure provided you with a suite of online training courses, how have these benefitted Beechwood (Leeds) WMC?

“We have been given seven Health and Safety online training courses for our nominated fire marshals. I have completed the course myself and the found the login instructions easy to follow.

The course content was interesting and followed a systematic approach which is exactly how we want our nominated fire marshals to respond in an emergency situation.

The course took me around 40 minutes to complete, I also found it helpful that you can save the course at one point, then come back to it at a later date.

I was also awarded with a professional certificate that can be used towards my CPD and training log.”

What would you say to someone thinking of using Avensure's services?

“I am new to Health and Safety and understand that this is a learning curve for me. I would say to any working men’s clubs who are looking for some external support, Avensure provided us with the foundations to our Health and Safety Management System and their ongoing support and interpretation of our legal requirements, gave us a systematic approach to improving our arrangements.

We really appreciate the continued assistance from the Health and Safety Team, I feel confident in asking questions and working with my dedicated advisor to assist me with the ongoing Risk Assessments and Policies.”

Beechwood (Leeds) WMC Tel: 01132731066

Email: doug@beechwood-online.co.uk

About The Bleeding Wolf:

The Bleeding Wolf is a picturesque pub located in Stoke on Trent, the pub is renowned for its ideal location, a wide range of home cooked food and a vast range of drinks all served in their traditional bar.

As a family run business, they pride themselves on their welcoming and friendly atmosphere and are popular watering hole for many regular customers. The pub itself is built upon its own legend and is a story that many wish to hear.

Why did The Bleeding Wolf need HR or Employment Law Advice?

As a growing company we had been looking to obtain some guidance regarding some HR issues, and Avensure who are HR experts have been the perfect option.

We first approached Avensure for advice on the calculation of Holidays, this unfortunately had not been as straightforward as we originally thought, as given our industry we have a varied and mixed range of working patterns. We were unsure of our obligations under UK Employment Law and needed support, guidance and direction.

How did Avensure help address their HR issues?

It was quite clear from the get go that Avensure were very experienced and knowledgable in all aspects of HR and Employment Law, and we were reassured to know that we would be able to contact an advisor on the helpline at any time of day, this is imperative given the nature of our business.

Our dedicated adviser assisted us from start to finish with Holiday entitlement calculations giving us thorough guidance on the appropriate and easiest ways to make these calculations, as well as ensuring we were legally compliant under current Employment legislation.

We also had an issue with the unauthorised absence of an employee, which Avensure has helped us to understand and explained what the process was in this particular instance and discussed with us the best route for the Company.

We found this situation incredibly difficult to manage as we were unable to obtain any contact with a member of staff, and with Avensure’s support we were assured through each step that we were working towards a resolution. At every stage Avensure provided tailored letters and documents for our use. We felt relieved that we were in very capable hands with Avensure.

What services do Avensure provide The Bleeding Wolf?

• Bespoke HR Documentation: Contracts and Handbooks and guidance on implementation
• Immediate 24/7 advice on all ongoing HR and Employment Law issues.
• Access to our own dedicated Employment Law Consultant, Bev Wood who is invaluable.
• Access to a team with a vast range of experience in Employment Law Contracts and HR.
• Insurance to cover all legal and tribunal representation costs including all compensation awards

What would you say to someone thinking of using Avensure's services?

We have thoroughly enjoyed working alongside Avensure and their HR and Employment Law experts. HR was originally a daunting concept and we are now confident, with Avensure’s backing, that we can handle anything which comes our way. Avensure and in particular our dedicated adviser have been incredibly helpful and supportive throughout.

The Bleeding Wolf Tel: 01782782272

Web: www.thebleedingwolf.co.uk Email: bleedingwolf@unicomemail.co.uk

About Pub Restaurant Ltd:

As one of the oldest domestic buildings in Sheffield, the Old Queen’s head is a traditional public house full of character boasting a wide range of food and drink. Although the building is dated back to 1582, the beautifully renovated interior and the jovial atmosphere are right up to the present date.

Why did Pub Restaurant Ltd need HR or Employment Law Advice?

Operating in the hospitality industry we are at the coal face of customer service. It is essential that our employees are able to offer the impeccable service to our customers, in order to maintain the historic profile we have established.

To ensure that we maintain our excellent reputation we enlisted the services of Avensure who are HR experts so are well equipped to guide us on all HR and Employment Law issues we may face.

How did Avensure help Pub Restaurant Ltd address their HR issues?

Avensure have been able to offer us the support and guidance with all aspects of HR and Employment Law to ensure that our image and standards are never called into question.

In July 2015 we had a particular issue with a member of staff who was believed to have been taking money from the till, and ultimately seen on CCTV. This was a clear breach of the trust which we had placed in that individual and we were thankful for Avensure’s expertise on how best to address this under current Employment law legislation. Avensure gave us options to allow us to see which would be the best route for us to take. We chose to ultimately proceed to take formal disciplinary action for this alleged act of gross misconduct. Avensure guided us through investigation, suspension and ultimately the disciplinary processes. Our dedicated HR advisor helped us with Agendas and bespoke letters to send to the employee, and any other specific HR documentation we required.

