Blip Insurance recently donated 50 SelectaDNA tool marking kits at a successful launch event for their new partnership, hosted at Travis Perkins in Rickmansworth.
To mark the launch, SelectaDNA and blip hosted a free tool-marking event at the branch, with the kits from the forensic DNA marking company enabling trade professionals to mark their tools and learn practical steps to safeguard their equipment. The event also featured prominent tool theft campaigners, including Shoaib Awan (The Gas Expert), Steve Baker (Owner of SB Multitrade), and representatives from Stolen Tools UK, appearing alongside blip to raise awareness and drive action against the tool theft epidemic.
Industry leaders including CT1 Sealant, Dewalt Tools UK, TVL Group and Mundy Van Security also offered their support.
Tool theft is devastating the lives and businesses of large numbers of UK tradespeople. With a tool stolen every 12 minutes, tool theft costs tradespeople £98 million in stolen equipment and £82 million in lost work in 2023 alone. For thousands of self-employed builders, electricians and plumbers, losing their tools means losing their ability to earn a living.
blip, a leading digital-first provider of competitively priced and easy to understand small business insurance, is partnering with SelectaDNA to further support and protect small business owners for whom their tools and equipment are their livelihoods. The kits use advanced forensic marking technology to mark and trace tools and equipment, making them far less attractive to thieves and much easier to recover if stolen.
James Brown, MD Selectamark, said: “We are delighted to partner with blip to better protect tradespeople from the tool theft epidemic. We are campaigning to raise awareness and offer tailored solutions that support tradespeople in recovering stolen tools and getting back to work quickly. We fully support blip’s mission to also protect tradespeople from future tool theft.”
Gary Ross, blip Founder & CEO, added: “Working with SelectaDNA shows the power of modern technology in tackling an age-old problem. We’ve been engaging with tradespeople to share practical ways to better protect their tools—whether through SelectaDNA’s forensic marking kits or blip cover that aims to pay out theft claims within 24 hours.
“Our aim is to offer the best price possible, so tradespeople can invest in what matters most: their business. Partnerships like this let us deliver tangible value and peace of mind to our policyholders.”
Police forces nationwide are also said to be recognising the importance of SelectaDNA and blip’s innovative solutions to help them return stolen items back to their owners and get tradespeople back to work fast. Furthermore, blip customers can now receive 15% discount on SelectaDNA Tool & Equipment Kits.
