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Welcome
WPS Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers, formed from the merging of the long established insurance firms, Walker Persson & Partners Limited and Spargo & Co., offers unrivalled expertise in a wide range of commercial and personal insurance.
Our Independence is something we are proud of and we believe truly differentiates us from our competitors. It also enables us to manage our business to our ethos of "clients interests come first".
Walker Persson and Spargo Ltd (WPS) is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority registration number 306719
Business
We are able to offer a range of products and independent advice for clients in the commercial sector through our extensive experience.
Our existing clients range from all sectors including Leisure, Agriculture, Manufacturing, Retail, and Distribution.
WPS provide a full range of advice services including risk management and bespoke insurance programme design.
Personal
Recognising the importance of providing a full range of services, we are able to provide advice and support to meet the private insurance requirements of our commercial and corporate clients. Our service extends to assisting clients through the trauma of managing losses.
We understand the importance and value of clients personal possessions and the pain of loss of personal property. We believe it is essential to provide a full claims support service.
Risk Management
For our corporate clients looking for more than arrangement of insurance, our specialist risk management team provide a full range of risk management services from holistic risk assessment to more specific support such as Security, Fire prevention, Health and Safety and Business Continuity.
For Business Continuity solutions and support we have partnered with "back2business" the leading facility in South West England. For more information click here
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News
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Customer Feeback and Testimonials
Below we have posted some responses from clients to a wide variety of issues where our input has been appreciated ;
“Dear David,
Yours assistance with this claim is very much appreciated and I am very grateful for all of the hard work you have put into settling this matter.”
- From a Town Council client, 05/01/2012.
“Hi Jade,
.....Once again, many many thanks for all your help and assistance with this one. You and the WPS team have been very helpful and offered fantastic service. Much appreciated!!! “
- From a Commercial client, 03/01/2012.
“Hi Kim,
I’m so impressed with the speed of the 2 claims that I have had to make. Thank you so much for getting them paid out so quickly!
We have 7 other properties-houses & bungalows that I shall transfer over to you when the existing policy runs out in July with my former broker, as they are far too slow, when I have had to claim anything. This will mean that your company will look after the insurances for all 27 properties.”
- From a Property owning client, 23/12/2011.
“Dear Steve,
As 2011 draws to a close, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect on the hours of hard work you committed to my business this year. The company was facing an uncertain outcome regarding the Bristol claim and your wealth of experience and persistence persuaded insurers to re-open and address the claim correctly. The result was that the insurers have indemnified us and our concentration can now return to running the business...”
- From a Commercial client, 15/12/2011.
“Colin
This is an excellent result. Thank you VERY much for your significant part in persuading our insurers to reverse their initial decision. It means a great deal to me personally as well as my fellow Directors and the Company as a whole....”
- From a client and one of the South West’s largest employers, 09/12/2011.
“ Steve
Just seen Andy’s email – I am absolutely delighted. Thank you all so much for dealing with this on the Council’s behalf, it has taken a lot of stress out of what has become a very complex and difficult situation.
I will report this to Council at our meeting on Monday and can assure you this will be most welcome news!
Please pass my sincere thanks on to the team for their hard work and efforts in resolving this case.”
- From a Town Council client, 14/10/2011.
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New recruits strengthen WPS client service team
WPS are delighted to announce the addition of new staff members to strengthen team providing client service as a result of our continued growth during 2011.
Julie Paddon and Mark Gerry have joined our team of account handlers having both had many years experience working in the insurance sector.
Linda Shute joins as account handler having previously been the Insurance officer at University of Plymouth.
Kimberley Snee joins our finance team as finance assistant.
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New Motor Insurance Regulations - Continuous Insur
NEW MOTOR INSURANCE REGULATIONS – CONTINUOUS INSURANCE ENFORCEMENT
The introduction of Continuous Insurance Enforcement (CIE) will be one of the most significant changes to affect everyone who owns and keeps a vehicle.
The scheme is supported by the Department of Transport, DVLA, the insurance industry and the police. It has been designed to work in conjunction with the Motor Insurance Database to further reduce the level of uninsured driving in England, Scotland & Wales.
So what does CIE mean?
To put it simply, anyone keeping a vehicle will either need to have purchased appropriate insurance or have contacted DVLA to declare it “off road”.
