Over the past few years, I've been fortunate to build something that helps people through some of the most difficult moments of their lives.Through VivreStays, we've supported families who have suddenly lost their homes due to fires, floods, escape of water, structural damage and other emergencies. When life changes overnight, having a safe place to stay isn't a luxury - its a necessity.Now it's my turn to step outside my comfort zone.On the September 24th, I am volunteering to spend one night in one of the country's most haunted prisons, HM Prison Shrewsbury, as part of Cash for Kids x LoveBrum – Set Me Free 2026, raising money to support disadvantaged children and young people across our communities.Every donation, no matter the size, will make a difference.Thank you for your support!






<a href="https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/cash-for-kids-set-me-free-2026/fundraisers/arthur-snezko/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer">https://www.cashforkidsgive.co.uk/campaign/cash-for-kids-set-me-free-2026/fundraisers/arthur-snezko/</a>

Trading Comfort for a Cause

Managing supplier payments across multiple properties has traditionally been messy, especially for suppliers operating under different trading entities, ownership structures, or regional banking setups. To solve this, we’ve introduced a highly requested enhancement inside VivreStays Supplier Settings: Multiple Bank Accounts. This new feature gives suppliers significantly more flexibility and control over how payouts are managed across their portfolio. What’s New?Suppliers can now:<ul><li>Add one or multiple bank accounts within Supplier Settings</li><li>Assign specific bank accounts to individual properties</li><li>Ensure payouts are routed directly into the correct account automatically</li></ul>This is particularly useful for:<ul><li>Suppliers managing multiple brands or legal entities</li><li>Property groups with separate accounting structures</li><li>Operators working across different regions</li></ul> How It WorksThe setup process is straightforward. Step 1 — Add Bank Accounts Navigate to:Supplier Settings → Bank Accounts From here, suppliers can add multiple payout accounts and save them securely within the platform. Step 2 — Assign Accounts to Properties Next, head to:Properties → Property Settings Each property can now be linked to a preferred payout account. This means every booking payout is automatically directed to the correct bank account without any manual intervention. Why This MattersAs supplier operations scale, payment management becomes increasingly complex.Previously, many suppliers had to:<ul><li>Use a single payout account across all properties</li><li>Manually transfer funds internally</li></ul>With Multiple Bank Accounts, suppliers can now manage payouts at property level directly inside VivreStays. The result:<ul><li>Cleaner accounting workflows</li><li>Reduced manual finance admin</li><li>Faster reconciliation</li><li>Better operational control</li></ul> Built for Growing Supplier OperationsThis update is another step towards making VivreStays a more operationally powerful platform for both suppliers and insurers. We’re continuing to focus on reducing friction across bookings, finance, supplier management, and claims accommodation workflows — while giving users more flexibility as they scale. More supplier-focused improvements are already in development and will be released soon.

