David is Founder and Past Chairman of Balens. Having started in 1970 doing very basic tasks, he went on to lead the company as Managing Director and proprietor from 1981 – 2018. David passed the baton on to his sons Joe and Josh in 2018 when he moved into the role of Chairman.  His position has evolved following the merger and integration with PIB. 

Balens have long championed the cause for health and well-being, with David an active campaigner, lobbyist and trainer for the sector. David’s role in the business enables him to dedicate more time and effort in his advocacy for the Natural Health and well-being movement in general, and for his campaigning activities.

David is still involved with Balens and acts as an ambassador for the business, networking and delivering talks as and when required, including at various conferences and events.

David is a third-generation Insurance Broker and Advisor, his Grandfather and Mother ran a successful Brokerage in the West End of London for many years. Balens (then known as H & L Balen and Co) was started by David’s parents in 1950 and David joined the family business in 1970 after debating for some time whether to become a Health Professional himself. David has always retained a keen interest and involvement in Health Matters and has a wealth of knowledge in this area. He has connections with many different health professional organisations and executives and keeps abreast of the latest developments, often acting as an adviser to them.

After spending a few years in the sixties as a Musician, David trained and spent 7 years as a Yoga Teacher. He still records and plays regular engagements with the progressive Jazz band, Interplay, and other groups and has been working as a composer of his own material for some years. David trained as a Healer in the 1970's and is currently Chairman of the Trustees of the College of Healing, an Educational Based Charity. He is regularly involved with the Policy Making Group of the Self-Regulatory Body, UK Healers, is a Trustee of the Confederation of Healing Organisations with his wife, also a Healer, Therapist and Teacher.

David's interest and experience in the complementary and health professional fields gives him personal insight into the needs and requirements of Balens customers, and has helped develop the company’s ethos, values and focus over the years of his leadership. He cares deeply about his clients and has an ongoing commitment to Balens staff and business alike, with a desire to educate and inform whenever needed.

David's younger son, Josh joined Balens in 2003 became a Director in 2014, and moved, along with his brother Joe to being joint Managing Director in 2018. Josh has oversight of the Commercial Department, which offers policies tailor made to assist our client’s insurance requirements as their businesses grow. He has been primary in the development of the Charity and Educational Establishment Policies, together with the European arm of the Business, Balens Europe BV, which includes their office in Amsterdam.

Josh has gained qualifications through The Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) and has attended many CPD courses in various subjects, keeping up to date with changes in legislation, along with completion of Management Development courses.

Josh is very interested in the complementary medicine world and has studied as a Sports Therapist. Like David, Josh is an avid musician, having played drums and percussion with the Johnny Cash Road Show and Irish Group, the Roving Crows.