standard | Most people come to Mayfair to buy. It could be dinner at Scott’s or a
little but rather expensive something from the boutiques on Mount
Street. Perhaps it’s a fancy car from Jack Barclay on Berkeley Square.
The Bentley Bentayga, the firm’s first 4x4 — bigger than the average
starter home and more expensive — is currently the most coveted ride for
one per centers. Biggest of all is a new house. The starting price for
a pied-à-terre is £5m and the damage quickly rises to £40m.
Heyrick Bond Gunning — yes, that really is his name — visits Mayfair
most days, but he does not come to buy. He comes to sell. The imposing
44-year-old, a former Grenadier Guards officer, is one of a new breed
of salesmen.
He’s selling building and contents protection, but not the kind
you’re used to. As the managing director of security firm Salamanca Risk
Management, he sells a guarantee that you and your family will never
again be bothered by anyone or anything you don’t want to be bothered
by.
Business is booming because billionaires are a paranoid bunch.