Product Update: Multiple Bank Accounts for Suppliers

<h5>Uncovering the True Cost of Alternative Accommodation in Property Claims</h5>Alternative Accommodation (AA) is notoriously one of the most operationally intensive components of a property claim. However, despite its complexity, many insurers still rely on processes that are highly manual, agency-led, and lacking transparency.While the nightly room rate might be highly visible on an invoice, the total cost of delivery is rarely measured with accuracy. Let's examine the hidden financial and operational costs embedded within traditional AA costs. 1. The Illusion of the Nightly RateMost insurers evaluate their AA spend simply by looking at the nightly cost of a room. However, manual sourcing models often hide the true price tag through:<ul><li>Non-transparent markups: Hidden fees embedded into the final price.</li><li>Commission layers: Multiple intermediaries taking a cut along the supply chain.</li><li>Reactive surge pricing: Inflated costs during weather events (such as winter freezes or flooding) or major property incidents.</li></ul>Without real-time benchmarking, insurers are left completely in the dark, unable to determine if they are paying fair market value or simply absorbing inflated agency costs. 2. The Administrative BurdenManual AA processes are a significant drain on resource. Sourcing a single property often requires:<ul><li>Countless phone calls and email chains.</li><li>Back-and-forth availability confirmations.</li><li>Complex, manual extension negotiations.</li><li>Manual invoice reconciliation across different rate structures.</li></ul>This administrative weight consumes hours of a claims handler's time per placement, diverting their focus from higher-value tasks and proactive customer care. During surge events, this workload scales exponentially. 3. The Extension TrapOne of the most overlooked cost drivers in AA is the extension phase. Temporary accommodation rarely ends exactly on schedule. When stays are renegotiated mid-claim:<ul><li>Rates can increase unpredictably.</li><li>Negotiations introduce unnecessary delays.</li><li>Budget forecasting becomes entirely unreliable.</li></ul>Without fixed-rate extension agreements or transparent pricing models, cost control devolves from a strategic initiative into a reactive scramble. 4. The Data Black HoleIn traditional models, valuable accommodation data sits isolated with third-party agencies. Because insurers lack consolidated reporting, spend analysis is almost always retrospective rather than live. This prevents procurement and finance teams from:<ul><li>Benchmarking supplier performance.</li><li>Identifying long-term cost trends.</li><li>Forecasting budgets accurately.</li></ul>Without structured, accessible data, true financial optimisation is impossible. 5. The Customer and Reputational TollDelays in placement or extensions do not just strain budgets; they deeply impact policyholders who are already experiencing severe disruption.Slow sourcing, limited visibility, or last-minute property changes actively drive up customer complaints and grind down trust. In the UK insurance sector, operational inefficiency always carries a heavy reputational cost, particularly concerning Consumer Duty obligations. The Strategic Pivot: Manual vs. DigitalIf alternative accommodation is high-spend, operationally intensive, and reputationally sensitive, it simply cannot remain a manual workflow.Here is how modern digital models shift the paradigm:<table><tbody><tr><th scope="col">Component</th><th scope="col">The Manual Workflow</th><th scope="col">The Digital Workflow</th></tr><tr><td>Availability</td><td>Back-and-forth emails and calls</td><td>Live, real-time availability</td></tr><tr><td>Pricing</td><td>Hidden markups and variable rates.</td><td>Transparent, standard OTA pricing</td></tr><tr><td>Extensions</td><td>Reactive, unpredictable negotiations</td><td>Fixed-rate, guaranteed extensions</td></tr><tr><td>Analytics</td><td>Retrospective, isolated third-party data</td><td>Live dashboards and structured reporting</td></tr><tr><td>Cost Strategy</td><td>Reactive damage control</td><td>Structured financial control</td></tr></tbody></table> <h5>Conclusion: Step into the Digital World of Alternative Accommodation</h5>The true cost of manual alternative accommodation is no longer a necessary burden you have to accept. It is time to move away from outdated, agency-led models and embrace structured financial control.VivreStays is a UK-based SaaS platform designed specifically to help insurers book, manage, and control alternative accommodation for displaced policyholders. We replace manual, fragmented processes with a modern solution that offers:<ul><li>Live availability</li><li>Transparent pricing</li><li>Simple extension management</li><li>Built-in credit facilities</li></ul>By transitioning to a digital-first approach, your team can directly improve claims outcomes whilst simultaneously reducing overall AA costs and administrative delays.Experience the difference of booking alternative accommodation in a new digital world - try VivreStays platform and take back control of your claims spend.

Learn how hidden costs in alternative accommodation affect property claims and how digital workflows improve visibility, control and outcomes.

