Sponsored Content | This article was created in collaboration with Busiguard to share educational insights and real-life business insurance experiences.
For Ben Thompson, a 52-year-old small business owner from Manchester, life turned upside down in a matter of hours.
What started as a normal Tuesday ended with Ben being arrested in front of his office — accused of negligence in a logistics accident involving one of his company’s subcontractors. Despite having no direct involvement, Ben faced real legal exposure, reputational damage, and even the threat of business closure.
“I was in handcuffs. My staff was watching. I thought, ‘This is the end.’”
This is how Busiguard, a business insurance provider, helped Ben regain control — and eventually clear his name.
The Arrest That Changed Everything
Ben had been running his logistics business for over 20 years. Known for reliability and customer trust, his company served clients across the UK.
Then, in early 2024, one of the subcontractors hired through his firm was involved in a serious traffic incident — resulting in damage to goods and injuries to a third party. Although Ben’s name wasn’t on the delivery route, as the contracting company, he became legally liable in the eyes of the authorities.
He was taken into custody for questioning — a precaution, the police later said, due to the severity of the incident and the contractual ties.
“The worst part was not knowing. I didn’t know if I’d walk out of that station — or if I’d lose everything I built.”
The Policy He Had Almost Forgotten
Just six months prior, Ben had signed up for a comprehensive liability plan from Busiguard after reading about legal risks for SME owners.
“Honestly, I signed it just to tick a box. I never imagined I’d actually need it.”
That decision turned out to be one of the most important of his career.
As soon as he was released from the station, Ben called Busiguard’s 24/7 legal support hotline. Within hours, a legal consultant was assigned to his case.
Immediate Action, Strategic Defense
The Busiguard team wasted no time. They:
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Sent a lawyer to represent Ben during initial proceedings
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Activated Professional and Legal Liability Coverage
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Reviewed contracts to determine where responsibility truly lay
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Communicated directly with investigators and third-party solicitors
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Helped secure a temporary non-disclosure order to limit press damage
“They weren’t just offering advice. They were taking action. Fast.”
Thanks to documentation, coverage details, and internal policies Busiguard had helped Ben set up months earlier, the legal team was able to prove procedural errors in how the case was being handled.
Within ten days, charges were dropped.
Recovery Beyond the Headlines
The legal nightmare may have passed, but the business impact remained. Clients were concerned. Staff was shaken. Ben had to rebuild trust.
Busiguard’s Reputation Management Support, part of their Premium Plan, helped develop a public statement, draft legal disclaimers, and manage media communication — all included in the policy.
“We didn’t just survive the scandal. We came out looking stronger.”
They also assisted in filing a claim for business interruption, helping Ben recover part of the financial loss sustained during the 3-week operational halt.
Why Legal-Grade Business Insurance Matters
Ben’s experience highlights a truth many SME owners ignore:
You don’t need to do something wrong to be at risk.
With growing legal scrutiny, subcontracting structures, and tight regulations, being underinsured is being exposed.
Busiguard specializes in:
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Business legal liability
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Reputational crisis coverage
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Cyber risk insurance
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Operational disruption
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Directors & Officers protection
Ben’s Advice to Fellow Entrepreneurs
Today, Ben’s business is back to full operation — and stronger than ever.
“I’ve upgraded to Busiguard’s Executive Plan. It’s peace of mind I didn’t know I needed — until I needed it.”
His message to other business owners?
“Don’t assume you’re too small to need legal protection. If you have a contract and a reputation, you need a shield.”
Final Thoughts
Not every business story ends in disaster. Some, like Ben’s, show what’s possible when protection meets preparation.
Busiguard didn’t just offer insurance — they offered a second chance.