Gallagher has been appointed as the professional indemnity insurance (PI) broker for leading construction and development firm Higgins Group PLC.

The Higgins Group was established 60 years ago and is one of the largest family-owned construction companies in South East England. It employs 260 people and is headquartered in Essex. It has two operating companies; Higgins Partnerships which is a well-respected construction contractor and developer working with a wide range of clients, and Higgins Homes which designs, builds and manages a significant portfolio of new build and sensitively considered conversion and restoration projects. The business operates across London, Essex, Hertfordshire, and Kent.

The firm transferred its professional indemnity insurance to Gallagher having chosen the broker as a result of the strength of Gallagher’s dedicated PI capability within its construction practice and the clear understanding of the Higgins Group’s businesses and its varied risk exposures, meaning it was well placed to support the business in navigating the challenging market.

Gallagher is one of the leading providers of insurance and risk management advice to construction firms, through its 60 strong team, with a client portfolio which includes a broad range of UK and international contractors and property builders.

Julie Scott, Adviser, Gallagher’s Specialty construction practice, commented: “In recent years, the construction PI insurance market has seen narrowing coverage and increasing costs. Effectively managing PI insurance in this tricky market requires a specialist broker who understands the impact changes have on premium, risk management, policy coverage and claims, and can provide tailored advice and ensure competitive quotations from a range of markets and insurers.”

Mark Francis, Group Finance Director, Higgins Group, added: “We knew the PI insurance market had become particularly challenging so it was important we could be confident that we had the right partner in place who we felt would go the extra mile for us. Gallagher’s team of construction PI specialists took the time to understand us as a business, and our future plans, to ensure that it could support us with obtaining the right cover. We are looking forward to working with them as we develop and grow our business.”