Penny Black's Social World - 10 March 2016

The Big Picture

Ageas has provided an automatic motorcycle to The Bike Experience charity, which teaches disabled motorcyclists how to ride again after an accident through the provision of adapted and modified motorcycles. Participants are taught in a safe, controlled environment using a logical and professional step-by-step process.

The charity was started by paralympian and World Champion 600cc Talan Skeels-Piggins in April 2011, after he was paralysed from the chest down following a motorcycle accident in March 2003. In the past five years the charity has taught more than 170 disabled motorcyclists how to ride again. 

Fresh from Facebook

Five finalists have been selected for Britain’s Best Volunteer award 2016 and the public will be able to vote for the finalist they think most deserves to win the award. The award is a partnership between Markel UK and the Small Charities Coalition. The five finalists are:

Gary Clark, volunteer, Swallowfield Community First Responders
Liz Glenister, volunteer and founder, Hypopara UK
Lucy Lucy, volunteer and founder, Destitute Asylum Seekers Huddersfield
Andrew Smith, volunteer and founder, Hull Homeless Community Project
Tracey Staples, volunteer chair, Hermione Social Club

The winner of the award will receive £1250 for the charity, or charities, of their choice and a personal prize of a holiday voucher worth £1000. The four runner-up finalists will receive £250 for a charity of their choice and a personal prize of an Apple Watch.

Voting is open until 18 March here: www.markeluk.com/britains-best-volunteer/nominate-vote

The Big Debate

How damaging would a further IPT increase be for insurers? Twenty-three general insurance executives have written to Chancellor of the Exchequer George Osborne ahead of the 16 March Budget announcement, urging against a further increase in insurance premium tax. What are the implications for insurers of another rise in IPT? 
Katie Marriner, reporter, Post
Have your say at bit.ly/PostLinkedIn

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