Important industry players

Important industry players slugged it out at Post Magazine's inaugural 'Question Time' at London's Globe Theatre last month. Chaired by Paul Lewis from BBC Money Box, the last question - traditionally a crowd pleaser - was asked by Ian Richens of FM Green. He asked: "What would each member of the panel, most or least like to receive for Christmas?" Richens added: "I would like to see Gordon Brown restore the £5m taken from the pension funds - it would restore confidence in the industry." John McFall MP, chairman of the Treasury Select Committee, said: "I would like an iPod without warranty insurance." Peter Hubbard, chief executive of Axa Insurance, said: "I'd like key-man insurance before doing another one of these please." Toby Foster, chief executive UK retail, Marsh, said: "I'd like Santa Claus to bring to all the customers of the market nationally those insurance policies for which they have been waiting for months or, in some cases, years. I am not sure if his sleigh is big enough or has enough reindeer - I live in hope." David Strachan, insurance sector leader, Financial Services Authority, finished with: "As everybody knows, insurance products are for life, not just for Christmas."

This year's round of parties has begun. Axa's recent bash at the swanky London venue Sketch was a hit, particularly the hostesses in cancan dresses.

The jewelled toilets proved difficult to find, which Overheard hopes is the reason why one gentleman ended up in the ladies toilets.

Tony Allen, chief executive officer of Allen & Allen, never intended to become an insurance broker. He started out with a t-shirt shop named Tony Modes and attempted to run a folk club before finally settling down to a career in insurance.