Matt Percival built his career on a foundation of construction expertise before transitioning into insurance. Coming from a family of tradespeople, his original plan was to pursue construction management. After completing an AB tech qualification at 17, he joined Build-Zone’s technical team, where he spent seven years while simultaneously earning an HNC in construction management and CII insurance qualifications.
This dual expertise—understanding both building construction and insurance—positioned Matt uniquely in the market when he joined London Belgravia Group in 2021. He has since progressed to Principal Consultant in the Major Projects team, handling developments of various scales.
Matt articulates the value brokers bring in an industry where developers can approach insurers directly.
“What makes a good broker is getting hold of a risk and putting your mind in the place of an underwriter.”
This understanding, complete with his broad expertise, allows him to present information to insurers in ways that secures robust coverage at the best possible price.
His construction background provides additional credibility, allowing him to offer informed perspectives on technical issues and contractor relationships.
London Belgravia Group stands apart through several key advantages. The team offers full market access, covering all providers unlike brokers with limited partnerships.
They’ve established strong relationships with insurers—having grown alongside major providers like ICW.
Their technical understanding of how insurers evaluate risks, continuous support throughout the entire process (not just policy placement), and dedicated client services team as a consistent point of contact further differentiate them.
Matt adapts his approach based on client and project needs. For smaller developers, he provides hands-on guidance and timely reminders.
With larger projects, he takes a more consultative stance, understanding “the moving parts in the background” including funding structures and end-use plans.
Unlike brokerages offering non-advised sales, Matt emphasises London Belgravia Group’s consultative nature:
“We’re a specialist consultancy and clients frequently seek and value our advice beyond just receiving quotes.”
This advisory capacity extends to helping clients realise potential savings, especially those transitioning from mainstream providers who are often surprised by the price difference.
A crucial aspect of this consultative role involves education about true market rates. Matt ensures that clients understand that the premiums they’ve become accustomed to paying over decades may not reflect the current market reality.
When comparing multiple quotes he works to realign expectations, demonstrating what good value looks like, while never compromising on adequate coverage from an insurer with the most appropriate rating.
Matt’s approachability and problem-solving mentality form a core part of his personal value proposition.
Clients can “pick up the phone anytime” to discuss challenges honestly, and Matt works with them to find solutions—whether arranging premium financing or negotiating payment terms when budget constraints arise.
This practical, solution-oriented approach helps clients navigate the complexities of construction insurance while achieving their development goals.
By combining technical knowledge with personalized service, Matt and London Belgravia Group create lasting partnerships with developers of all sizes, ensuring they receive not just competitive rates but comprehensive support throughout their projects.