The True Cost of Alternative Accommodation in Property Claims | VivreStays

Uncovering the True Cost of Alternative Accommodation in Property Claims

<h5>AA Agency vs. Digital Platform: What is the Real Difference?</h5>The insurance industry has done a great job modernising how it handles claims payments and spots fraud. But, when it comes to Alternative Accommodation (AA), many insurers are still stuck in the past, relying on traditional agencies to manage bookings.Let's look at the 5 main differences between the old agency way and the new digital model. 1. Finding a PropertyThe Agency Way<ul><li>You have to wait for a sourcing team to do the work.</li><li>You only know a property is available after someone calls to check.</li><li>You cannot see what is actually on the market yourself.</li></ul>The Digital Way<ul><li>You see live availability instantly.</li><li>Confirmations happen in real-time.</li><li>You get a full view of the inventory.</li></ul>Why it matters: Speed is everything. Digital systems remove the waiting game, letting you place policyholders faster. 2. Pricing and CostsThe Agency Way<ul><li>Agencies often add hidden fees and high mark-ups.</li><li>It is hard to see the real cost of the room.</li><li>When a stay needs extending, the price often goes up or leads to a forced move.</li></ul>The Digital Way<ul><li>Pricing is transparent; you know exactly what you are paying.</li><li>Extension terms are clear from the start.</li><li>Reporting is structured and easy to understand.</li></ul>Why it matters: Clear pricing helps you control your budget and stops you from overpaying. 3. Admin WorkThe Agency Way<ul><li>Endless email chains and phone calls to sort one claim.</li><li>Manual approvals slow everything down.</li><li>Reconciling invoices against multiple booking rates following extensions is unnecessarily complex task.</li></ul>The Digital Way<ul><li>Everything is on one central dashboard.</li><li>Booking workflows are automated.</li><li>Extensions are charged at the same agreed rates, and invoices are generated automatically.</li></ul>Why it matters: Claims handlers should spend their time supporting policyholders, not chasing paperwork. 4. Data and InsightThe Agency Way<ul><li>Data is messy and scattered across different places.</li><li>It is hard to compare suppliers.</li><li>You only analyse costs after the money is spent.</li></ul>The Digital Way<ul><li>You get real-time dashboards showing spend right now.</li><li>You can see hundreds of properties on one page with description and live rates.</li><li>By reviewing live rates upfront, you can clearly see the total alternative accommodation cost before confirming the booking.</li></ul>Why it matters: Good data lets you manage costs proactively, rather than just reacting to bad news later. 5. Handling Surge EventsThe Agency Way<ul><li>Agencies get overwhelmed during floods or big events, creating bottlenecks.</li><li>Response times drop when demand is high.</li><li>Surge events are the perfect opportunity for agencies to hike up their rates.</li></ul>The Digital Way<ul><li>The system is engineered to perform consistently, regardless of volume.</li><li>You can submit 5 or 55 enquiries within a few hours, with no delays.</li><li>Rates remain aligned with those on traditional booking websites.</li></ul>Why it matters: As extreme weather events become more common, you need a system that does not crack under pressure. Conclusion: Experience the Difference with VivreStaysThe old agency model was built for a different time. In 2026, you need speed, control, and no hidden surprises.VivreStays is the digital home of alternative accommodation, built specifically for insurers. We replace the manual chaos with a simple, transparent platform that gives you:<ul><li>Live Availability: See vetted properties instantly without the bloat of agency mark-ups.</li><li>Credit Facilities: Book without upfront payments, removing the delays caused by purchase orders and manual approvals.</li><li>Total Control: Manage everything from a friendly, intuitive dashboard that tracks every stage of the booking.</li></ul>Do not let outdated methods slow down your claims team or distress your customers any longer. It is time to see the difference for yourself.Try the VivreStays platform today and start booking effortlessly.

Compare traditional alternative accommodation agencies with digital platforms built for live availability, transparent pricing and claims workflow control.

Alternative Accommodation Agency vs Digital Platform | VivreStays

AA Agency vs. Digital Platform: What is the Real Difference?

