As the Cabinet Office prepares to publish its new Cyber Security Strategy₁, MORE TH>N Home Insurance is urging customers to be more aware of the personal information they give online for fear of their home security.  According to cyber security experts it can take as little as 90 minutes for a cyber criminal to uncover personal details online and use this to steal personal identities and to target peoples’ homes.

Surprisingly while the majority of people are aware of the risks of sharing personal information and their location online it appears that the British public remains blasé about the threat of cyber theft.  In a recent survey commissioned by MORE TH>N, 38% of Brits publicise when they are on holiday or on a night out on social networking sites and a further 42% arrange external activities online, and yet a significant 88% are consciously aware of the dangers of doing so.

This new study correlates with previous research  from MORE TH>N Home Insurance which found that 12% of ex-burglars surveyed said they have used sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to easily pinpoint the whereabouts of a target and how long they would be away for.

While there has been a consistent decline in burglaries in the UK – at 659,000 according to the latest British Crime Survey – the Home Office estimates that over £800 of property is stolen or damaged on average at each occurrence of this crime.  The importance of being secure online and at home is all too clear.

Oliver Crofton, Director of Vigilante Bespoke, a leading IT security and management provider, said:
“Cyber-criminals are running sophisticated information gathering operations, often targeting personal details which people didn’t even realise were online. In a very short period of time – even just 90 minutes – key personal information can easily be obtained through social networking sites and other sources.”

MORE TH>N spokesperson Pete Markey, said:
“A clue that a homeowner may only be out for even a short period of time – even just a Tweet that can be easily read by strangers – could be the essential information a burglar needs for a break-in.

“MORE TH>N advises all consumers to follow Cabinet Office guidance which advises people to take a number of sensible precautions to stay safe online. But we also know that there’s no such thing as a ‘safe house’ and that’s why security, common sense and insurance cover are essential.”

Top 5 MORE TH>N tips to help prevent burglary:

1. 1. Be safe, be secure – lock front and back doors, fix doors with a chain or bar, apply and use window locks, don’t leave keys on shelves or on tables near the door.
2. 2. Think secure outside – never leave a spare set of keys outside, lock your side or back gate.
3. 3. Get it lit – installing outdoor lighting can give burglars less places to hide.
4. 4. Make it loud – intruder alarms should always be activated when the home is unoccupied.
5. 5. Keep up to date – make sure your home contents insurance is up to date, and that you’re insured for the correct amount.

Top 5 MORE TH>N tips on prevention of personal location and identity theft:

1. 1. Don’t buy the hype – avoid online deals which appear unrealistic; online payment will require your card details and address.
2. 2. Go easy on the WiFi – be careful when using public WiFi networks; there could be an electronic eavesdropper who could pick up your personal data if banking or shopping online.
3. 3. Don’t get hooked by phishing – delete unexpected emails saying you’ve won a fantastic prize or purporting to be from a bank or card company asking to confirm your password or details online.
4. 4. Keep a low profile – be careful on social networks to not give personal information or your current location and use maximum privacy settings.
5. 5. Get yourself rated – Check your credit report regularly; so you can spot someone trying to borrow money in your name.

For more details of the MORE TH>N Home Insurance offerings, visit www.morethan.com/home or call 01737 815248.

Martin Cairns                        Carmel McCarthy
MORE TH>N Press Office                MORE TH>N Press Office
0207 337 5385                        0207 337 5405
press.office1@uk.rsagroup.com                carmel.mccarthy@uk.rsagroup.com

Notes to Editors:
1. The Office of Cyber Security & Information Assurance (OCSIA) states the new Cyber Security Strategy is currently being drafted and be published in the Spring, likely May 2011. The Cabinet Office estimates the economic cost of cyber crime to UK citizens at £3.1 billion per annum, with the cost of personal identity theft accounting for £1.7 billion. For further information call 020 7263 3000.
2. Opinium Research carried out a nationally representative poll of 2008 British adults between 18 and 21 March 2011.

About MORE TH>N:
MORE TH>N is the direct financial services arm of RSA.  It offers motor, home, pet, life and travel insurance by phone and via the internet. It also offers van, shop, office, business car, hotels, property, club and contractor insurance direct to small businesses.

From falls down mine shafts, to snake bites, to getting trapped in a sofa bed, the life of a pet owner is never dull, but it goes to show that you never quite know when you might need to call on your insurance.

