Embri, the leading embedded insurance platform, is proud to partner with SGS Engineering, one of the UK’s premier retailers of high-quality tools and equipment. Through this collaboration, SGS Engineering has launched a pioneering online embedded insurance proposition – SGS Protect – offering customers theft & damage protection for its high-end tools and equipment directly at the point of sale.

The new embedded insurance offering is designed to provide trades professionals with peace of mind by safeguarding their valuable tools against risks such as theft – a growing concern in the construction and trades sectors. Recent data shows that upwards of £94 million worth of tools were reported as being stolen across the London Boroughs alone in 2024, with West Yorkshire being the most at-risk region outside of London, and 3,048 reported cases across the year. In addition, 86% of UK trade professionals worry about tool theft, with three in five (58%) worrying daily.

Despite these risks, comprehensive and accessible insurance coverage remains an afterthought for many professionals. SGS Engineering’s innovative approach, powered by Embri, addresses this gap by providing tailored protection precisely when customers need it most.

The insurance proposition is seamlessly integrated into SGS Engineering’s e-commerce platform via API connectivity through its digital retail partner, Remarkable Commerce. This frictionless experience allows customers to add insurance to their purchase in a single transaction, enhancing convenience while ensuring comprehensive protection. The embedded insurance also includes advanced fraud prevention technology to safeguard both customers and the business, ensuring both an efficient and trustworthy solution.

In addition, SGS  Engineering has a dedicated specialist team committed to delivering a seamless and engaging claims experience, which assists customers by recommending replacement tools for stolen items with rapid turnarounds, to help get trades professionals back at work.

Robert McCarthy, Non-Executive Chair of Embri and former retail executive at John Lewis and Waitrose, welcomed the partnership: “Embri’s innovative approach to embedded insurance means that customers can now protect their purchases immediately, as part of their buying journey. This not only simplifies the process but also ensures that people can enjoy their valuables without worry from the moment they checkout online. Our partnership with SGS Engineering is a testament to how embedded insurance can deliver real value to customers while driving new revenue opportunities for retailers.”

Neil Samson, CEO, SGS Engineering added: “This pioneering embedded insurance offering reflects SGS Engineering’s commitment to providing not only the best tools, but also the best customer experience. By offering protection at the point of purchase, SGS Engineering is empowering trades professionals to focus on their work with the confidence that their essential equipment is covered.

“We recognised there was a significant gap in the market for appropriate, quality insurance offerings tailored to the high-end tools professionals rely on daily. Trades professionals need coverage that is as robust and reliable as the tools they use, ensuring their livelihoods are protected against unforeseen setbacks. This initiative strengthens their resilience by providing seamless, hassle-free protection, reinforcing our dedication to supporting customers with solutions that truly meet their needs.”

Mark West, CEO of Remarkable Commerce, highlighted the significance of the collaboration for enhancing the online retail experience: “We’re delighted to support SGS Engineering in delivering this cutting-edge embedded insurance proposition. At Remarkable Commerce, we know that today’s consumers expect a seamless, secure, and convenient shopping experience. By integrating Embri’s API into the Remarkable Commerce eCommerce platform, we’ve enabled an effortless process for SGS’s customers to protect their high-end tools. The integration was smooth and efficient, and we’re excited about how this innovation enhances customer satisfaction while opening new revenue streams.”