We caught up with Brett Sainty, founder of Property Insurance Initiatives.

1. Why did you set up Pii?

We recognised a gap in the market for an insurance broker that was a genuine ‘independent property specialist’ across the UK and continental Europe.  For some time the insurance industry has only provided off-the-shelf solutions. Pii’s mission has been to reverse this and listen to what the property sector actually needs and wants.

2. What does Pii offer commercial property investors and landlords?

Pii is an independent and agile broker that can respond quickly to market changes, offering an outstanding and memorable service.

We have developed an excellent reputation as property insurance specialists, working closely with some of the leading insurers to provide a wide range of policies relating to the management, procurement or disposal of property assets.

Pii’s expertise is not just limited to the UK market. We have a strong local office network across Europe, providing support for clients in local markets. This includes providing advice, reassurance and specific insurance products to clients based all over Europe with assets in a number of foreign markets.  Pii conducts a significant amount of business across Europe and is now seen as one of the foremost property insurance specialists in the EU.

3. How is Pii different from competitors?

Our expertise in the property sector enables us to provide solutions for difficult risks that often prove problematic. We offer a complete account and claim management service providing an enhanced level of technical expertise and administrative support to our customers.  

Pii is unique in that it is owned privately by the Directors and staff. We provide a customer service team that has genuine property expertise and we give every customer a relationship, directly with a shareholding main board director.

4. What do you see as the key challenges and opportunities for the commercial property sector over the next 12 months?

Obviously, we see Brexit resulting in a short period of uncertainty. However, we will embrace the opportunities that will inevitably emerge. In my opinion, the key challenge is ensuring we maintain the confidence deserved within the UK property and insurance sectors.

5. What do you love and hate about the property industry?

I don’t hate anything about the property industry, in fact, I love it! It is without doubt the most exciting sector I have worked in. My biggest irritation is when government bodies and other sectors fail to realise that property is a sector, just the same as retail or manufacturing, and requires the same recognition and investment.

I love helping a customer with a complex acquisition and ensuring deals can take place in a secure environment – we are deal junkies at Pii!!!