Top 10:

10. A dog decided the age-old game of fetch needed a new twist…   so instead of retrieving the stick decided to swallow it, causing considerable damage to its stomach. Cost: £700.

9. Walks in the park work better when you run around the trees, not smack bang into them, which one dog did. Cost: £450.

8. Never get in the way of a game of golf, a dog learnt that lesson the hard way after being hit on the nose by a ball. Cost: £190.

7. Britain’s not known for its ferocious wildlife but that hasn’t stopped a number of painful encounters. MORE TH>N has received claims for snake bites (£440), bee stings (£390), squirrel bites (£150), ferret bites (£500), rat bites (£60), and fox bites (£190).

6. Dogs are rather prone to eating things that they shouldn’t, MORE TH>N has seen it all, from a turkey carcass (£655), to kebab skewer (£750) and even an asthma inhaler (£250) and a marker pen (£1,500).

5. Electric windows are not for playing with, as one dog discovered after getting his head stuck in it. Cost: £30.

4. Chasing rabbits is boundless fun for dogs, until becoming impaled on a fence as one dog found out. Cost: £3,200.

3. Tumble dryers are good for drying clothes but not such a good place for cats to play hide and seek as one found to its peril after being locked in it. Cost: £400.

2.  A cat couldn’t get out of bed, literally, after becoming entangled in the springs of a sofa bed. Cost: £63.

1. It seems cats and dogs are prone to falling off, out of, and into just about anything including a quarry (£2,600), a cattle grid (£200), a mineshaft (£100), off a window (£670), into a river (£140) off a cliff (£1,500), and out of bed (£600).

MORE TH>N Director Pete Markey commented: “Our pets are a mischievous bunch but thankfully all these animals lived to fight another day. It’s not just illnesses that pet owners need to be aware of, these incidents highlight the fact that you never know when you may need to make an unexpected visit to the vet. Having the right insurance in place will give you the peace of mind to know that any vet bills are covered should the worst happen.”

For further information on MORE TH>N pet insurance go to www.morethan.com or call 0800 107 8849

MORE TH>N offers homeowners and motorists essential advice -

Snow and ice has hit Britain, with more expected. MORE TH>N is offering the following advice on surviving the cold.

AT HOME:
· Leave your central heating running, not on a timer, but at a constant temperature (the coldest time is between 1am and 3am). If possible, leave it running in all rooms.
· If you know you’re going to be away, either leave the heating on, or drain off your water and heating systems. If you have a property that is unoccupied, drain the system. To do this, turn off the stopcock, shut down the boiler and open all taps. If you’re unsure about the central heating, speak to a plumber. Remember to leave your insurance details with a friend or neighbour.
· Check the lagging on your pipes and water tank – pay a visit to the loft if needs be. If you have enough constant heating in the house, it will prevent the water tank from freezing. The most likely effect of the sub-zero temperatures in the home will be frozen pipes and water tanks.
· Bring pets indoors and if you have fish, leave something floating in the middle of your pond – ie a ball. When you want to get air to them, lift up the ball.
· Keep a supply of batteries, torches and provisions.
· If your home loses power – keep the freezer door shut.

All MORE TH>N customers have access to a free-phone 24 hour help-line as part of their standard home insurance policy. In the event of a household emergency customers can ring the help-line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Pete Markey, spokesperson for MORE TH>N comments: “We are prepared to help with the cold front with many of our staff ready to help out in the affected areas and customers can rest assured that should the worst happen, we are here to help them around the clock.”

IN THE CAR:

Cold weather can play havoc with cars. Flat batteries are the main cause (32%), followed by cars turning over but won’t start up (15%). In fact motorists are 50% more likely to breakdown in January, February and March when temperatures are often colder, than any other month of the year.

