Penny Black’s Social Diary: Branko’s bite and Fitch’s potatoes
Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences, and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.
Howden’s afternoon with the Web Ellis Cup
I was positively green with envy looking at Howden head of claims operations Victoria Sutton’s LinkedIn post about the charity event she recently attended at Twickenham.
Imagine being in the same room as the illustrious Webb Ellis Cup yet having the restraint not to touch it!
She did have my sympathies for being a Wales fan hearing the discouraging insights she got into the Six Nations, but I’m sure the whopping £80,000 the event managed to raise for the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation was a true comfort.
I’m sure Victoria and her fellow attendees enjoyed a splendid afternoon of networking and charitable giving. Though I do wish they’d sent me an invite… I simply must get my hands on that trophy, if only for a moment!
Penny’s Lunch Box
Fitch Ratings certainly knows how to offer a proper spread. At their Insurance Insights 2025 event, they abandoned the usual nibbles and canapés in favour of hearty servings of roasted potatoes.
The only downside was having to balance my plate while standing and networking. As someone who takes the “lunch” in “Penny’s Lunch Box” quite seriously, I do prefer to have a table at which to properly enjoy my meal.
Four stars as it was an excellent meal, but one star deducted for instilling me with the anxiety of dropping my plate in front of all those intelligent analysts.
Out of context
“Last night I bit on a bit of pork crackling (so yum!) and it was more tough than I thought, with the result that it dislodged a filling. LOL!”
Compliance consultant Branko Bjelobaba explains he bit off more than he could chew so won’t be able to make it to an Insurance Post event.
Only users who have a paid subscription or are part of a corporate subscription are able to print or copy content.
To access these options, along with all other subscription benefits, please contact info@postonline.co.uk or view our subscription options here: http://subscriptions.postonline.co.uk/subscribe
You are currently unable to print this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
You are currently unable to copy this content. Please contact info@postonline.co.uk to find out more.
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (point 2.4), printing is limited to a single copy.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
Copyright Infopro Digital Limited. All rights reserved.
You may share this content using our article tools. As outlined in our terms and conditions, https://www.infopro-digital.com/terms-and-conditions/subscriptions/ (clause 2.4), an Authorised User may only make one copy of the materials for their own personal use. You must also comply with the restrictions in clause 2.5.
If you would like to purchase additional rights please email info@postonline.co.uk
More on People
Why in-person networking is irreplaceable
Trade Voice: iCan’s Ajay Mistry on why in-person networking is more important than ever in the insurance industry.
60 Seconds With... Clear Group’s Nick Smallcorn
Nick Smallcorn, managing director, corporate and specialty risks at the Clear Group, reckons he looks like Dracula and Michael Ball makes him despair.
Insurers struggle to fill IT and data job vacancies laid bare
Roles that are critical to core insurance operations are still heavily concentrated in London, plus providers are struggling to fill their IT and data roles, data analysis produced by Michael Stefan, partner at executive recruitment firm Hanover, has revealed.
Diary of an Insurer: Rokstone’s Jimmy Heaton
Jimmy Heaton, head of international directors and officers and financial institutions at MGA Rokstone, highlights the importance of sustainable underwriting, professional development, and maintaining a constant dialogue with partners, while pursuing his passion for Thai boxing.
Penny Black’s Social Diary: Howden’s comedy; QBE’s mix-up
Penny Black shares the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences, and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector's social media posts.
Rathi reappointed FCA CEO
Chancellor Rachel Reeves has reappointed Nikhil Rathi as CEO of the Financial Conduct Authority for a second term.
Rachel Lam named interim ombudsman MD
Rachel Lam is now interim managing ombudsman director of the Financial Ombudsman Service, as Jenny Simmonds and James Dipple-Johnstone temporarily step into the shoes of Abby Thomas.
Diary of an Insurer: Esure’s Charlotte Fielding
Esure’s head of home and strategic planning Charlotte Fielding reviews customer feedback, regulatory changes, and market trends to help shape her team's priorities, and is kept entertained by her Cavapoo puppy, Sir Bobby Charlton.