Backchat: July/August 2025

Gallagher’s gameplay

The Gallagher Premiership Rugby season reached its thrilling conclusion last month in a final showdown on 14 June 2025.

In the rekindling of a mighty rivalry, Bath took on Leicester in the men’s professional rugby union final – with Insurance Times journalists George McDade and Harry McNeil watching from Allianz Stadium Twickenham’s stands thanks to an invite from broker Gallagher.

Bath took control of the game in the second half and, despite a sterling comeback from Leicester, secured a well deserved 23-21 victory.

Player of the match went to Gallagher’s talismanic host Lynn Rouse, the broker’s external communications manager, whose man-to-man marking ensured beers, burgers and laughs were always on hand.

Restoration reveal

On 24 June 2025, insurer Hiscox invited trade press – including Insurance Times’ Katie Scott and Yiannis Kotoulas – to join its spokespeople for an exclusive behind the scenes talk at Trafalgar Square’s National Gallery, to learn about the cleaning and restoration of the museum’s classic artworks.

The hour-long session was led by Old Masters expert Larry Keith, the National Gallery’s head of conservation and keeper. The gathered guests saw work by artists such as Goustave Courbet and Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn that was in the process of being restored, which included having varnishes removed and repairing peeling paint.

The private talk was followed by a three course dinner at the National Gallery’s restaurant, Ochre.

Anniversary outing

Gambit Partners, the startup and SME focused digital marketing consultancy founded by broker and Insurance Times columnist Ajay Mistry, celebrated its third anniversary in July 2025 by taking its staff to rowing contest Henley Royal Regatta, held in Henley-on-Thames.

This year, the regatta was held between 1 and 6 July.

Although not all of the firm’s 10 staff were able to attend the celebration due to illness, the majority that went enjoyed a day of sunshine and sport. In a LinkedIn post, the company said: ”It’s been three years of growth, challenges, new ideas and big wins across all of our businesses – and none of it would be possible without the people behind it.

”Thanks to the team for everything you bring to the table and here’s to what’s next.”

Journo of the year

On 8 July 2025, trade body Biba held its annual Journalist and Media Awards – the prestigious event recognising trade press is now in its 43rd year.

Insurance Times editor Katie Scott had a corker of an afternoon, winning not only the Best Thought Leadership prize but also being named by Biba as its Journalist of the Year. This coveted accolade is decided by the Biba executive committee.

Deputy editor Yiannis Kotoulas and news editor James Cowen also featured in the event’s shortlists.

Scott said: ”I’m blown away by this recognition and incredibly proud to achieve these wins. It is an absolute privilege to lead the team at Insurance Times and I’m very much looking forward to the next phase of our growth journey.”