The (Right) (delete as appropriate) Honourable …

Date ______

Dear Sir/Madam

INSURANCE FOR ARBORICULTURAL CONTRACTING

I run an arboricultural business called _________. We undertake tree planting, pruning, felling and making dangerous trees safe. We also undertake tree health and safety inspections (delete as appropriate) for clients in the local area. My annual turnover is £_______ and I employ __ people locally.

Over the past __ months the premium I have to pay for insurance have risen from £_______ to £_______. This represents an increase of __%.

Over the past year the number of insurance companies and brokers offering insurance schemes to my industry has reduced to two. Even more worrying is that one of the insurers is not taking on any new business and the other has indicated that they do not wish to continue to offer insurance to my industry.

I am required by law to hold insurance if I am to trade. As you can see insurance for my industry is becoming very difficult to obtain/has become impossible for me to obtain (delete as appropriate). The implications for me and my staff are ________.

I am not prepared to trade illegally without insurance but there are many who will and do. This puts consumers at great risk, and trees are also likely to receive a lower standard of care.

The Arboricultural Association has approached the Association of British Insurers and we hope to obtain their support. The Arboricultural Association’s website explains these problems and what they are doing to help the industry and our heritage of amenity trees, see http://www.trees.org.uk/insurance.htm

Please will you let me know what you are able to do about the situation?

Yours ______

This initiative is supported by:

Arboricultural Association

Forestry Contracting Association

International Society of Arboriculture (UK and I)

National Association of Tree Officers

London Tree Officers Association

Tree Care Industry Association (formerly NAA)

Tree Council