New ventures

When 'new' ventures are launched by companies, the concomitant fanfare - with claims of revolutionary capabilities - are to be expected. However, while genuinely revolutionary offerings are as rare as hens' teeth, Overheard can reveal it has made such a find. While it is unclear if Norwich Union intends to use this to market its fleet telematics product, a pilot has shown it to possess philanthropic powers. Referring to a case study, Bill Pownall, motor fleet class specialist at Norwich Union, enthused: "Well, it has already saved two marriages. The lorry drivers involved were advised to change their ways!"

A claim against Norwich Union, involving Kubota mini-diggers, came to a happy conclusion recently after the sterling work of The National Plant and Equipment Register (TER), which recovered them. TER's investigation led it to a written-off trailer bearing the slogan "eat more chips" - the mention of which in its statement was as perplexing as the graffiti itself.

Finally, PB has been respectfully requested not to mention Royal & SunAlliance's Annette K Spenser again in Overheard as she prefers to hide her many talents under a bushel. Overheard apologises for the 'Ms Congeniality' jibes she has suffered after her semi-final mention in this column.