» Read the complete article

If your business is not adequately protected, then any crime that befalls you could be a lot more costly than it has to be – as things get tougher you need to consider insurance for your business.

It's not surprising that more and more businesses are becoming the victims of crime as the year goes on – 64% of business now say they have been the victim of a crime – up 7% from 2006.

Figures from AXA shows that numbers of crimes against businesses have increased by around 10% over the last year, many of which can be considered ‘recession’ crime, or crime that occurs more frequently during an economic downturn such as burglary, staff intimidation, arson and assault.

The Federation of Small Business is urging police forces to pay attention to these figures and listen to the concerns of small businesses on their beat.

Mike Cherry, FSB home affairs chairman, says: “All the reports show that crimes against business are rising during the recession and businesses risk becoming victims due to an increase in threatening behaviour, burglary, arson and assaults on their staff. The police cannot allow these warning signs to pass them by."

If your business does not have the right insurance then a burglary or arson is going to cost dear – and could destroy all that you have built up. But, for just a few pounds a month, you can cover your business, your properties and your interests so as if anything does happen, you will know that you will be able to pick yourself up and carry on.

SOURCE: AXA, FSB, 22

Keep up with the latest news and comments on Self Employed Mortgages at the Self Cert Mortgage Blog