Next time you see a TV advert for English Country Cottages, don't rush off and put the kettle on. Take a closer look and see if you can spot the insurance industry connection.

In particular take a ...

Next time you see a TV advert for English Country Cottages, don't rush off and put the kettle on. Take a closer look and see if you can spot the insurance industry connection.

In particular take a look at the bloke playing tennis. Seem familiar? Well to those on the Lloyd's and private motor scene he should be. He is none other than Cox chief executive Neil Utley. You may remember that Utley is no stranger to the smell of greasepaint, having been a panel member on Channel 5's Britain's Worst Driver series last year.

The connection with English Country Cottages is not that Utley likes to play tennis at country cottages.

No, the truth is Utley owns an advertising agency in Leeds that sometines needs cheap labour - so Utley lends a hand.

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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