Our news head has been prepping for his first Biba conference amid a busy social calendar

Wednesday

Two weeks to go before this year’s Biba conference and preparations are well under way, not least in producing this week’s bumper preview edition and planning our coverage of the event. I have lunch at the Bow Wine Vaults with some insurance friends. They provide useful insight into what to expect at tomorrow’s Aviva shareholder meeting.

Thursday

The news week starts with a bang at Aviva’s annual general meeting held at the Barbican Centre. Shareholders aren’t afraid to let their feelings known to the chairman and board, and certainly don’t hold back when it comes to venting their anger about excessive directors’ pay and the slumping share price, most of which is directed at chief executive Andrew Moss.

Friday

All hands to the pump to get next week’s issue out with an early deadline because of the bank holiday. Plenty of good stories on the go, including the second insurance summit between insurers and justice secretary Ken Clarke at Whitehall. The outcome looks promising for both parties, with whiplash and referral fees high on the agenda.

Monday

The bank holiday provides a bit of respite from the busy world of insurance. My West Ham-supporting colleagues Danny Walkinshaw and Saxon East book their tickets to Wembley after seeing off Cardiff in the play-offs.

Tuesday

Back to the coal face to put the finishing touches to the issue. With the finishing line in sight, my attention turns to the social diary and a meeting with Ageas and drinks with Brokerbility lined up for the following day.

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