Customers And Community: When The Greater Good Is Good For Business

For Episode 9 of our Sense of Identity podcast, we spoke to Adrian Saunders from Ecclesiastical Insurance about how customers and community are key to sustaining a reputable business.

For over 135 years, Ecclesiastical Insurance has provided insurance for some of the UK's most iconic heritage buildings.

The team behind the company has a best-in-class reputation for providing specialist expertise, guidance, and support.

Key Takeaways

• Learn about Ecclesiastical Insurance's remarkable history since 1887 and its evolution into a significant player in the UK insurance sector, insuring iconic heritage buildings and contributing greatly to charitable causes.
• Understand how Ecclesiastical places customer needs at the forefront, leveraging technology to enhance communication and customer relationships, adapting to a hybrid working model to improve service delivery.
• Benefit from Adrian's reflective advice to his younger self about looking beyond apparent limitations, seeking opportunities, and not being confined by perceived horizons, applicable to both personal and professional growth.

Interview Summary

Paul: Welcome, Adrian Saunders from Ecclesiastical Insurance. Appreciate you joining our podcast.

Adrian: Hi, Paul. It's great to be here.

Paul: Could you tell us about Ecclesiastical Insurance, considering its deep roots since 1887 and its role in the Benefact Group, known for significant charitable contributions?

Adrian: Sure. Ecclesiastical started to insure the Anglican Church and now covers many iconic heritage buildings across England, including cathedrals and historical sites. As part of the Benefact Group, we focus on being a unique business, notably as one of the top corporate givers in the UK.

Paul: That’s impressive, especially with such low brand awareness about your charitable efforts. How do you balance promoting this while maintaining modesty?

Adrian: We aim to find more ways to share our story while keeping a balanced approach. Celebrating our charity work without overemphasis is important to us.

Paul: Your connection to heritage buildings is quite remarkable. Could you expand on that?

Adrian: Absolutely. We insure many heritage sites like Westminster Abbey and St Paul's Cathedral. Our work with these historic buildings directly impacts our collaborative and charitable company culture.

Paul: How does Ecclesiastical's charitable work influence your business operations?

Adrian: Our success as a commercial entity enables us to contribute charitably. This fosters a collaborative culture within our organisation, deeply connected to charity but without compromising our commercial goals.

Paul: How does Ecclesiastical maintain customer focus in your operations?

Adrian: By leveraging technology for better communication, we've enhanced accessibility and customer relationships. Our hybrid working model has proved beneficial for both our team and customer service.

Paul: On a personal note, I understand you're a passionate rugby fan, particularly of Harlequins. Does this play a significant role in your life?

Adrian: Yes, following Harlequins is my happy place. Although just a fan now, rugby has always been a significant part of my life.

Paul: Finally, what advice would you give to your younger self?

Adrian: I’d say, don't limit yourself to the horizon you see. There's a vast world of opportunities out there, so look beyond your immediate scope.

Reviewed By:

Sam Kendall, 07.06.24

Sabrina McClune, 07.06.24