Getting to know... Dean Laming

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know... feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Dean Laming, managing director of London-based construction sector insurance firm Tradesman Saver, talks about his relentless pursuit of improvement, being there for people at times of real need and his stint as an Elvis impersonator's compere...

We know you as the managing director of Tradesman Saver, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’ve been in business for almost 30 years, and throughout that time creating positive change has been a constant source of motivation.

I’m relentless in my pursuit of improvement and enjoy refining processes and products to better serve the people using them.

For Tradesman Saver, that means continually assessing whether our end-to-end digital journey makes it easy for tradespeople to secure, manage and update comprehensive protection for their businesses.

Did you always want to work in insurance?

Insurance was my first career path straight from school – and I’m still here.

I joined the industry at 18, working my way up through large national firms before completing my chartered exams.

Eighteen years ago, I joined Henry Seymour – which owns Tradesman Saver – moving from insurance into brokering.

The business had already built Salon Gold, a specialist insurance brand for the hair and beauty sector, and saw a clear opportunity to create something similar for construction.

I was tasked with developing Tradesman Saver and building a digital-first experience that was simple for tradespeople to use.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst? 

In this line of work, we often hear devastating stories from customers who have fallen on hard times.

Knowing we’ve built cover that supports them through those situations is what makes me most proud.

Construction is a high-risk sector and even a short absence can quickly turn into thousands of pounds in lost income.

Our policies include public liability, product liability, financial loss and legal expenses cover as standard.

But we go further, offering optional support for contract disputes and debt recovery.

Customers also have access to a confidential counselling helpline, extended to family members, as well as a 24-hour business advice line.

While insurance alone can’t solve all the challenges related to running a business, reducing uncertainty can ease someone’s mental health burden and create a more positive working experience.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement? 

Receiving my chartered status was a pivotal moment in my career, as was moving from insurance into broking when I joined Tradesman Saver – both milestones that required a lot of hard work.

But becoming managing director of Tradesman Saver is the real highlight.

Henry Seymour’s acquisition by Jensten in 2024 has given us the investment needed to take the brand to the next level.

How do you relax outside of work?

I have four children, ranging from seven to 17.

Being a parent alongside running a business means I don’t have much time to relax.

We do love to travel as a family, and I’m at my happiest when I am exploring far-flung places with them by my side.

What makes London such a great place to live and work?

I live in Surrey but within an easy commute to London, and I love being so close to the capital.

It’s a great place to visit as a tourist, to spend time as a local and to work if you’re in business.

There’s always such a buzz and vibrancy about the city, which, for me, generates ideas and sparks fresh thinking.

I enjoy sitting somewhere busy, having a coffee, watching the world go (busily) by and seeing what comes to mind for Tradesman Saver.

Tell us something about you we don’t know…

Years ago, I used to be a compere for an Elvis impersonator.

I still have the gold jacket somewhere…

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