We had particular difficulty getting the employee in question to attend the hearings and we were unsure how best to address this. Avensure worked alongside us, as we requested the employee’s attendance at the disciplinary hearing. Ultimately we were left with no option to proceed in the employee’s absence.

We were relieved that we had 24/7 access to an experienced HR and Employment Law adviser on the advice line, and also that we had the indemnity protection under the service. We felt reassured that help was always on hand.

What services do Avensure provide Pub Restaurant Ltd?

• Bespoke HR Documentation: Contracts and Handbooks and guidance on implementation.
• Immediate 24/7 advice on all ongoing HR and Employment Law issues.
• Access to our own dedicated Employment Law Consultant, Ember Wong who is invaluable.
• Access to a team with a vast range of experience in Employment Law Contracts and HR.
• Insurance to cover all legal and tribunal representation costs including all compensation    awards.
• Barrister trained legal advisors.
• Training to help us understand Employment Law and HR issues better.
   

What would you say to someone thinking of using Avensure's services?

This situation is not something we have ever encountered before and we were very unsure how best to approach this, we wanted to protect the company and without Avensure’s guidance we would have been lost! This process is not something we have had to do before, and we were incredibly grateful for the support throughout and the assurance that we were complying with HR and Employment law.

Our dedicated adviser discussed each and every step with us along the way, and was always on hand no matter how big or small the question we had was. The service has been instrumental to our business, and has strengthened and professionalised our HR processes.

	Pub Restaurant Ltd  Tel:  0798 355 9073	Web: www.theoldqueenshead.co.uk Email: info@theoldqueenshead.co.uk

About Stag and Hen Manchester:

Stag and Hen create tailored and bespoke experiences for clients who want to visit Manchester for every occasion from stag and hen parties, to shopping trips or girly get together’s.  The company prides itself on its extensive knowledge and experience of Manchester and the area’s night life and event opportunities.  The company’s attention to detail, level of personal service and focus on creating bespoke itineraries for every client means you are always guaranteed an unforgettable event.

All a client needs to do is to pick the date and whether they are after accommodation, activities or evening experience or a combination of the three and Stag and Hen Manchester will produce a personalised proposal for that event to remember.  

Why did Stag and Hen Manchester need HR or Employment Law Advice?

We had a sensitive HR issue and we didn’t know how to deal with it so we needed help.  We were very unsure where we ultimately stood as a company with regards to our Employment Law obligations.  We want to look after our staff, but we don’t want to do anything that could put the company at risk.

We needed help and support from HR experts able to give guidance and direction on our Legal / Employment issues.  We also needed the correct HR documentation and clear direction on the process we needed to follow.

How did Avensure help Stag and Hen Manchester address their HR issues?

We joined Avensure because they have the team and the expertise we need to help us deal with our HR and potential Employment Law problems.  They know the best way to deal with issues and ensure we know where we stand as a company, making sure we don’t put the company at risk.

Avensure helped us understand our situation and guided us through the formal processes. Avensure’s HR Advisors provided the bespoke documentation we required.

As an employer, Employment Law is often a mine field when considering what we can and cannot say and do in certain situations.  We are very thankful for the reassurance and support Avensure offer at every step of the way.  Best of all with Avensure’s Indemnity insurance we have the peace of mind that if we follow the guidance of Avensure we are covered if we ever have to go to tribunal, and will always have the benefit of Barrister/Solicitor trained representation

We have been guided on the Employment Law issues related to recruitment, wages, procedural and contractual substance, and the expertise Avensure offered in every respect was both legally and commercially focused and if we ever need help we can call Avensure’s legal help line any time day or night.

What services do Avensure provide Stag and Hen?

• Bespoke HR Documentation: Contracts and Handbooks and guidance on implementation.
• Immediate 24/7 advice on all ongoing HR and Employment Law issues.
• Access to our own dedicated Employment Law Consultant, Rebecca Young who is invaluable.
• Access to a team with a vast range of experience in Employment Law Contracts and HR.
• Insurance to cover all legal and tribunal representation costs including all compensation  awards.
• Barrister trained legal advisors.
• Training to help us understand Employment Law and HR issues better.

What would you say to someone thinking of using Avensure's services?

Avensure’s HR service has paid for itself already and it has been invaluable to our business. In the past when Employment problems arose they were very stressful and caused us to spend a lot of time and energy worrying about how we could handle them on our own. 

Now Avensure are a part of ‘our Team’ they have massively eased the stress and ultimately the HR burden which is now theirs to look after.  This leaves us free to focus on running the business without worrying about the risk of running into trouble with HR or Employment Law issues.

Stag and Hen Manchester Tel:   0161 870 9677

Web: www.stagandhenmanchester.co.uk Email: info@stagandhenmanchester.co.uk