Total Broker Solutions puts the wind up other broker networks

Mike Williams' Total Broker Solutions seems to have put the wind up other broker networks, if the shenanigans at its recent roadshows are to be believed. First to strike was The Broker Network, sticking its own leaflets on the windscreens of brokers attending the Birmingham event. And, in Croydon, Cobra sent a member along undercover.

But brokers need all the help they can get, according to Mike Williams' anecdote at one of the TBS events. Apparently, a top broker phoned Williams to thank him for the TBS literature, but had to inform him that he wouldn't be joining the compliance network. "I've had a look at the Financial Services Authority literature and decided it's not for me," he said. "I'm just going to stick with the General Insurance Standards Council."

Meanwhile, Jamie Marchant, communications manager of Groupama, showed his loyalty to the insurance market by turning up at the Association of British Insurers' media awards on his birthday. At least he claimed it was his birthday - apparently he's been known to have more than one per year.

Finally, thanks to all the sponsors, exhibitors, speakers and brokers who made Professional Broking's Regulation Roadshow such a resounding success. Brokers said they found the programme very interesting and informative, though Overheard is not sure that two Edinburgh brokers found it quite so scintillating. Rather than listening raptly or taking notes, the pair spent one of the sessions admiring electronic pictures of a scantily clad young lady. Good luck with the compliance boys.