Managing Director Richard Playle has over 30 years experience in thatch and period property insurance gained in various managerial and director roles. He is a former vice president of the National Society of Master Thatchers and continues to maintain close links with the industry.

In 1994 he arranged funding for, and took an active role in, a research programme undertaken by RHM Technology investigating fires in thatched properties and the lifespan of thatched roofs. The results of the project, which subsequently gained backing by the then Department of the Environment, have had a major influence on the current underwriting of thatch insurance across the United Kingdom. He is the co-inventor of a fire alarm system for thatched houses and still takes an active part in research and risk assessment programmes.

Having recently gained diploma status in building conservation studies, Richard is now studying part time at Bournemouth University for his MSc. Given the opportunity, he will bore you to death with his knowledge of the subject!