At present it is only an offence to use a vehicle without insurance. However from April 2011 the implementation of CIE will mean even if your vehicle is kept in a garage and never used it will still need to be insured or otherwise declared SORN (Statutory Off Road Notice)
How will it work?
The CIE scheme will use registration details and Motor Insurance Database (MID) records to identify registered keepers with no apparent insurance.
Letters will be sent to all registered keepers with vehicles which have no SORN record and also appear to have no insurance.
These letters will set out what options the keeper will then have, which include:
- To declare the vehicle “off road” (SORN) with the DVLA
- To check with their insurance provider that their details are correct and appear on the MID; OR
- To purchase an appropriate motor insurance policy
What are the penalties for non compliance?
Any registered keeper who fails to take action will face:
· a fixed penalty fine of £100
· court prosecution and be fined up to £1,000
· having the vehicle clamped, seized and destroyed
The police will seize vehicles from people who flout the law and drive without motor insurance – since 2005, more than 550,000 uninsured vehicles have been seized.
Over the last 5 years the number of motor accidents involving uninsured drivers that had to be dealt with by the Motor Insurers Bureau (MIB) has reduced by 13% and the introduction of CIE will reduce this figure further.
With a proportion of the motor insurance premium every policyholder pays going towards the cost of meeting uninsured claims the introduction of CIE will benefit law-abiding citizens as it is anticipated it will lead to savings in the region of £100 million per year.
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WPS in Top 100 UK Brokers
WPS have reached the significant milestone of being named as one of the top 100 independent brokers in a recent report by " Insurance Age" of the UK insurance market.
Chairman Richard Persson thanked clients and staff for their support.
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About Us
About Us
WPS is one of the largest independently owned Commercial Insurance Brokerages in the South of England.
Our origins lay in the formation of Walker Persson and Partners Limited in 1968, with the subsequent merger with Spargo and Company in January 2000.
WPS has an extremely impressive corporate and commercial clientele, mainly South West based, but increasingly across the UK.
Our Goal
Our goal is to be;
“The preferred choice Insurance Broker providing Professional Risk Management, Insurance and Financial Solutions to commercial and corporate clients".
WPS employs a holistic risk managed approach to meeting the often demanding needs of its clients, believing that knowing and understanding the client’s business is fundamental when trying to build and retain strong relationships. We see our role as more than providers of insurance. We encourage corporate clients only to buy insurance for those risks which cannot be otherwise managed, transferred or retained in house.
A Fine Reputation
The reputation and success of WPS is founded upon:
- Absolute integrity in its dealings with both clients and insurers
- A high degree of technical knowledge of insurance contracts
- Our Independence
- Reliable, committed and knowledgeable staff
- Complete and unbiased advice to clients
- A desire to understand clients and their business activities
- Continual contact with all areas of the insurance market in order to stay abreast of changes and developments
- Placing insurances based upon three equally important criteria:
- Adequacy of cover
- Quality and reliability of service from the insurer
- Competitive pricing
Our People
We see our people as our most important asset and recognise the importance of developing strong relationships with our clients
WPS comprises a team of some 32 employees making WPS one of the largest employers in our sector in Devon and Cornwall
The senior directors individually have on average 30 years experience in the industry
Our client management staff are all experienced many having worked previously for major international brokers or insurers
Qualifications and training are actively encouraged and part of our culture. A large proportion of our client advising staff have professional insurance qualifications
Our Chairman, Richard Persson, is a board member at national level of BIBA – our trade organisation and has a role in representing the interests of brokers and their clients
The average length of employment across all staff is in excess of 8 years, demonstrating the ability of WPS to retain its key staff, all of whom are very loyal
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Privacy Policy
Privacy Policy
Privacy
We are committed to the protection of your privacy. No information collected by us on this site will be sold, rented or loaned except as expressly stated in the Privacy Policy and consented to by you.
All personal information given to us through this site will only be held and used with care and in accordance with this policy and the Data Protection Act 1998.
Use of Information
We will not collect any information about individuals, except where it is specifically and knowingly provided by you.
The information collected will be used by us to provide you with details of opportunities in the market place as well as to develop this site to be useful to you and enable us to provide further services on this site in the future. We may also wish to provide you with news and information about goods and services which may be of interest to you.
We do not sell or share any information about you as an individual user of this site.
Links to Other Sites
We may from time to time establish relationships with other companies that will enable you to access the websites of such companies directly from our site. Each individual company operates its own policy regarding the use of personal data. If you have a particular interest or concerns regarding the way your data will be used then you are advised to read the Privacy Statement on the relevant site.
