A specialist insurance broking team dedicated to the needs of the timber industry has been set up by insurance broker Linaker.
The Bristol-based company claims to have spotted a gap in the market in an industry worth an estimated £250m in the UK.
Called Timbersure Insurance Solutions, the division will be led by director Keith Johnson, aided by timber consultant John Huckman.
Mr Johnson said: ‘We have recognised the need for a specialist broker and will be training insurance companies to understand the timber risks through building up an expert panel of insurers and brokers to work with the timber industry.
‘We will cover the whole raft from growing crops to sawmills, distribution and marine risks. The timber industry has a bad name in the insurance market – especially sawmills – and one thing we have to impress on the market is that things are changing, especially with the Health and Safety Executive stepping up its activity. What has happened in the past is not what is happening today.’
Consultant John Huckman, who has more than 40 years experience in the timber industry, was formerly managing director of Samuel J Hannam and a director of Bambergers as well as a former director of the Timber Trade Federation. He will guide companies through the insurance market and advise on risk management.
Mr Johnson said that through its bulk buying powers, Timbersure would be able to keep prices down.
And Mr Huckman said: ‘We believe this is the right time to target the timber industry and Linaker’s plans include expansion of these services into Europe and beyond.’
