It’s an energetic week, fitting in a half-marathon with LV= alongside the latest stories in regulation, politics and the industry

Wednesday

Today is spent interviewing the finalists in our UK Claims Excellence Awards for the website. There are plenty of nerves flying around. I also keep a close eye on the Budget announcement in parliament, although I suspect this one’s unlikely to go down in the history books as eventful for the industry.

Thursday

There’s a huge surge in traffic to our website as the FSA reinforces its stance on add-on products in its 2012-13 business plan. I have drinks with the Allianz press team after work, though just an orange juice for me ahead of my half marathon on Sunday.

Friday

After plenty of speculation, the newly rebranded RBS Insurance division, Direct Line Group, names Mike Biggs as its chairman. This leaves one of the potential candidates - Andy Haste - still on the market. Where could he end up? The team enjoys the debate.

Monday

I hobble into work after running the LV= Brentwood Half Marathon yesterday. I overtook LV=’s Phil Bunker on the way round! Pleased with my time of one hour 50 minutes and the £1,230 raised for St Francis Hospice. Thanks to everyone who sponsored me. If you would like to donate, there’s still time: www.justgiving.com/dannywalkinshaw

Tuesday

It’s my turn to dissect the news for our daily briefing for our online subscribers. A turnaround in fortunes at NFU Mutual looks like the story of the day so far: it has posted a £105m underwriting profit for 2011, reversing a £150m loss in 2010. Will it be onwards and upwards from here?

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