There was no shortage of stories to keep us busy in the run-up to Biba

Wednesday

On top of news about Howden’s acquisition of PYV, which we forecast weeks ago, the Insurance Times team meets to discuss our relaunch in print and online. It’s been a busy time.

Thursday

At a meeting with Keychoice Underwriting chief executive Jonathan Davey, he tells me the commercial MGA business has been growing nicely since its launch last summer.

Friday

First-quarter results flood in. The big surprise is RBS Insurance, with a £67m Q1 operating profit after a £50m loss last year. Its combined operating ratio is 106%, but is RBSI’s tide turning?

Monday

The Sunday Times Rich List includes a host of insurance names. Hastings chairman Neil Utley came in joint 430th, with £160m – how much will that increase if Hastings floats next year?

Tuesday

The morning is spent making final preparations for Biba. We release our exclusive interview with Towergate head honchos Peter Cullum and Andy Homer online, then off to Manchester …