Backchat: June 2026

Commemorative cross

All too often, it is issue ridden claims journeys that steal the media’s spotlight – however, one church in Birmingham chose to celebrate a successful claim conclusion by creating a commemorative cross engraved with a message of thanks for loss adjusting firm Woodgate and Clark.

Following a burst pipe related flood in November 2024, Woodgate and Clark were commissioned by Leabrook Methodist Church and its insurer, Methodist Insurance, to manage the associated claim and necessary restoration work. The church reopened in August 2025.

As a show of thanks, the church’s congregation created a wooden cross using materials from the recovery process, featuring an appreciative inscription to Woodgate and Clark.

Simon Jones, client services director at Woodgate and Clark, said: “Churches are often at the heart of their communities, hosting worship, support groups and local events. Our role is not only to assess damage, but to help restore buildings that mean a great deal to the people who use them. We were proud to support Leabrook Methodist Church through the recovery process.”

Falling for AI

Last month’s Biba Conference (13 and 14 May 2026) in Manchester was a perfect opportunity to catch up with colleagues and industry peers, as well as make new connections. A key way of doing this was during the numerous evening networking events that overtook the city’s streets, with bars, restaurants and entertainment venues being swamped with UK general insurance professionals.

Hosting insurers were seeking to cut through the competitive invitation noise with fun activities at their chosen venues. For example, insurer Zurich UK – which hosted a bash at Spinningfields’ rooftop bar 20 Stories – had a unique artificial intelligence (AI) photo opportunity available.

Attendees simply had their snap taken and then AI did the rest, putting peoples’ pictures in exciting backgrounds and alongside Zurich UK leadership.

For example, Insurance Times content director Katie Scott and editor Yiannis Kotoulas featured in the pictured skydiving snap, freefalling with Zurich c-suite including UK chief executive Drazen Jaksic, UK head of retail David Nichols, managing director at Zurich Municipal Amy Brettell and chief underwriting officer Sam Thomas.

McCall-ing for a close up

Broking trade body Biba has increasingly sought out a roster of celebrity stars to interject into its annual conference programme, with big names from sporting, television and political spheres gracing Manchester Central’s stage.

This year’s two-day event was no different, with former professional footballer Peter Crouch and international cricketer Ben Stokes both present and correct. However, one celeb that had attendees pouring into the plenary was popular television presenter Davina McCall, who wrapped up the conference agenda on Wednesday 13 May 2026 with a fireside chat alongside event host Kay Burley.

Speaking candidly about her brain tumour diagnosis and treatment, McCall’s story resonated and connected with conference crowds.

Insurance Times reporters Harriet Scott and Iris Hakaj were thrilled to take a selfie with McCall following the session.

Artefact auction

The UK’s insurance market is well known to be one of the oldest in the world, with its London-centric commercial market gaining traction after 1666’s Great Fire of London. One firm that has been helping to safeguard the sector’s past is Intact Insurance, which has been maintaining a unique archive of professional artefacts – including a signed insurance claim involving former prime minister Sir Winston Churchill, following a burglary at his home in 1959.

However, the insurer confirmed that a selection of its stored goods will be going under the hammer this summer (9 June and 7 July) to raise money for youth work charity UK Youth. The auctions will be conducted by Special Auction Services in Newbury.

Tracey Fisher, archive and historical records director at Intact Insurance, said: “These artefacts represent an important part of insurance history and deserve to be seen and appreciated by people who recognise their significance.

“For many years, these items have been carefully preserved within our archives. By bringing selected pieces into the public domain, we are ensuring they can continue to be recognised and appreciated, while also helping create positive impact for young people through our partnership with UK Youth.

“These auctions are an opportunity to connect the heritage of our industry with practical support that can help young people build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards their future.”