MORE TH>N’s advice to motorists during freezing weather conditions:
· During the current bad weather, only make journeys if they are absolutely necessary. You can check weather conditions through the Met Office www.metoffice.gov.uk
· Slow down during bad weather, everyone will be in a rush to get home, but breaking distances are longer during wet conditions, and even more so in ice or snow.
· If you are driving during bad weather, stick to main roads as these are more likely to be gritted or maintained than side and minor roads.
· If you have an iPhone, download MORE TH>N’s free Car Claim app. Should you have an accident it will provide you with safety tips as well as prompting you to gather the necessary information from the scene.
· During cold weather its especially important to check tyre, battery and wiper blade condition. Make sure the lights are fully functioning and double check oil and fuel levels before setting off. Tyre tread should be at the very least at 1.6mm (the legal minimum) it is best to have them at around 3mm for best grip on the roads.
· Keep water, blankets and a first aid kit in you car, for emergency situations.
· Check anti-freeze levels and carry de-icer in case the locks freeze.
· For cars that are not being used that often ensure you regularly turn the engine over and keep the engine running to keep the battery energised.
· If warming your car up don’t leave it unattended with the keys in the ignition. Many cars are stolen this way by opportunist thieves each year.
· Take your breakdown telephone help-line number and mobile phone with you on all journeys.
· It’s also useful to keep a torch, ice scraper – and in extreme weather conditions wellington boots and a shovel in your car.

Above all, Brits affected by the extreme weather circumstances should keep a close watch for further weather warnings, and heed the advice of the emergency services.

As snow and ice falls on parts of Britain with more forecast, insurer

MORE TH>N is offering the following advice on surviving the cold .
AT HOME:

• Leave your central heating running, not on a timer, but at a constant temperature (the coldest time is between 1am and 3am). If possible, leave it running in all rooms
• If you know you’re going to be away, either leave the heating on, or drain off your water and heating systems. If you have a property that is unoccupied, drain the system. To do this, turn off the stopcock, shut down the boiler and open all taps. If you’re unsure about the central heating, speak to a plumber. Remember to leave your insurance details with a friend or neighbour
• Check the lagging on your pipes and water tank – pay a visit to the loft if needs be. If you have enough constant heating in the house, it will prevent the water tank from freezing. The most likely effect of the sub-zero temperatures in the home will be frozen pipes and water tanks
• Bring pets indoors and if you have fish, leave something floating in the middle of your pond – ie a ball. When you want to get air to them, lift up the ball
• Keep a supply of batteries, torches and provisions
• If your home loses power – keep the freezer door shut

All MORE TH>N customers have access to a free-phone 24 hour help-line as part of their standard home insurance policy. In the event of a household emergency customers can ring the help-line 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Pete Markey, spokesperson for MORE TH>N comments: “We are prepared for the expected cold front with many of our staff ready to help out in the affected areas and customers can rest assured that should the worst happen, we are here to help them around the clock.”

IN THE CAR:
Cold weather can play havoc with cars; MORE TH>N’s advice to motorists during freezing weather conditions:

• Check anti-freeze levels and carry de-icer in case the locks freeze
• For cars that are not being used that often ensure you regularly turn the engine over and keep it running to so the battery stays energised
• If warming your car up don’t leave it unattended with the keys in the ignition. Many cars are stolen this way by opportunist thieves each year
• During cold weather its especially important to check tyre, battery and wiper blade condition. Make sure the lights are fully functioning and double check oil and fuel levels before setting off
• Keep a warm coat or blanket in the car in case of a breakdown to keep warm by the roadside as well as some emergency supplies such as some chocolate or a hot drink
• Take your breakdown telephone help-line number and mobile phone with you on all journeys
• It’s also useful to keep a torch, ice scraper – and in extreme weather conditions wellington boots and a shovel in your car

Everyone affected by the extreme weather circumstances should keep a close watch for further weather warnings, and heed the advice of the emergency services.
For more information or a quote, call 0800 300 660 (Home) 0800 300 220 (Car) or visit www.morethan.com.

We have reviewed our procedures and are pleased to confirm that from the 1st of November we will no longer request outstanding monthly
instalments when a policy is cancelled due to the death of the pet.

Customers with further queries about their pet policy can ring 0800 107 1893  (Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 5pm) for more information.

It’s hip ‘n’ happening 18-24 year olds (16%) that now lead the way in the gnome ownership stakes, second only to over 55’s (18%), according to data included in the MORE TH>N Garden Study, a comprehensive survey of the nation’s gardening habits.

As well as detailing the average values of items in British gardens, the study reveals which are the most susceptible to theft too – a serious issue for the gnome-owning Brit.

As the designer gnome grows in popularity and more and more celebrities adopt them (Rio Ferdinand has his own bespoke collection), so ‘gnoming’, the act of stealing gnomes, becomes more commonplace. Already over one in four (27%) gnome owners say they’ve had at least one of their ‘little people’ stolen.

