David is Chairman and Spearhead 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 has now passed the baton on to his sons Joe and Josh, and has moved into the role of Chairman. 

Balens have long championed the cause for health and well-being, with David an active campaigner, lobbyist and trainer for the sector. David’s new role 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 and the development of the Hawthorn Health research and community Initiative in particular.

As Chairman David remains deeply involved in the future strategy, corporate governance and financial management of the business, keeping all aligned to the values and ethical stance always taken by Balens.  He also acts as an ambassador for Balens, networking and delivering talks as and when required, is involved at various conferences and of course still Chairs Balens annual CPD Event.

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 eldest son, Joe, joined Balens in January 2000 after completing a two year advanced business course. In 2003, he became the Affinity Schemes Manager. A department which now looks after over 350 Associations who hold customised Insurance schemes through us, ensuring that their members, get an excellent and stress free service. Joe has been instrumental in the development of systems and processes within the Affinities Department to help ensure the smooth running of the insurance renewal process for our clients. Joe 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.

In December 2011 Joe was appointed a Director of Balens and in 2018 moved to being joint Managing Director with his brother Josh. Joe helps to look after all aspects of Balens Ltd as well as continued oversight of the Affinity Schemes Department.  

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.