Alex Alway down in the dumps

When Professional Broking caught up with Alex Alway at the end of January he was, like many during the most miserable month of the year, a bit fed up and down in the dumps. However, when gently inquiring further, something more than the not-so-great British weather seemed to be troubling him.

After hearing about PB editor's recent escapade at Harvey Nichols with Chris Giles, Stuart Reid and pals, Alway lamented: "I don't really get invited to many do's you know." He added: "I don't feel like I'm in the inner broking circle." Obviously, Overheard did its utmost to reassure him that his piers held the 'Jelf starter' in the highest esteem, despite never inviting him anywhere. This seemed to partially placate him, although for some reason failed to reassure him beyond doubt. In the normal course of our business Charles Crawford concurred that his problem may be "geographic", being based in Bristol not the big smoke. Crawford did promise to send him more invitations however. Alway feeling left out was a complete surprise to Chris Blackham who was under the impression that he was on everyone's list. At the time Blackham was skiing with Jeff Herdman of Oval and Patrick Snowball but Overheard doubts the fact that Alway - who is well known to enjoy skiing in March - was absent is not significant.

The outing, mentioned, with Reid and Giles et al spawned many publishable antics but being a closed doors, off the record sort of affair it would be bad form to break ranks ... So, anyway, Giles was listening very intently to the finer details of the deal Reid had hatched with Axa. Overheard can't help but wonder whether Giles' denial that he would ever sell to an insurer is protesting too much. As one close to Giles whispered 'the worm may turn yet'.

Jeremy Clayton at LFC Insurance Brokers is also keen to participate in more broker 'love ins' and it would seem he is rather easy to please. He complained: "I never get invited anywhere. I'll go anywhere as long as it is for free!"