Your Voice

The latest Your Voice feature, giving LBV members a platform for their views on the current business landscape in Leicester.

Bav Patani is Head of Client Development for Gallagher. Bav joined Gallagher in 2015 via the company’s acquisition of Leicester-based broking firm Oval Insurance. In his role as Head of Client Development, Bav works with a range of clients working in industries including construction, finance and printing. Gallagher helps to protect businesses and individuals from the risks associated with their activities.

How would you describe what your business does?

Gallagher is a local insurance broker that looks after the risk management and insurance needs of businesses in Leicester and across the UK. Our specialist team has a rich knowledge of various industries, making us well placed to support clients in ensuring they have appropriate insurance cover in place. We take pride in having long-standing relationships with our Leicester-based clients and supporting a range of industries that are integral to the region’s economy such as construction, financial services and manufacturing.

What are the biggest opportunities for your business?

Formerly P&G Bland Brokers, our business has had a presence in the county since the 1960s. As a result we have long relationships with local businesses and the communities that they serve.

Our recent Business Risk Index has shown that the biggest risks facing businesses in the East Midlands are the cost of living crisis, the cost of salaries and the lack of skilled talent1i. The research also found that business leaders in the region are more concerned about cyber-crime and late payments owed to their business, in comparison to last year. We are committed to helping our clients understand the risks they face so that they can mitigate against them. Our industry knowledge means that Gallagher is well-placed to help firms face their challenges head on, protect their business and thrive.

What are the biggest challenges for your business?

All businesses know that it helps to be prepared for the unexpected, and all sectors have faced their fair share of challenges both during and after the pandemic. We have seen businesses in the region being impacted by supply chain issues, economic uncertainty and the cost of living crisis. As an insurance broker, a challenge for us is always to be alive to these risks and the impact that they could have on our clients. Our team in Leicester works closely with clients to ensure that they are supported no matter what challenge they face, which in turn improves resilience across a multitude of UK sectors.

What would you identify as the key strengths of Leicester and Leicestershire?

The county is a multicultural area and therefore the businesses here are also diverse, this allows the region to offer many different sectors with opportunities for growth. We are also seeing huge residential and commercial construction projects being rolled out, meaning that the county is growing and offering more to its communities.

The region also is home to brilliant universities including the University of Leicester and De Montfort University, both of which are highly respected and known for their research and academic excellence. These universities attract talent from all over the world and contribute to a well-educated workforce. Tying in to this is the region’s supportive business environment which has initiatives in place to encourage local companies and entrepreneurship, this includes access to funding, networking opportunities, and business development support.

What are the top three ways in which Leicester and Leicestershire can develop to support the business community?

· Increasing the Leicester and Leicestershire talent pool should be a major focus as this will help attract business to the region. Educational institutions, such as our colleges, universities and schools, all have an important role to play in harnessing and growing talent. In line with this, businesses have a fantastic opportunity to help provide local people with diverse career paths.

· Making the county and even more attractive place to live and do business in is paramount to the success of our growing business community. Attracting tourism and more residents will also enable the community to thrive and increase overall revenue generation for the business community.

Why is LBV important to you and your business?

Gallagher is a local business and we have been investing in the local community for over 60 years. We are passionate about helping to grow the region’s business community and protecting businesses against the risks they face now and in the future. Working with LBV helps us take an even more active role in supporting the business community and work collaboratively to create a better future.