Overheard

Overheard would like to extend its warmest thanks to all those who contributed to making the recent Professional Broking roadshows the most successful ever. In particular a special mention goes out to the now barely vertical Peter Staddon, the British Insurance Brokers' Association head of technical services, who, while dashing away from the final event in London, tripped down a flight of stairs putting his back out. He was shortly after overheard bemoaning the reappearance of an old car crash injury that, as a result, meant he had to wear a corset for weeks afterwards. At least that is what he told Mrs Staddon. Overheard understands Mr. Staddon is not seeking damages from the hotel or an after the event policy, although he was overheard grumbling that PB ought to at least provide a young Norwegian lady to walk on his back by way of compensation. This may be a difficult cost to justify to PB's publisher but we could maybe stretch to a corset.

Overheard has uncovered one of the strangest destinations ever for a business deal. Philip Bell at Open GI said the deal with Tony Colborne, the owner of newly acquired Mi, was completed when Colborne was on top of a mountain in Antigua - apparently the only place he could find sufficient mobile reception.

We are looking forward to the festive season and know how much preparation is involved, after learning Royal & SunAlliance quickly rearranged its date after realising it clashed with Groupama's party. Christmas seems to come earlier and earlier with several parties scheduled for November!

Looking ahead to November, we are expecting to see some significant deals with Open and Direct and Carole Nash's futures hanging in the balance. Granny Nash has had an outstanding career in broking and we wish her every success with the most important decision of her life.