Traitors around the networking table, pink power dressing at female focused event, a research project with big ambitions and an eggcellent Easter idea. What has the insurance industry been up to of late? You heard it here first…
A traitorous time out
As journalists, Insurance Times staffers are often tasked with rooting out the truth of Square Mile situations, calling out bad actors and championing the sector’s stars. This skill set was put to good use in March 2026 as Insurance Times content director Katie Scott and news editor James Cowen joined insurer Aviva for The Traitors Live Experience in Covent Garden – a two to three-hour in-person event that mimics popular TV show The Traitors.
Scott and Cowen teamed up around the iconic roundtable as faithfuls to try and spot trade traitors, taking part in team tasks along the way. Cowen ended up being banished by untrusting fellow faithfuls, while Scott made it to the final five before being murdered.
Aviva’s press briefings may take on a more cloak and dagger atmosphere moving forward as the firm’s head of UK general insurance media relations, Sarah Poulter, was confirmed as a traitor in the table’s midst…
Professional in pink
On 26 March 2026, podcast founder and host Sandra Lewin welcomed more than 250 female insurance professionals to Hoxton for a one-day event that brought her 100 Women in Insurance podcast to life – with career focused keynote addresses and workshops, as well as plenty of pink powered networking opportunities.
Insurance Times’ Scott and reporter Harriet Scott both attended the popular event, meeting up with industry connections. A particular highlight was the session delivered by Stefanie Sword-Williams, an expert and author on self-promotion and advocacy – she offered top tips on how to seize professional opportunities proactively and achieve career ambitions.
Healthy minds
European digital insurer Wakam is seeking to better support disability, income protection and health insurance claims journeys by awarding a new €250,000 (£219,298) Precision Mind Prize on 13 April 2026, to fund a Franco-British research project on identifying biomarkers – used as a quantifiable measure of health – for psychiatric conditions.
Delivered in partnership with French scientific research firm FondaMental Foundation, the project aims to define blood-based, data-based or neuroimaging related biological indicators for psychiatric illnesses in order to improve risk modelling, better calibrate linked insurance products and action prevention measures.
Catherine Charrier-Leflaive, chief executive at Wakam Group, said: ”Economic and social shifts are accelerating vulnerabilities. As insurers, we believe that innovation and progress must serve people. The Precision Mind Prize will accelerate research in precision mental health and pave the way for truly personalised medicine.”
An eggcellent initiative
Ahead of Easter Sunday on 5 April 2026, law firm Carpenters Group opted to take on the role of the Easter Bunny by sharing a stack of chocolate Easter eggs with both its 1,500 staff, as well as charities across Merseyside – this included The Inclusive Hub, The Hive Youth Zone, Charles Thompson Mission, Fans Supporting Foodbanks, Brunswick Youth and Community Centre, 23 Foundation, Liverpool Disabled Supporters Association and Sean’s Place.
In a LinkedIn post, Carpenters Group said: ”Once again, we’ve shared a small thank you with colleagues across the business, while also donating eggs to charities across the Merseyside region. It’s not an eggstravagant tradition, but it’s certainly an eggsquisite one. A simple way to celebrate our people, spread a bit of cheer and support organisations doing cracking work in their communities.
”It’s something we’re proud to continue year after year, reflecting the value we place on our teams and the communities we’re part of.”
Foodie finds
Ever wondered where to take colleagues, peers or business connections for a lunch time two courses, or an after work meal? Insurance Times rounds up some of the spots it has enjoyed with market firms recently…
- For those not wanting to wander far from the Square Mile, Gracechurch Street’s The Folly – a Drake and Morgan venue – is an ideal, garden themed lunch spot. Insurance Times enjoyed a sizeable and hoisin sauce drenched crispy duck salad, with halloumi fries on the side, alongside insurer Markel’s London market press team.
- For those lucky enough to be invited to private members club Ten Trinity Square, a stone’s throw from Tower Hill and Fenchurch Street train stations, delicious fine dining is sure to be enjoyed. Insurance Times met with MGA business Bspoke Group and nattered over a two course treat that included pink centred beef skirt, as well as artichoke and black truffle soup.
Since joining Insurance Times, Katie has successfully obtained a number of industry accolades. Most recently, at Biba's 2025 Journalist and Media Awards, Katie was named the overall winner and received the Journalist of the Year trophy, alongside the Best Thought Leadership Award for her briefing article on reproductive health MGA Juniper and how insurance can be used to positively impact taboo subjects.View full Profile
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