We will try to provide you with links to high quality, reputable sites which we believe will be of interest and relevant to you, but please note that such third party sites are not under our control and we do not contribute to the content of such websites. When you click through to these sites you leave the area controlled by us. We cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising in connection with either the third party's use of your data, the site content or the services offered to you by these sites.
Your Rights
In addition to these policies your personal data is protected in the UK by the Data Protection Act 1998. Under this Act we will only process any data we hold about you in a lawful and fair manner. We will keep your data securely to prevent unauthorised access by third parties.
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Disclaimer
Disclaimer
WPS is providing this site for general information only and makes no representations or warranties of any kind with respect to the site or its contents. In addition, WPS makes no representations or warranties about the accuracy, completeness or suitability for any purpose of the information and related graphics published in this site. The information contained in this site may contain technical inaccuracies or typographical errors. All liability of WPS howsoever arising for any such inaccuracies or errors is expressly excluded to the fullest extent permitted by law.
Neither WPS nor any of its directors, employees or other representatives will be liable for loss or damage arising out of or in connection with the use of this site. This is a comprehensive limitation of liability that applies to all damages of any kind including (without limitation) compensatory, direct, indirect or consequential damages, loss of data, income or profit, loss of or damage to property and claims of third parties.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, none of the exclusions and limitations in the clause are intended to limit any rights you may have as a consumer under local law or other statutory rights which may not be excluded nor in any way to exclude or limit WPS's liability to you for death or personal injury resulting from WPS's negligence or that of WPS’s employees or agents.
Unless indicated to the contrary, all materials on this website including design, text, graphics and photographs are the copyright of WPS. WPS is the owner of the trade marks appearing on this website and all associated trade names, logos and devices unless indicated to the contrary. All other trade marks, logos and names appearing on this website are the property of their respective owners, as indicated. No permission is given by their respective owners for the use of any of them and such use may constitute an infringement of the owner’s rights.
WPS may from time to time provide links that will enable you to access the websites of other parties directly from WPS's site. Please note that such third party sites are not under WPS’s control and WPS does not contribute to the contents of such websites. When you click through to these websites you leave the area controlled by WPS. WPS cannot accept responsibility for any issues arising in connection with either the third party’s use of your data, the site content or the services offered to you by these sites.
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Main Content
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Corporate
Corporate Services
We recognise the needs of Corporate clients are very specific and individual. We adopt a service programme based around an annual cycle of services whch is bespoke and agreed with individual clients. By appointing WPS you will benefit from our annual structured service plan.
Corporate Audit
Many prospective Corporate clients are hesitant to commit to a change of Broker without assessing the qualities of their existing arrangements and service provisions.
With this in mind WPS have created an exclusive and confidential Consultancy Audit proposition to prospective clientele or clients purely wishing to assess their current programmes.
The confidential review can be carried out without alerting the incumbent Broker or Insurers and create a valuable negotiation tool.
The review incorporates an assessment document including :
- Assessment of exposure and tailored programme.
- Adequacy of cover sums insured and indemnity limits.
- Principal policy terms and conditions.
- Deductible levels and suitability.
- Policy administration.
- Service provision by Brokers.
- Competitiveness of premiums.
- Insurer security.
- Correctness of insurance programme structure.
- Identification of material uninsured exposures.
- Potential renewal initiatives and future strategy.
The review will be time bound according to size and complexity of your business and your Insurance Portfolio.
Each stage of the service is assessed and parameters agreed with you.
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Risk Profiling
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Risk Profiling
The first stage to developing our relationship has to be the understanding of your business; which includes your services, customers, suppliers and any other area that may have a financial and commercial impact upon your business.
Not all risks are insurable. By adopting a proactive Risk Management approach we aim to help you reduce or eliminate risks without relying upon risk transfer / insurance.
Continuity of your business is key and can only be achieved by proactive Risk Management which we can provide.
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Programme Design
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Programme Design
We will regularly discuss with you potential insurance options and agree what level of risk you wish to transfer or retain. Varying options may be preferred which can form the basis of our presentation to agreed markets. Insurance programmes should be bespoke and not considered as an “off the shelf” purchase.
Your programme will be bespoke to your requirements and regularly reviewed to obtain the optimum deal in varying market conditions.
