Backchat: May 2026

Sprinkler success

For many, the Guinness World Records presents an eclectic showcase of extravagant achievements and unusual skills, making for awe-inspiring reading, pub quiz fodder and dinner party conversation.

As of April 2026, commercial property insurer FM can now count itself among this unique collective after earning a Guinness World Records title for compiling the world’s largest display of fire sprinklers.

On display at the FM Research Campus lobby in West Glocester, Rhode Island, FM has a total of 1,007 fire sprinklers within its niche collection – with models spanning from the 19th century to modern day. Guinness World Records adjudicator Thomas Bradford counted the sprinklers and presented the insurer with its celebratory certificate.

This accolade is certainly a blazing success for the firm.

Editor down the aisle

Insurance Times would like to wish a huge congratulations to editor Yiannis Kotoulas and his lovely partner Steph, who are getting married this month (23 May 2026). Insurance Times understands that the groom is more organised than usual, with his suit selected and wedding rings purchased – although we cannot help but feel that the timing of the nuptials makes 2026’s Biba Conference an ideal industry stag party…

Yiannis and Steph, we hope you have a wonderful day!

Blazer brilliance 

Broker Marsh’s Aviation Summit, held between 13 and 15 April 2026, provided a real deep dive into every nook and cranny of the aviation sector – exploring topics such as pilot mental health, turbulence monitoring, ground handling people risks and insurance.

One overriding commonality between attendees was their passion for the aviation sector, with many delegates and speakers holding their own pilot licences.

Marsh managing director and global head of aviation and space Brian Glod demonstrated his enthusiasm for aircraft in a more creative way, however – by designing his own blazer lining based on the cockpit of Boeing 787 Dreamliner (pictured).

This type of tailoring is a common creative outlet for Glod.

Among his favourite self-designed blazer linings include an amalgamation of 50 of his favourite album covers, featuring inside a navy blazer, as well as a showcase of his best bands’ logos – Red Hot Chili Peppers, Pearl Jam and The Who – decorating red silk. He also has a preferred yellow blazer lining that boldly cheers on his favourite sports teams, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Pittsburgh Steelers. 

New digs

On 17 April 2026, Insurance Times reporter Harriet Scott visited 30 Old Broad Street for the grand opening of the swanky new Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) office.

Having moved from its previous base in London’s Walkie Talkie, Scott received a tour of the new digs – not only did she bump into CII president Callum Beaton, but she became Disney-fied via a machine that creates an avatar based on taking a photo (see pictured).

During the grand tour, Scott also had a sneak peek at the CII’s new members’ lounge, which was named in tribute to former CII vice-president for local institutes, Brian Caruth, who passed away late last year.

Speaking exclusively to Insurance Times, CII chief executive Matthew Hill said: “I wanted to create a space that demonstrated to the colleagues who work for the CII how much we value them, as well as a space more conducive to a modern, post-pandemic way of working.

“We’re also really proud that we’ve had the ability for the first time in a long time to provide a members’ area – we’ve invested in it, we’ve made it a thoughtful, calm, professional space and we’re looking forward to welcoming members.”