PB Week: Prince Andrew praises Plumeri’s opening

The ceremony was outside the front of the iconic building on a warm, sunny day with a large number of uninvited Lloyd’s brokers wedged in between the outer rim of the ceremony and the Lloyd’s building. The buildings really are close together! Guest Prince Andrew joked that fellow guest Lord Levene had expressed dismay that his view had been blocked out by the new building. Prince Andrew also had a message for host Joe Plumeri’s 94 year old mother who was unable to attend, telling her that her son “had done good today”. Willis’ President Grahame Millwater joked that they were in the presence of a second HRH, or in other words the management of the recently acquired Hilb Rogal & Hobbs.

It was a real slap on the back do for Willis associates (Mr Plumeri was doing this literally) who still probably can’t believe what they have achieved so close to the centre of the world’s insurance industry.

Lord Levene welcomed Willis as Lloyd's new neighbour and spoke about the challenges facing the London Market. He said: "Whatever the future brings, one thing is very clear. As London faces up to the challenges ahead and embraces new opportunities, insurance brokers have huge potential to influence and to drive the change we need. As one of London's - and the world's - largest and most forward-looking intermediaries, the leadership of Willis will continue to be critical to this process. As Lord Mayor Locum Tenens, I am delighted to help celebrate Willis' continued commitment to the City of London."

Willis also recognised the achievements of some of the people who helped construct it. Previous owners British Land who recently sold the building for £400m to St Martins Property Group, the real estate arm of the Kuwait Investment Authority. Who says the commercial property market is struggling?

I first went up the building in December with Brendan McManus and can confirm the views are stunning and that employees of Willis are probably feeling pretty smug at the moment despite ‘Hothouse Tuesday’ where the broker has asked its staff to cold call clients each Tuesday. It was a hot Monday at the opening, and Willis will certainly be hoping the blessing of local vicars Oliver Ross and Mark O’Donoghue will be making a big difference for the future; after all, mental attitude is far more important than a building.

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