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Programme Placement/ Presentation
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Programme Placement/ Presentation
Having designed and agreed your programme, we will select markets which we believe will be most appropriate to underwrite your programme based upon our experience and criteria including:
- Market security
- Market suitability to match the risk
- Competitive pricing
- Service levels
- Claims service
- Ability to provide the cover requested
You can rely upon WPS to place your insurances competitively and effectively.
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Documentation Issue
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Documentation Issue
Having placed cover, the efficient issue of certificates, policy documentation etc. becomes paramount and we are committed to ensuring that you receive the relevant documentation you require without delay.
You can depend upon WPS to manage the administration of your affairs.
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Day to Day Service
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Day to Day Service
By assigning a dedicated service team WPS ensures that you develop strong relations with staff dedicated to you, providing you with quality day to day service. Your Service Team will be well known to you and will continue to visit your premises and ensure that there is a good understanding of your business.
You will receive personal day to day service from individuals committed to looking after you.
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Claims
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Claims
The effective management of your claims is a fundamental part of our service. In claims negotiations we are your partner and will use our skills and experience to ensure you receive fair and reasonable settlement.
Our team include individuals who have experience as loss adjusters and who can present your claim in a structured way to maximise your settlement.
We look to negotiate settlement in an imaginative way which best suits you. For example the relocation of premises to a new site post loss if this best fits your future business plans.
In addition, the provision of loss data is fundamental to risk management and programme design. To address this we will provide claims reports in a format to suit your requirements and at intervals you require.
You will benefit from our claims management and negotiation skills.
You will deal with people who know and understand your requirements.
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Pre- Renewal
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Pre-Renewal
The management of your renewal is a crucial part of the annual cycle. We will arrange to meet with you well in advance (approximately 3 months) to start discussions. This will involve:
- Market overview
- Review of your risk strategy
- Review of claims
- Review of risks not insured
- Programme review
- Agree market strategy
- Agree timetable to suit your requirements
You will have a structured and managed approach to your renewal.
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Renewal
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Renewal
We will negotiate vigorously and in your best interests with insurers to ensure you receive competitive terms. We commit to providing you with a report setting out renewal terms and options within timescales to meet your requirements normally 3 weeks prior to renewal. We will keep you advised of progress of renewal negotiations throughout.
Insurers will have confidence in underwriting your business and you should not be subject to costly risk improvements after cover is placed.
Renewal terms will always be negotiated in your best interests.
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Business Continuity Solution
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Business Continuity Solution- Getting "back 2 business"
WPS have partnered with "back 2 business" at the Plymouth Airport Business Centre to promote their specialist disaster recovery suite.
The suite provides an excellent opportunity for clients to have a business continuity office space available in the event of a disaster.
The suite is the only custom built disaster recovery centre servicing the South West and has already attracted commitment from major businesses in the area.
For more information visit;
www.back2business.com
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Commercial
Commercial
We are able to offer a range of products for the commercial sector through our extensive insurer network. Each clients needs are individually considered and quotations obtained from appropriate markets.
Our clients in the "small medium enterprise" (SME) sector include a wide range of trades.
Examples of trades catered for include:
- Property Owners
- Motor Trade
- Shopkeepers
- Public Houses
- Hotels
- Manufacturing sector
- Engineering
- Warehousing and distribution
- Leisure
We welcome the opportunity to provide alternative quotations and advice for your own needs. Quotations are provided without charge or obligation.
Contact: Mike Slattery on 01752 675474 or e-mail Mike on mike.s@wpsinsurance.co.uk
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AIS Scheme
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AIS Scheme
WPS are appointed Brokers to the AIS (Associated Independent Stores) Retailers Insurance Scheme. We act for over a quarter of the Membership across the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland, making us the largest Intermediary for AIS. The Scheme, Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance, is recognised on a national level within RSA as one of the best performing Retail Schemes.
The AIS Insurance Scheme has been designed to supplement for many of its members the long and loyal relationship the member has with their incumbent broker, allowing the existing Broker to deal with us on a “Wholesale” basis. This has proven to be a very unique benefit of our offering.
The Scheme policy provides a bespoke Insurance Product tailored to meet the requirements of the AIS Members. This includes many cover enhancements and extensions above and beyond a standard commercial combined contract.
Established in 2004, the Scheme continues to succeed with both the support of the AIS Members and Royal Sun Alliance.
Although based in South West England, we provide a personal face to face service throughout the UK.
