Specialist Broker at Lloyd’s BLW Insurance Brokers Ltd (BLW) is delighted to announce its partnership and involvement in the insurance placement of the Barts Heritage insurance program, supported by the Listed Property Owners Club. The placement comes as Barts Heritage embark on a landmark £9.5m restoration project, Sharing Historic Barts which will see the repair and conservation of the Grade I-listed North Wing at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.
Brett Sainty, CEO of BLW, said: “This was a complex and challenging risk management and placement program that required the involvement of several different elements and partners across the London insurance market. I am particularly grateful to our insurance partners at Aviva and Axa; their support, technical expertise, and willingness to back this vital project were essential to its successful placement.
Projects like this, are ensuring the survival of some of the UK’s greatest buildings, and this is very important to me. We have a responsibility within the insurance industry to facilitate these types of placements and to remember that our role includes enabling the provision of risk transfer to underpin the wider economic environment and not become a barrier to business trading and projects. We must strive to be more supportive of customers and good causes wherever possible.
Many risks are challenging, and I encourage all insurers to adopt the attitude of Aviva and Axa, which is to ask, ‘How can we help and how can we support risk management to make the risk acceptable?’ rather than declining risks as quickly as possible.”
William Palin CEO of Barts Heritage commented “We are delighted to have secured cover from Aviva and Axa for this nationally significant historic building ahead of the start of our major restoration project. St Bartholomew’s Hospital is one of the oldest institutions in the City of London, celebrating its 900th anniversary in 2023, and it is, therefore, appropriate that two of the UK’s leading insurers have stepped in to take on the risk of the building fabric and the contract works. We are grateful to our brokers BLW and to the Listed Property Owners Club for helping us secure this cover and look forward to an enduring partnership.”
Martin Anslow of the Listed Property Owners Club “LPOC are thrilled our Lloyds Broker was able to help Barts Heritage secure insurance for the renovation and repair of the Grade I listed North Wing and Henry VIII Gatehouse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in the City of London. The North Wing houses two of England’s most important interiors, the Great Hall, and the Hogarth Stair with its huge paintings by William Hogarth, together with the historic Hospital archives and an extensive collection of art. These interiors and collections represent the historic heart of the Hospital and reflect 900 years of history.”
To close Brett Sainty, CEO of BLW Insurance Brokers added “Every day of my insurance career has been different, the risks we see and the clients we meet are wide and varied but without insurance, the world simply wouldn’t turn. When I was first introduced to William, I knew this was something special, but I was also mindful of the challenges we sometimes face in the insurance market when trying to insure something a little bit different.
The team at BLW faced formidable technical hurdles that demanded a comprehensive understanding of the industry’s nuances. From intricate risk assessments to navigating complex underwriting processes, our experts showcased unparalleled expertise to secure coverage where others had faltered. This is the story of how technical expertise, market knowledge and strong relationships triumphed in the heart of the world’s leading insurance market.”
How to support Barts Heritage
There are plenty of ways to be involved as we prepare for our major project to rejuvenate the North Wing. Find out how to support the project and donate, join us through membership, or simply come to one of our public events here – https://bartsheritage.org.uk/get-involved/
About the Listed Property Owners Club (LPOC)
The Listed Property Owners’ Club is Britain’s only advice service dedicated to helping members get the most from their homes by providing detailed advice, information and support for just about every conceivable issue associated with ownership.
Over the last 25 years, we have saved our members thousands of pounds by ensuring they get the right help and advice for their property, and we understand how reassuring it is to know that there is a team of experts available at the end of the telephone. www.lpocinsurance.co.uk
About BLW Insurance Brokers Ltd (BLW)
BLW Insurance Brokers Limited (BLW) is a registered Lloyd’s broker that partners with regional brokers and direct commercial clients to develop custom risk transfer solutions for their complex insurance needs. https://www.blwinsurance.com