The move deepens ABT’s integration into Howden’s Health & Care division following its acquisition in October 2024 and signals a deliberate push into some of the fastest‑growing corners of the health, beauty and wellbeing economy.
Evolving risks in beauty, aesthetics and therapy
Against a backdrop of rapid growth and rising complexity in beauty, aesthetics and wellness, as well as accelerating demand for psychological and talking therapies post‑pandemic, liability and treatment‑risk profiles are becoming more nuanced. Standard PI and liability products are increasingly tested by new treatments, evolving techniques and heightened client expectations.
Brokers are seeing greater scrutiny from underwriters on training, consent, products used, social media marketing and aftercare – and, in some cases, tighter focus on advanced aesthetic procedures such as fillers, semi‑permanent make‑up and laser treatments. In the therapy space, safeguarding, professional boundaries, documentation and data protection are all moving up the risk agenda.
Specialist wordings, robust professional indemnity and clear risk management support are therefore becoming critical, making a dedicated hub for these niches strategically significant for insurers, brokers and scheme partners, the company said.
ABT’s specialist footprint in beauty and therapy
ABT provides specialist cover and membership benefits to beauty, holistic, hair and therapy professionals, with products tailored to a wide range of treatment types. Its focus on treatment‑specific wordings, claims handling and practitioner support has given it a strong position in a market where generic policies can leave gaps.
Bringing ABT into a Centre of Excellence is intended to create a single point of access for brokers and clients needing specialist guidance on emerging treatments, scope of cover and risk management. For scheme partners and capacity providers, the hub is positioned as a focal point for developing and managing targeted schemes and facilities for beauty, aesthetics and therapy risks.
The new centre also reflects Howden’s commitment to investment and growth in specialist classes. Investment in people, resources and technology will enable the team to expand into new markets while enhancing service delivery to over 40,000 existing clients across the UK and Ireland. Housing underwriting, claims and risk expertise under one roof is designed to support faster decision‑making and a more joined‑up response on complex treatment‑related claims.
Why Stratford-upon-Avon?
Stratford-upon-Avon was chosen for its strong transport links, central location and long-standing connection to ABT, which has operated in the area since 2005. The 2,500 sq. ft. workspace spans two floors and has been designed to support collaboration and client service, with an open‑plan environment, dedicated meeting rooms, a custom media wall and informal breakout spaces.
“The move to our new premises marks a significant milestone for us,” said Mark Westgarth, managing director, Howden Health & Care. “This move isn’t just about a new office; it’s about setting the stage for future growth and success for our business. By bringing ABT’s specialist expertise together with our wider health & care capabilities in Stratford, we’re creating a dedicated centre where brokers and clients can access the focused support they need in some of the most rapidly evolving areas of the market.”
