London Belgravia Group is excited to announce that Karen Wilson is joining our growing team as a Principal Consultant. Karen brings over 25 years of diverse experience in the construction and insurance sectors, unique strategic insight and a proven track record of cultivating strong client relationships.
Most recently, Karen was Business Development Manager at Premier Guarantee, having previously held the same role at Checkmate and BLP Thomas Miller. Karen’s journey into the latent defects insurance (LDI) sector began during her 18 years with Glenigan, where she led the company entering the insurer market.
“We are absolutely delighted to have Karen join our team,” Alex Lyons, Commercial Director at LBB, shares. “Her deep understanding of the construction and insurance industries, combined with her strategic mindset and commitment to client service, make her the perfect fit for LBB and our mission to provide unparalleled service and expertise to our clients. We’re confident that Karen will play a key role in driving our growth and helping us deliver even greater value to our clients. We are excited to see the impact she will have on the team and the broader market.”
We sat down with Karen to discuss this exciting new role, why she chose LBB and her passion for building strong, trusted relationships with clients.
What drew you to LBB?
Choosing to join LBB felt natural to me. LBB’s commitment to client-focused solutions and emphasis on building long-term relationships resonate with my professional values.
What stands out to me about LBB is its dedication to understanding and meeting each client’s unique needs. This isn’t just about transactions; it’s about being a reliable partner who can help clients navigate the complexities of the market. I’ve always been drawn to environments where I can make a tangible impact, and LBB’s dynamic approach to the insurance market offers exactly that.
It’s an exciting time to join LBB, with huge team growth over the last year. I’m delighted to be joining former colleagues, including Alex, James, and Rachel, as part of a company that not only values strategic insight but also encourages innovation and forward-thinking in how we support our clients.
What do you think clients appreciate about working with you?
Trust and honesty are at the core of my relationships with clients. Over the years, I’ve learned that it’s not just about providing a service; it’s about being a trusted advisor who understands their needs and challenges. My background at Glenigan prior to the LDI markets means I have a broad understanding of market dynamics across the construction sector and the ability to identify strategic opportunities.
Clients have told me that they appreciate my integrity and the peace of mind that comes with knowing they can trust me to handle their concerns, allowing them to focus on other aspects of their projects. I believe in being straightforward, whether it’s advising a client to go with another provider if it’s in their best interest or walking away from a deal that isn’t the right fit.
What trends are you seeing in the industry?
The construction industry has faced significant challenges in recent years, from rising interest rates to material and labour shortages. However, I believe we’re on the cusp of a more optimistic period. With government initiatives aimed at boosting private development, particularly in the housing sector, I expect to see an uptick in project approvals and activity in 2025. Moreover, there’s a growing focus on high-value, high-risk developments, such as luxury residential builds, which may present new opportunities despite the inherent challenges. These trends suggest that the market is gearing up for a rebound, and I’m keen to see how LBB can position itself to support developers during this time.
What are you most looking forward to as you join LBB?
I’m looking forward to deepening my understanding of the broker market. My aim is to combine this new knowledge with my strategic background to help LBB continue to grow and excel. My focus very much aligns with London Belgravia’s ethos – ensuring that every client feels supported and confident in the solutions we provide.
The opportunity to work with a team that prioritises integrity and innovation in the insurance market was something I couldn’t pass up. I’m excited to bring my experience to a company that’s making a real impact in the industry.
I’m also keen to explore innovative approaches to insurance and client service that can set LBB apart in the market. I believe there’s a lot of potential for LBB to lead the way in offering tailored solutions that clients didn’t even know they needed. I’m particularly interested in exploring how we can enhance our service offerings by incorporating more data-driven strategies. My goal is to help LBB not only meet but exceed client expectations, ensuring we remain at the forefront of the industry.
If you’d like to learn more about how Karen and the LBB team can support your next project, don’t hesitate to get in touch – either on LinkedIn or using our Contact page.
