A more considered approach to protection: in conversation with Pelican Insured

A more considered approach to protection: in conversation with Pelican Insured

At the British Motor Yacht Show, everything is built around considered decisions – time, space, and access to expertise. It’s a mindset that extends far beyond choosing the right motor yacht. It’s reflected in the way many attendees approach all aspects of their lives and businesses, where careful planning and informed choices are key.

With success often comes greater complexity – whether that’s managing commercial ventures, personal assets, or long-term investments. As a result, conversations are increasingly turning towards how best to protect what’s been built, in a way that’s as thoughtful and tailored as the decisions that led there.

We spoke to Chris Brancliff, Director and co-founder of Pelican Insured, a main sponsor of the British Motor Yacht Show 2026, about why the traditional insurance model no longer fits – and what a more considered, strategic approach looks like today.

“We’re not here to sell policies. We’re here to protect momentum.”

Pelican Insured describes itself as a disruptor but not in the way you might expect.

“We’re not a transaction-based broker,” Chris explains. “We act as an extension of our clients’ business – effectively an insurance department. That means understanding how a company operates, where the risks sit, and how those risks evolve.”

That shift – from reactive to proactive – is where Pelican is carving out its space.

Clients span sectors from technology and manufacturing to construction, property and cyber, with risk management underpinning every relationship.

“We review processes, not just policies. If we can help a business operate more securely, we can often reduce premiums – but more importantly, we’re protecting the business itself.”

Why insurance is no longer a back-office decision

For high-growth businesses – and the individuals behind them – insurance is no longer something to “sort out later.”

“In reality, insurance can stop a business before it even gets off the ground if it’s not structuredproperly,” Chris says. “But when it’s done well, it becomes an enabler – supporting growth, investment and long-term stability.”

In some cases, it’s influencing investment decisions too.

“We’ve had investor boards come into our offices to understand the risk position of a business before committing. That tells you how important this has become.”

From business success to personal protection

As businesses scale, so too does personal exposure.

“What we often see is a natural progression,” Chris explains. “Successful founders become private clients. Their risk profile shifts – not just commercially, but personally.”That’s where Pelican’s bespoke approach becomes clear.

From UK and international homes to collections, watches, cars and yachts, every policy is individually structured.

“It’s about understanding the lifestyle behind the assets. No two clients are the same – so no two policies should be either.”

Discretion, visibility and modern risk

One of the more nuanced challenges today is visibility – particularly in a digital world.

“There’s a growing tension between visibility and insurability,” Chris notes. “High-value assets combined with a high public profile can increase risk significantly.”

For underwriters, discretion matters and increasingly shapes what can and can’t be insured.

“It’s not about telling people how to live,” he adds. “But risk today isn’t just physical – it’s digital, behavioural and reputational.”

Cyber risk: the fastest-growing threat

If there’s one area seeing the most rapid change, it’s cyber.

“Cyber is one of the biggest concerns right now,” Chris says. “We’re seeing and hearing major concerns from business interruption to breaches of personal systems – even access to home CCTV.”

And it’s not just large organisations at risk.

“High-net-worth individuals are increasingly targeted because of their profile and assets. The risks are real – but they are insurable, if approached properly.”

A relationship-led model

At the core of Pelican’s approach is something increasingly rare: time.

Many clients are met regularly – quarterly as a minimum, often monthly for more complex businesses.

“That’s how you stay ahead of risk,” Chris says. “It’s about anticipating change, not just responding to it.”

It’s a philosophy that closely mirrors the environment of the show itself – where meaningful conversations take precedence over transactions.

“It’s about protecting what matters – properly.”

For many visitors to the British Motor Yacht Show, the purchase of a yacht represents more than a transaction. It reflects success, lifestyle and long-term thinking.

And, as Chris puts it, that deserves an equally considered approach to protection.

“If you’ve taken the time to build something – whether that’s a business, a lifestyle or a collection of assets – it’s worth protecting it properly. Not just with a policy. But with the right thinking behind it.”

Visitors to the show can meet Pelican Insured and explore a more considered approach to protecting what matters most. Click here to register and request an appointment.