To highlight the problem, MORE TH>N has created the world’s first electronically tagged gnome, aptly named ‘Chip’, and donated it to the arguably the most famous ‘gnoming’ victim in the UK.

In August 2008, Gloucestershire pensioner Eve Stuart-Kelso had her gnome, Murphy, stolen from her garden – only for the little fella to re-appear seven months later with a mysterious parcel from his captor. As well as a note in which Murphy explained how his impromptu world tour was down to ‘itchy feet’, also attached was a leather bound photo-album containing 48 photographs, showing Murphy everywhere from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the ancient ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia.

An electronic tag should help keep Murphy and Chip safe, but the study from MORE TH>N shows how garden theft is far from restricted to the humble gnome. The figures reveal how nearly one third of us (28%) have experienced a theft from our back yards – with everything from barbies and patio heaters to plants and Koi carp being swiped by uninvited intruders.

And while we go to great lengths to protect the belongings within our homes, Brits are more than slack when it comes to garden security. For 15% of us, the best we can do is place items in an un-locked shed, though even more worryingly, 35% take no garden security measures whatsoever.

Other key findings from the study show that:

- London is the garden theft capital of Britain with 34% of residents having had items stolen – the South East is the safest region where just 18% have experienced a theft;
- No one spends more on garden luxuries than people in East Anglia – topping the average spend on both garden furniture (£359) and barbecues (£168); and
- The South West is the gnome capital of the UK – 18% of gardens in the region are populated with gnomes.

MORE TH>N spokesperson Pete Markey comments, “In many ways gnomes are a British institution so it’s great to see they’re moving with the times and enjoying a resurgence. As the data shows though, ‘gnoming’ is already a problem and it could become more prevalent if people don’t start taking the issue of garden security more seriously. British gardens nowadays contain many valuable items and leaving them exposed is the outdoor equivalent of leaving the front door open, providing easy pickings for thieves.”

To help prevent garden theft taking place, MORE TH>N recommends:

- Keep your hedges tidy and trim as it reduces the number of places a thief can hide;
- Lighting can be a good deterrent to thieves. The best to use is high-efficiency low-energy that comes on from dusk until dawn;
- Fencing and gates can help prevent prowlers getting into the backs and sides of your home where they won’t be seen by passers-by;
- Consider gravel driveways as it’s noisy to walk on, which will put intruders off;
- Thorn bushes and prickly plants along the edge of the garden or fences can make an extra obstacle for thieves;
- Make sure you have a lock on garden sheds, particularly if they contain garden tools and ladders as these could aid a burglar’s entry to the property; and
- Be vigilant in the neighbourhood, if you see someone acting suspiciously call the police.

If you live in a detached home or bungalow, have a desirable car, keep your valuables in a bedside drawer and talk about your whereabouts on social media, then you fit the profile of the ideal break-in victim. That’s the verdict from the real experts: ex-burglars.

In the UK’s first research among reformed burglars, MORE TH>N reveals the targets and tricks of the trade that should be a wake-up call to every householder.

According to 90% of reformed thieves, household burglary is still an easy task that poses no real challenge – and all of those surveyed said there’s no such thing as an impossible job – but the new research reveals how householders inadvertently make their job even easier.

The majority of ex-burglars (68%) said they collected information about their target’s home and daily routine in advance of committing a crime. Hidden house keys (78%) – in obvious places such as under doormats and in plant pots – are the primary lapses that burglars will look for to make an entry. The other common mistake we make according to those in the know is leaving windows open (58%), especially during summer months when homeowners put a cooler house above security as their priority.

In addition to the above, criminals are increasingly embracing the latest social media trends to keep a track on potential targets. More than one in 10 (12% of the ex-burglars surveyed) said they would use sites such as Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare to easily pinpoint the whereabouts of a target and how long they would be away for.

A clue that a homeowner may only be out for even a short period of time – whether it is a post-it note on the door to an intended visitor or a Tweet that can be easily read by strangers – could be the essential information a burglar needs for a break-in. Time is a big factor in planning and conducting burglary and the research reveals a clean sweep of a home requires less than five minutes – according to 62% of ex-burglars.

