In a major new development, Drum Cussac, the global business risk consultancy, has become the world’s first company to secure an integrated insurance cover for all security operations in support of their clients, including the previously un-insurable emergency political evacuation scenario.

For the first time, companies searching for new international markets and outsourcing production within known volatile political environments can, through the services of Drum Cussac, offer their staff the highest possible duty of care through an indemnified evacuation solution, protecting against the cost of evacuating staff in a politically motivated crisis, including war, coups, rebellions and terrorist attack.

This political evacuation insurance framework has been developed by Drum Cussac’s Managing Director, Jeremy Stampa Orwin, and HSBC Insurance Brokers; and it has been backed by an A-rated insurance underwriter.

Drum Cussac are now covered for providing evacuation operations to their clients from countries which are currently stable but known to be politically volatile, even if they are on the Foreign and Commonwealth Office’s advisory list.  Obviously cover is not provided for those entering an existing conflict, war or rebellion zone.

Jeremy Stampa Orwin said:

“Increasingly,  we see Companies sending staff abroad across new, and potentially dangerous, frontiers in order to develop new markets and new customers, find and extract natural resources, outsource services or build new facilities, plants and infrastructure.

“Often they do this with, at best, a loose and unbudgeted contingency fund to cover the cost of extracting their staff in an emergency.

“Drum Cussac is now insured through an A-rated insurer so that our clients can enjoy the security of a guaranteed emergency evacuation plan covered within a set budgeted fee according to a predetermined risk assessment.

“If you have staff engaged in commercial activities in emerging global markets, and a political event necessitates evacuation, one call to us will set the pre-planned operation in train and you will not see any of the costs involved.

“For years it has been assumed that the cost of such an evacuation cannot be anticipated or valued.  However, we have worked alongside some exceptional insurance experts to demonstrate that the risk is quantifiable and therefore insurable.”

To instigate the insurance cover, business clients will undergo a comprehensive risk analysis by Drum Cussac so that the extent of the activity and staffing can be assimilated and the risk calculated.  Once a formal evacuation plan has been adopted, and accepted by the Underwriters, a premium or fee will be set, and thereafter Drum Cussac can extract their clients under full cover.

The cover includes the services of a specialist worldwide emergency medical assistance provider, FirstAssist. FirstAssist employs a network of trained doctors, nurses and case managers who are on hand 24/7 to provide advice, support, assistance and an immediate response.

Statement from HSBC Insurance Brokers:

“The pressure on business to pursue commercial goals on a global scale has been considerable over the past decade.  Many companies have had little choice but to send staff overseas, whether on a permanent posting or intermittent travel, exposing them to political volatility and often without providing plans or protection against this considerable risk.

“HSBC Insurance Brokers have worked with Drum Cussac to provide them with a unique combination of coverage, which will ensure that their clients will be able to offer their staff proper protection and fulfil their duty of care.  It is a privilege to bring this product to the market.”

For further information, contact Richard Bailey on 020 7397 8459 or 07714 756215 or richard@mediahouse.co.uk

Notes to Editors:

1. Drum Cussac is a specialist risk consultancy, formed in 2003, with offices on 4 continents
2. Drum Cussac provide advice and solutions that enable clients to manage and mitigate their operational business risks.
3. Drum Cussac are recognised for their specialist expertise, innovative intelligence led approach and track record with worldwide business operations in the Corporate, Maritime and Transport sectors.
4. Drum Cussac has been delivering protective security measures to vessels and off-shore installations for nearly 12 years and has recently expanded its Maritime Division with the deployment of full time teams to the Gulf of Aden.