Exciting News from Wivenhoe: Jon Guy Takes the Helm
Insurance Times is buzzing with excitement as we celebrate the new appointment of our esteemed contributor, Jon Guy, as the mayor of Wivenhoe Town Council. This momentous occasion occurred last month (May 2025), marking a new chapter for both Jon and the town.
Previously serving as deputy mayor, Jon secured his role with a vote from fellow councillors during the annual meeting on May 19. His term will span a year and will also see him chair Wivenhoe’s council. Jon expressed his thrill, stating, “I am delighted and honoured to become mayor of a town voted the best place to live in the East of England for two consecutive years.”
As he embraces this exciting role, Jon faces the challenges of local government devolution in Essex, with further details expected soon. Humorously, he added, “I don’t think I’ll be allowed to wear my chain of office in the London market.”
Star-Studded Moments: Sir Gareth Southgate Makes an Appearance
The energy amongst football fans on the Insurance Times editorial team soared as they met the illustrious Sir Gareth Southgate at the BIBA Conference held on May 14-15, 2025. The former head coach of the England men’s senior team graciously paused for selfies with our very own deputy editor Yiannis Kotoulas, news editor James Cowen, senior reporter Harry McNeil, and data reporter George McDade.
Closing the two-day event, Southgate delivered a captivating session titled ‘Back of the Net: Leadership That Scores Big’. However, when asked for Fantasy Football tips, he playfully admitted his knowledge was lacking after not keeping up with player forms and injuries.
The Quiz Challenge: Testing Industry Knowledge
In an intriguing move, insurance software firm Genasys Technology decided to challenge the industry’s grasp on jargon and practices by inviting UK general insurance professionals to participate in a 40-question quiz. With a strict 10-minute time limit, participants raced against the clock for a chance to win a £100 Amazon voucher.
Running until May 31, the quiz saw the Insurance Times editorial team take a stab at it during their journey to Manchester for the BIBA conference. Editor Katie Scott and McDade outperformed Cowen and McNeil with an impressive score of 26.
While the results were still under wraps at the time, Genasys’s marketing vice-president, Ed Halsey, revealed on LinkedIn that 10% of the 91 quiz takers scored above 35, showcasing both the ingenuity and expertise present in the industry.
Raptör Ride: Pedal Power for a Good Cause
Mark your calendars for July 2025 as 90 cyclists gear up for the annual Raptör charity bike ride, set to raise funds for the esteemed children’s charity, Action Medical Research. This year marks the event’s sixth iteration, promising both adventure and purpose.
Cyclists will embark on a challenging four-day journey from London to Roubaix, France, navigating through historical sites in Flanders and Dunkirk before completing a celebrated lap at the Roubaix Velodrome.
Initiated and sponsored by the innovative digital Lloyd’s syndicate Ki, the 2025 event has already amassed a staggering £1.22 million in funds. Other notable sponsors joining this altruistic venture include Brit, Scor, Lockton, Everest, Verisk, Aspen Insurance, JS Held, Argenta, and Chaucer.
Mark Allan, chief executive at Ki, expressed his enthusiasm: “Ki is proud to be the lead sponsor of the Raptör ride for its sixth year, and we eagerly anticipate the challenge while soaking in the rich history of France along the way.”
The Speculator: Potential Developments in Broker Acquisitions
In a noteworthy revelation back in 2020, Insurance Times addressed speculation that intermediary Gallagher might eye the broker consolidator PIB Group as a prime acquisition target. Fast forward to 2025, and whispers at the recent BIBA Conference suggest that this prospect could inch closer to reality.
Although official confirmations are yet to surface, insiders hint at financial discussions being the primary hurdle preventing the deal’s finalization. Should this merger come to fruition, it would undeniably reshape the landscape of UK broking, creating an influential force.
Notably, PIB Group has successfully acquired several MGAs in recent years, seamlessly integrating them into Gallagher’s MGA, Pen Underwriting. Gallagher’s diverse UK market strategy renders it equipped to blend PIB’s array of specialist broking businesses effortlessly.
This is a **developing story** worth monitoring—if this merger materializes, it could very well be one of the most significant transactions of the year!
