​Cost of living crisis named as top concern for UK heritage organisations – Ecclesiastical

The cost of living crisis has been listed as the top concern impacting UK heritage organisations’ visitor numbers, according to insurer Ecclesiastical’s latest research – published today (23 January 2023).

Ecclesiastical’s Heritage Risk Barometer 2022 explored the top risks and key concerns faced in the heritage sector – these concerns included attracting local visitors, the recruitment crisis, responding to climate change and crime.

The research surveyed 500 UK decision makers at 100 museums, 11 galleries, 100 theatres, 50 heritage hotels, 50 castles or palaces, 50 stately homes and gardens as well as 50 other heritage organisations between the 27 June and 13 July 2022.

Faith Kitchen, customer segment director at Ecclesiastical Insurance, said: “The heritage sector is facing unprecedented economic uncertainty as inflation and the cost of living soars.

“Heritage organisations are having to face huge challenges and many are looking at ways they can cut costs while still maintaining visitor numbers.”

Ecclesiastical is encouraging brokers to speak to heritage clients about the risks they might face.

Helping brokers

Other key concerns projected for the next 12 months were increasing costs (83%), managing volunteer wellbeing (80%), ease of access or adaptation for visitors with additional needs (80%) and recruitment and retention of volunteers (80%).

Kitchen said: “As the UK’s leading insurer of Grade I listed buildings, we’re passionate about protecting Britain’s heritage.

”Brokers play an important role in helping heritage clients understand the risks they are facing and in ensuring they have the right cover in place.

“We hope the Heritage Risk Barometer 2022 will help brokers encourage their heritage clients to think about the risks they face and how best to protect their organisations for the future.”