Bradford-based Congregational & General Insurance has purchased a minority shareholding in the church insurance broker David Edwards Insurance Brokers.

Congregational chief executive Carlo Cavaliere said an increasing number of churches are recognizing the benefits of buying insurance through a specialist intermediary and Congregational’s investment in David Edwards forms part of the strategy to proactively respond to the changing dynamics of the niche market.

"We are delighted to extend the nature of our relationship, and although the investment will not in any way alter the independence of David Edwards Insurance Brokers, it will result in much greater benefits for the Church market going forward," Cavaliere said.

David Edwards Insurance Brokers founder David Edwards said the insurance needs of churches can be complex, and the independent expertise, together with access to various specialist insurers, has resulted in many churches benefiting from the services.

"The investment from Congregational will enable us to enhance our current offering and extend this to a much wider section of the Church market," Edwards said.