After spending what seems like an aeon at the Biba conference, I arrived back in my office this week to face a backlog of work, but in high spirits.
The next 18 months is going to be hectic for the industry and I do agree with your front page last week that many regional brokers are desperate to merge. Why? Because once statutory regulation is in place, the freedom to trade will be curtailed.
I also agree wholeheartedly with Norwich Union's Ken Wallace's statement on Biba that we only get one chance with the FSA.
But its remit is to protect the consumer, as he said, and the real problems for insurers and brokers are creditor and extended warranty issues.
Watching the industry's answer to Louis Theroux (GAB's Clive Nicholls) interview the great unwashed, it was made abundantly clear that the average consumer knows nothing of efforts already made by brokers to protect their interests.
By the way, is Mr Nicholls available for children's parties?
Name and address withheld
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.