For further information contact Steve Harvey - steve.h@wpsinsurance.co.uk or on (01752) 675470.
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Care and Community Scheme
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Care and Community
Community & Care Insurance
... special risks require special attention.
Community & Care Insurance...special risks require special attention
WPS can arrange Community and Care Insurance which is specifically tailored to meet
your individual needs, meaning you only pay for the cover that you require and can feel
confident that should you need to make a claim you’re adequately covered.
We offer insurance solutions to a wide range of community and care
organisations including:–
_ care homes
_ hospices
_ adult placement
_ domiciliary care
_ supported living
_ day centres
_ drug and alcohol rehabilitation centres
_ children’s homes
_ foster agencies
_ hospitals and clinics
Your bespoke cover can include:–
_ charity trustee insurance
_ treatment risk including personal indemnity for nurses
_ public liability (with no exclusion for abuse claims)
_ resident’s personal liability
_ automatic £5,000 ‘all risks’ cover for unspecified property
_ legal expenses including defence costs at employee tribunals
_ equipment breakdown
_ temporary accommodation
You will also have access to a range of value added services:–
_ seminars on key industry topics such as ‘abuse claims’
_ Free 24 hour helpline offering legal advice and counselling service for employees
To discuss your Community & Care insurance needs and to obtain quotations
please contact WPS Insurance Brokers
Telephone: 01752 670440 Email: mail@wpsinsurance.co.uk
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Town Council Scheme
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Town Council Scheme
WPS have many years experience in the sector and deal with around 250 Councils across England & Wales. The exclusive town council policy has been specially designed to ensure:
Wide protection /covers
Simplicity of wordings
Extremely competitive premiums and interest free instalments
Security of largest UK insurer
Dedicated team of Account Handlers and Claims Handlers who
specialise in dealing with Town Council Portfolios
To obtain a quotation please click on the following link ;
http://www.wpsinsurance.co.uk/download/town_council_quote_form.pdf
to download a quotation form.
Or
Contact Gina Hatch on 01752 675490 or e-mail gina.h@wpsinsurance.co.uk
Risk Management Support – For information regarding Risk Management including Health and Safety advice please click here.
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Testimonials
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Testimonials
“WPS listen and provide tailored advice offering a policy which reflected diverse activity. The service is provided in a cost effective manner. The level of service both in the contents of the policy and in the personal contacts has exceeded my expectations and I have had no hesitation in endorsing the company and recommending WPS to my colleagues.”
Wells City Council
“We’d only taken out our policy a few months before our community centre and theatre buildings were hit by two floods. The force of the water dislodged fuel tanks in a cellar and left them full of hazardous kerosene and water, while part of the theatre was under three feet of water. But WPS were wonderful. They dealt with our claim promptly, authorised us to begin remedial work, and both buildings are now open again. I’m very happy with the service WPS offered us.”
Pat Buckley
Tenbury Town Council
“We have nothing but praise for WPS. They even made one suggestion to us that saved us tens of thousands of pounds. They also did a bit of sabre-rattling on our behalf when we had a dispute with another insurance company, and they lent us the weight of their legal department.
Through WPS, we have consultations on health and safety, and because we adhere to their suggestions and guidelines we get a reduction on our premium.
I couldn’t give one word of criticism about WPS.”
Terry Culter
Finance Officer, Chard Town Council
“WPS have been our insurance brokers for at least five years and I’ve been very happy with the quotations they’ve been able to provide. When we’re a little bit stuck or unsure about something, they offer us good advice very quickly. It’s nice to be able to pick up the phone and know you can speak to someone you can rely upon.”
John Winchester
Town Clerk, Dawlish Town Council
“WPS were able to save us a considerable sum of money on our insurance when we switched to them after seven years with another broker, and since then they’ve been more than helpful.
There was a clause in our insurance about no-one being allowed within 100 metres of a fireworks display – and that would have been very difficult for us.
I spoke to WPS, sent them a satellite shot of the location, and told them we’d been holding fireworks displays there for 10 years without any problems. WPS spoke to the insurers and came back to say it would be fine to go ahead.
I felt I could talk to someone who understood what we were about. I can trust WPS to come up with just what we need.”
Gordon Mussett
Town Clerk, Haverhill Town Council
“All our dealings with WPS have been prompt and professional and they have been very helpful.”
Sheila Prentice
Finance Officer, Chippenham Town Council
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Additional Scheme Benefits
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Additional Scheme Benefits