Making the Impossible Possible: BLW Named as Finalist in Insurance Industry Awards
We’re thrilled to announce that BLW has been named as one of three finalists in our category for this year’s industry awards – a recognition that reflects our unwavering commitment to solving the seemingly impossible insurance challenges that others won’t touch.
What Makes BLW Different
BLW is a genuinely independent broker, and we believe that makes us rather unique in today’s market. We’re owned and operated entirely by our working directors, carry no debt, and are fully accredited at Lloyd’s of London. This independence isn’t just a business model – it’s the foundation that allows us to put our clients at the very center of everything we do.
When heritage projects worth millions faced abandonment because no one would provide insurance, BLW stepped in. We made the impossible possible.
The Savile Row of Insurance Broking
Our approach has been compared to that of a Savile Row tailor. Just as those master craftsmen create genuinely bespoke, made-to-measure garments with incredible attention to detail, BLW provides that same level of bespoke service when it comes to arranging complex risk transfer solutions. Projects like those at Leeds lifts and Bart’s heritage are as unusual and tricky as they come, requiring the kind of specialized expertise that only comes from genuine independence and deep market knowledge.
Real Projects, Real Impact
The impact of our work goes far beyond insurance policies – we’re helping preserve Britain’s heritage and enabling vital community projects that might otherwise be lost forever.
Saving Bart’s Heritage North Wing
Will Palin, Chief Executive of Bart’s Heritage, tells the story of how BLW stepped in when others couldn’t help:
“We are custodians of the grade one listed North wing, which sits within the oldest working hospital in the United Kingdom, Saint Bartholomew’s. In 2023 we were poised to sign our lease for the building, which would enable us to start our major project of repairs. However, in order to complete the lease, we needed to have insurance cover in place for the existing fabric of the building. And no one was prepared to give us cover. I began to lose hope.
“It was then that I was given an introduction to Brett Sainte and BLW via the Listed Buildings Owners Club. Brett seemed to understand our plight. He was scandalized that the insurance industry was not stepping up to help us, and he immediately set up a face-to-face meeting with two insurers. We began negotiations about getting cover for the building, which we eventually did, and that enabled us to start work in January last year. We are coming to the completion of our project shortly. Thank you, Brett – without you, we wouldn’t be here.”
The Folkestone Lifts Project
Catherine Bear, Chair of the Folkestone lifts, shares how BLW’s expertise saved another unique heritage asset:
“The lift is a rare asset in that it is the third remaining water balance lift in the UK. During the process of transferring the property, we realized that it’s not as easy to get insurance for an asset like this as you might expect. We’d been turned down by two insurers, and the existing underwriter didn’t want to transfer the coverage to us.
“Finally got introduced to Brett, who immediately gave me comfort that not only did he understand the issue, but was willing to go the extra mile to find out what he needed to understand so that he could get cover and use his extensive network. For that, we are forever grateful. These are projects that exist today because we refuse to give up.”
Independence is Key
Our nomination as a finalist represents more than just recognition – it validates our commitment to maintaining genuine independence in an increasingly consolidated market. This independence allows us to:
- Put customer service at the absolute center of everything we do
- Maintain the financial strength needed to support complex, long-term projects
- Refuse to give up when others say “impossible”
- Provide truly bespoke solutions rather than one-size-fits-all products
Looking to the Future
As we continue to grow, our aim remains unchanged: to provide outstanding, bespoke customer service while maintaining the very strong independence that sets us apart. We’re committed to keeping ourselves financially solid, avoiding debt that might compromise our ability to truly serve our clients’ interests.
Being named as one of three finalists in this category is both an honor and a responsibility. It recognizes the work we’ve already done in making the impossible possible, while challenging us to continue setting new standards for what independent broking can achieve.
When heritage projects face abandonment, when unique assets can’t find coverage, when others walk away – that’s when BLW steps forward. Because sometimes, making the impossible possible is exactly what’s needed.
BLW is a genuinely independent insurance broker, fully accredited at Lloyd’s of London and owned entirely by working directors. For more information about our bespoke insurance solutions, contact us today.