The National Breakdown Annual Short Story

Competition Reveals it's Winner!

Megan pictured here recieving her winners certificate from National Breakdown representative Dave Wade, was thrilled to recieve the award on the eve of her ninth brithday.

It was celebrations all round when Lepton C of E school student Megan Holroyd won first prize in the Annual National Breakdown Short Story Competition on the eve of her 9^th birthday. Megan scooped £100 worth of Argos vouchers and an England supporter’s kit containing flags, England fun wig, face paint and giant inflatable blow up England hand.

The theme of the competition was “my journey” and competition entrants were encouraged to let their imagination run free whilst describing a journey they had either taken or could imagine in around 250 to 300 words. Schools from all over the UK were sent details of the competition and there were some excellent contributions from students up to the age of 16.

Megan’s mum Karen Holroyd was the first to hear the news and was absolutely delighted on learning she had won the top prize. “Megan is always writing stories and usually has around a dozen lying around the house waiting for a suitable ending” said Karen. “Most of them usually include her pet dog Tommy and this one also included me so I’m really proud of her!”

Carolyn Bowe, National Breakdown’s Marketing Director confirmed that next year’s competition would be held around the same time and that she would again be asking schools from around the country to encourage their pupils to enter.

Top 10 Most Expensive Cars 2010

Youngsters get chance to tell their story

Budding young writers have the chance to show off their talents; with the launch of a story competition from Yorkshire based National Breakdown.

The journey services and specialist insurance company,  is asking children and teenagers, who are 16 years or under, to pen a piece entitled ‘My Journey’.

 National Breakdown are looking for inspiring or imaginative stories, between 250 and 300 words long, which describe a journey that the writer has taken or imagined.

 The competition ends on the day the FIFA world Cup begins and the overall winner of the competition will receive £100 worth of Argos gift vouchers and an England Supporters kit containing flags, face paint, fun wigs and an inflatable hand. Eleven runners up will also win an England supporters kit each, in time to cheer England on in the World Cup.

The competition is a great chance for aspiring authors to showcase their story online, as the competition winner will have their story published on the National Breakdown website for the entire year. Every visitor and customer will have access to the Journey tales. The eleven runners-up will be published on the site for a month each, one at a time, over the next twelve months.

Ash Effect - Hidden Consequences?

Could the effect of the Icelandic ash have hidden consequences for motorists?

Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th in 2001, many travellers chose to substitute flying for land transportation. Whilst it is agreed that flying is generally perceived to be more dangerous than driving, most of us are aware that it isn't.  It was strongly suggested at the time by researchers that people abandoned flying after 9/11 due to the raised level of anxiety. Consequently, road fatalities during this period rose significantly due to the increase in vehicles on the road which has since been referred to as the '9/11 effect’. In the US where internal flights are a necessity due to the huge distances involved and where the research took place, a Department in Cornell University wrote "Our results show that the public response to terrorist threats can create unintended consequences that rival the attacks themselves in severity."

Today, whilst there have been no terror attacks: due to the ash from the Icelandic Volcano, the skies in the UK and Europe have been given back to nature. As we enter our fourth day of grounded domestic flights in the UK and with land transportation beginning to feel the strain, could the consequences here be far more reaching than anticipated? If those who normally take internal flights can't - and take to the road instead, it possible we could see a similar '9/11 effect' mimicked (on a smaller scale) in the UK?

Powerful Yorkshire Partnership could help hauliers back on the road.

Two West Yorkshire insurance firms have joined forces to launch an innovative insurance policy for the national HGV and fleet industry, with the backing of major insurers.

National Breakdown, in Bradford, has teamed up with Donald Insurance, in Halifax, to deliver a nationwide commercial solution for HGV and fleet owners. Their combined fleet and HGV insurance offers goods in transit, property, liability and breakdown cover in one policy.  Despite the obvious impact on business when a HGV or truck breaks down, this type of combined cover with an insured breakdown policy included has never been offered as standard before in the UK. The scheme, which is being rolled out across the UK, was launched last week and the take up from loyal breakdown members has been impressive so far.

National Breakdown, the first company in the UK to sell insurance online, offers a range of journey services, including roadside assistance in the UK and Europe, key insurance, travel insurance, breakdown cover and vehicle inspection.  Since its launch in 1999, it has grown to become one of the preferred service providers to business fleet and haulage clients in the UK.

Buy now, pay later & keep your fingers crossed?

When did the car become an essential item?

It wasn’t that long ago that a car was a luxury item that you could barely afford when settled into your first job. Yet today, it seems that even students are car owners. Whether we like it or not, the car is a necessity for many people and the younger generation seems to be fuelling this trend. With the average cost of running a car now topping £15 a day, and the average price of a buying a car standing at £4000, it seems clear why so many of those on a low income, such as students, end up in serious debt.

Mistake could double the cost of your trip to Europe!

Could your holiday abroad end up costing you more than the holiday itself? For some motorists who holiday abroad there is a real risk that this problem could occur with evidence showing that around two thirds of us believing that our insurance is adequate to cover accident and breakdown. In reality, insurance companies who don't charge extra for trips abroad do require you to activate that cover before you travel. In addition to this, some Comprehensive policies may not even cover damage to your car whilst abroad. Without breakdown cover, this could seriously damage your wallet in the event of an accident or breakdown. In some Countries, a bill for a tow or garage call-out can often exceed £350 and that's before any repairs. It's important therefore, to be prepared for your trip. If you check the terms of your insurance policy and take out breakdown cover, you can relax in the knowledge that your holiday won't end up costing you the earth.

Preparation

Award won for apprenticeship moves

By Chris Holland » Telegraph and Argus

Bradford-born TV presenter Christa Ackroyd has praised firms for still taking on apprentices during the recession.She recalled her own days as an apprentice journalist when handing out awards to local firms.Among the recipients was Bradford insurance company National Breakdown, which scooped the Outstanding Contribution to Apprenticeship award from Calderdale Training.

The company has continued to recruit and train apprentices despite the recession, giving them the chance to achieve nationally-recognised NVQ qualifications.Ian Roper, managing director, said: “It is incredibly rewarding to have the hard work that we put into training and development recognised in this way. Despite the downturn, we remain forward thinking in our planning, and young apprentices have always made a valuable contribution to our firm. “Our development, alongside Calderdale training, is offering invaluable opportunities to youngsters.”