Backchat was impressed by the commitment shown by one insurance company press officer to his job. When contacted about a story, Mark Bishop of Cornhill said he had a dental appointment that afternoon, but could still be reached at the surgery if need be.

This might have proved an irresistible temptation to some hacks. We had a mischievous vision of the said press officer having to reach for his ringing mobile phone while reclined on the dentist's chair, his mouth being probed by dental implements.

Needless to say, we resisted making any call – just as we resisted the temptation to reproduce the press officer's phone number here – but were amazed at his sense of duty.

Could this be a passing phase, we wonder, or the influence of the insurer's German parent?

The 2025 Insurance Times Awards took place on the evening of Wednesday 3rd December in the iconic Great Room of London’s Grosvenor House.

Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
Many congratulations to all the worthy winners and as always, huge thanks to our sponsors for their support and our judges for their expertise.

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