<h5>Reducing Claims Cycle Time Through Live Accommodation Availability</h5>When a policyholder requires alternative accommodation, every hour of uncertainty increases pressure on the claims handler and anxiety for the customer.The difference between a manual enquiry process and a live digital platform is not marginal.It is structural. The Traditional Search for Availability PatternIn a manual environment, placement typically follows this sequence:<ol><li>Claims handler identifies need</li><li>Accommodation provider contacted via email</li><li>Availability confirmed</li><li>Rate negotiated</li><li>Policyholder informed via separate email</li><li>Policyholder accepts the proposed property</li><li>Booking finalised and confirmed via email and payment arranged</li></ol>This is a linear communication chain.Each step depends on someone replying.Each reply introduces waiting time.If the property is unavailable, the process restarts.If the rate is unsuitable, negotiation begins.If the policyholder declines, a new option must be sourced.What appears to be a straightforward placement can stretch across many hours or days. The Friction Points in Manual EnquiryManual placement slows down for predictable reasons:1. Asynchronous CommunicationEmail-based confirmation creates unavoidable lag between enquiry and response.2. Availability UncertaintyProperties can become unavailable during the enquiry window, forcing repeat sourcing.3. Rate NegotiationPricing discussions introduce delay and inconsistency.4. Fragmented CommunicationProviders and policyholders are updated separately, increasing coordination time.The cumulative effect is operational drag.Across a portfolio of claims, these delays materially affect handler workload and early-stage claim momentum. What Live Availability ChangesLive availability removes the enquiry loop.Instead of requesting availability, the claims handler can:<ul><li>View all available properties with a click of a button</li><li>See transparent pricing instantly</li><li>Present options to the policyholder immediately</li><li>Secure bookings instantly</li></ul>The process becomes synchronous rather than asynchronous.The time between identifying need and confirming placement is compressed from days to minutes. Customer Experience ImpactSpeed of confirmation directly affects customer perception.Immediate clarity on accommodation options reduces uncertainty.Clear pricing prevents later confusion.Prompt confirmation signals control and professionalism.The first 24 hours of a displacement event set the tone for the entire claim experience.Live availability strengthens that first impression. Conclusion: VivreStays is the digital home of alternative accommodation, built specifically for insurers.We replace manual email chains, fragmented communication and pricing uncertainty with a single, transparent platform designed for speed and control.Claims handlers can view live availability, access clear pricing, present options instantly and confirm bookings within minutes, all in one structured workflow.No back-and-forth emails.No repeated sourcing.No negotiation loops.Just real-time visibility and immediate confirmation.If your current accommodation process still relies on manual enquiries, the difference is not incremental; it is transformational.See the platform in action.Book a demo and experience how alternative accommodation should work in 2026.

See how live accommodation availability can reduce claims delays, improve placement speed and give insurance teams better operational control.

Reduce Claims Cycle Time with Live Accommodation Availability | VivreStays

Reducing Claims Cycle Time Through Live Accommodation Availability

<h5>Product update: a modern "Liquid Glass" redesign for VivreStays CRM + new RAG manager view</h5>We've shipped a major visual and usability upgrade to the VivreStays CRM. The interface has been rebuilt with a Liquid Glass-inspired design: softer depth, cleaner hierarchy, and a more modern, confident feel, without sacrificing clarity for claims teams working at pace. A fresh look: Liquid Glass, built for focusThe new UI introduces a refined "glass" surface treatment with subtle translucency and depth. The goal is simple: reduce visual noise and make key actions unmistakable, even when you're juggling multiple bookings at the same time.What you'll notice immediately:<ul><li>Cleaner spacing and alignment for quicker scanning</li><li>Clearer visual grouping of credit, enquiries, and bookings</li><li>A calmer layout that still surfaces what matters</li></ul> Smoother animations, less frictionWe've improved motion across the CRM so the product feels more responsive and predictable. Animations are now:<ul><li>More purposeful (guiding attention rather than distracting)</li><li>Smoother (better transitions)</li><li>Consistent (one cohesive behaviour across cards, lists, and actions)</li></ul>The result is a UI that feels modern, but stays operationally sharp.Alongside the visual refresh, we've made targeted performance enhancements so pages load and update more efficiently. Colour enhancements for clearer status visibilityWe've tuned the colour system to improve contrast and readability, especially around status indicators and action areas. This makes it easier to spot:<ul><li>What's pending</li><li>What's confirmed</li><li>What needs review</li><li>What requires immediate action</li></ul> New: RAG view for managers (Red / Amber / Green)For managers overseeing multiple bookings, we've added a dedicated RAG (Red-Amber-Green) section.This gives a single, at-a-glance operational picture of booking health:<ul><li>Red: Bookings requiring urgent action</li><li>Amber: Bookings that need attention soon (e.g., pending confirmations or policyholder steps)</li><li>Green: No action required</li></ul>It's designed to reduce time spent hunting through lists and help teams prioritise interventions before issues become delays or cost escalations. What this means day-to-dayThis release is about one thing: better operational control with less effort. The CRM is now:<ul><li>Easier to read</li><li>Faster to use</li><li>Clearer visibility of what requires action</li><li>More manager-friendly at scale</li></ul>

Explore the VivreStays CRM redesign, Liquid Glass interface update and new RAG manager view for operational accommodation workflows.

Blog

Trading Comfort for a Cause

Trading Comfort for a Cause

Product Update: Multiple Bank Accounts for Suppliers

Uncovering the True Cost of Alternative Accommodation in Property Claims

AA Agency vs. Digital Platform: What is the Real Difference?

Simplify Accommodation Management.