The unique research commissioned by MORE TH>N Home Insurance also provides real and invaluable insight into the most effective forms of security.  Almost half of ex-burglars (40%) said nosey neighbours made little difference to their plans. In fact, 28% said neighbours are more likely to pretend not to notice rather than ‘make a fuss’ and call the police.  The safest form of security is the presence of a burglar alarm, followed by a dog or CCTV.

Other key findings include:

A third of ex-burglars (34%) believe homeowners keep their valuables hidden in bedroom drawers, 20% thought they’d be in a safe and 4% would check the fridge;
Car keys (34%) are the first items a burglar will look for; Bungalows (32%) and detached houses (30%) present the best burglary opportunities of all residential types, compared to flats (second floor upwards 4%) and semi-detached houses (2%); and
Leaving packaging of expensive new goods among the rubbish (20%) are other popular ‘adverts’ to burglars.

Former burglar-turned-Church minister Richard Taylor commented on the findings:

“Homeowners should sit up and take note of these results, the importance of home security cannot be overlooked, yet surprisingly many homeowners fail to take even the simplest precautions to protect themselves. Basic things like being more aware, having a burglar alarm fitted and even getting a dog can act as deterrents to thieves on the hunt for an invitation.”

MORE TH>N spokesperson Pete Markey commented on the report:
“The research suggests that burglars still use tried and tested methods when it comes to breaking in to properties but that they’re keeping up with the times too. Using Facebook or Twitter to boast about a big night out or a fortnight in Barbados may impress friends and colleagues, but it’s enough to give the social-media savvy burglar all they need to know.

These findings also show there’s no such thing as a ‘safe house’ and that’s why security, common sense and insurance cover are essential. By exposing the tricks of the trade and the adverts to thieves in this report, we’re helping homeowners to protect their properties from thieves.”

MORE TH>N has issued the following security tips to help prevent burglary:

Front and back doors must be secure: if replacing locks, choose those that conform to British Standard 3621 or with a minimum of five levers – the better the lock the harder it will be for an intruder to make their way in.

Consider fixing a chain or bar to your front and rear doors, if you don’t already have them.

Solid timber doors are the safest, as oppose to weak hollow-core doors

It’s of utmost importance to lock all doors and windows when going out –even if just popping round to the corner shop – if there is no forced entry, your home insurer will be unlikely to pay out.

You should also lock doors when you’re in the home, especially at night.

Don’t leave keys in shelves or on tables near the door –burglars will often reach through the letterbox.

Around a third of burglars get in through the windows; if you don’t already have window locks, think about fitting them – especially for windows that are easily accessible or close to ground level.

Never leave a spare set of keys outside, burglars know all the hiding spots, instead, leave keys with a trusted friend.

Lock your side gate to prevent easy access to the back of your house where burglars will be out of sight from the street.

Make sure you have a lock on garden sheds, particularly if they contain garden tools as these could aid a burglars entry to the property.

Outdoor lighting can give burglars less places to hide, the best to use is high-efficiency, low energy lighting that is turns on from dusk until dawn.

”Beware of the dog”! The thought of a barking dog can be enough to put off burglars, even if you don’t own one, think about putting up a “Beware” sign.

Intruder alarms can be a good way of protecting your home, ensure that they are always activated when the home is unoccupied

Make sure your home contents insurance is up to date, and that you’re insured for the correct amount. Many insurers require a notification of high-value items in the home.

For more details of the MORE TH>N Home Insurance offerings, visit www.morethan.com/home or call 01737 815248.

Over half a million Brits will unwittingly ski or snowboard at almost double the drink drive limit on their alpine getaways this ski season, putting their safety and the safety of others at risk, according to a new report released today by MORE TH>N travel insurance.

On at least one occasion on their week long getaways, 568,000 Britain’s:

 Will have seven units of alcohol still in their bloodstreams from the night before when they set off on their first morning runs – almost double the drink drive limit in the UK
 Won’t come back under the drink drive limit of four units until at least 11:00am.

With the average intermediate level skier travelling at up to 20mph on unimpeded runs, the threat of serious accidents is very real indeed – especially as most skiers and boarders have little more than a flimsy jacket to protect them if they crash.
 
Showing skiers and boarders ignorance of the issue, 74 per cent of those polled think drinking heavily the night before doesn’t affect their skiing ability the next day – erroneously claiming the cool air clears their head.
 
