To the rescue

Robert Hiscox, chairman of high-net-worth insurer Hiscox, came to the rescue recently when he received a telephone call to inform him that a painting due to be hung as part of the Hiscox-sponsored Glenn Brown exhibition at the Serpentine Gallery had been damaged in transit. He pulled out all the stops to ensure said painting was restored in time for the opening night, only to discover that Hiscox was not the insurer after all.

Overheard was surprised when the receptionist taking incoming calls at Stuart Alexander had not heard of its managing director Stuart Reid. After asking twice for the spelling of Reid, he was finally found on the system.

Reid is not usually so inconspicuous.

Alliance Cornhill has come up with a not-so-novel way of remembering staff names and identifying colleagues by introducing name tags, which are displayed on people's desks. Apparently, one surveyor is attempting to pass himself off as George Clooney. However, Helen Williams, press officer of AC still has a problem. As she is short-sighted and only recognises people when they are close up, she has taken to waving and smiling at everyone to ensure no one feels ignored.

Axa Insurance has taken team-building exercises to a new level. When its London office IT system went down recently they made full use of the time with a game of indoor cricket.

A prize of complimentary box entertainment for four at Bristol City Football Club - donated by DAS - was met with chuckles at this year's Insurance Age awards. The winner even seemed reluctant to collect his prize, which sent the crowd into further fits of laughter. However, the wine served by cowgirls went down a treat.