After quizzing over 1,000 British skiers and snowboarders on their après-ski drinking habits, MORE TH>N worked with General Practitioner Harvinder Gill to calculate just how drunk people will be on the slopes this year during morning ski sessions.

With seven units of alcohol in their systems at 9:00am, Harvinder was able to demonstrate how skiers and boarders will be susceptible to the following:

 Increased reaction times
 Impaired balance
 Reduced visual acuity, peripheral vision and glare recovery
 Impairment of perception
 Loss of critical judgement.

The results of the research will make bleak reading for sensible, sober skiers, as they also show how a large majority of the 2.5 million Brits heading for the slopes this winter are just as excited about the cocktails on offer in the local bars as they are the fresh virgin snow.  A headache inducing 45 per cent confess to planning to drink every single night.

Rounding off the national statistics, one third (31 per cent) of skiers wrongly believe their insurance will not be affected if they cause a serious accident on the slopes the morning after a heavy night on the booze. Breaking the data down, men are shown to be worse offenders than women, none more so than those in their mid-twenties from the North East.

Commenting on the research, MORE TH>N spokesperson Pete Markey said, “The findings of the research are extremely concerning – nearly 600,000 Brits will ski or board drunk at some stage this ski season which is not a small number. Brits abroad have a reputation for drinking to excess but throw a high-speed downhill sport into the mix and you have a very nasty combination.  Drink driving is severely frowned upon and drink skiing should be too – it can be just as dangerous’.  

To help British skiers stay safe on the slopes, MORE TH>N and Harvinder Gill are offering the following advice:

 If you have a lot to drink and don’t feel right the next morning, don’t ski right away. Give the alcohol time to get out of your system and start skiing after lunch
 If you are going to drink, decrease the pace. The faster you drink, the faster your blood alcohol concentration increases
 If you do plan to drink on your skiing holiday, buy a mini pocket breathaliser and take it with you so you know when you’re safe to ski (they’re cheap and readily available)
 Don’t be fooled by thinking the ‘cool air will clear your head’ – it won’t. Cold temperatures don’t affect alcohol absorption.
  Be careful about what you eat. Eating a big meal will delay the absorption of alcohol, in some cases by as much as up to three times. The myth that food helps you to sober up isn’t true.

It showed fuel costs jumped by 3.42 per cent, while raw material prices rose by 1.57 per cent over the three month period. Meanwhile, gas prices fell by 16.99 per cent and labour costs dropped by 0.22 per cent. The overall impact meant manufacturing firms’ costs rose by 0.63 per cent, while service firms saw a 0.55 per cent rise over the quarter.

The BIG, developed in conjunction with Warwick Business School, is a quarterly index that measures a basket of 20 of the most important expenditure items for small businesses. In Q3 2009, the BIG recorded price increases in 12 of the 20 items.

Head of MORE TH>N BUSINESS, Mike Bowman, said: “The results should come as good news to small businesses. The figures are a clear sign that growth is returning to the economy. However, the predicted sharp rise in commodity prices as we go into next year is likely to raise the cost of running a small business, perhaps more than market demand. As a result, it’s important that small business owners manage cash flow carefully as suppliers begin to push prices up again as markets revive. Business owners with a heavy dependence on heating, lighting and fuel are expected to experience the sharpest rise in costs.’’

Stephen Roper, Professor of Enterprise at the Centre for Small and Medium Sized Enterprises, Warwick Business School, said: “We expect small business costs to rise sharply at least until Easter, when we predict prices will reach the same level as they were before the recession. While costs are on the up, the disappearance of deflation means markets are strengthening and consumer spending is growing. This all suggests we are now beyond the crisis, but small business owners must keep an eye on cash flow.’’

Regionally, northern England, with its heavy dependence on manufacturing, saw the biggest rise in costs across Britain, jumping 0.8 per cent. Elsewhere, the BIG recorded a rise in inflation of 0.5 per cent in southern England, 0.5 per cent in the Midlands and Wales and 0.5 per cent in Scotland.

Micro-firms – those with less than 10 employees – experienced price rises of around 0.6 per cent, the same as the national average, but faired better over the year with costs down 2.6 per cent compared to a year ago.

Overall small firms’ costs in Q3 2009 remain about 1.7 per cent lower than a year earlier due to the deflation in late 2008 and early 2009.