Penny Black's Insurance Week - 12 December 2013

Upon realising Wheatley would be delayed, Lord Hunt of the Wirral proposed a plan. “Perhaps we should shoot ahead and ask questions later,” Hunt quipped, to the groans of those assembled. It could be worse – Wheatley hates being reminded of his infamous line, so perhaps Hunt was fortunate not to be caught halfway through delivering it.

Meanwhile, even tardier than Wheatley this week was comic Jo Brand, who upset the Association of Insurance and Risk Managers by failing to turn up for an agreed appearance at its 50th annual dinner. Being surrounded by risk experts, Penny expected plan B to be enacted immediately, so she was somewhat surprised when a move to the bar was all that was proposed. But when Airmic chief executive John Hurrell confessed the alternative was the risk managers telling jokes, Penny realised she had been let off lightly. Despite the disappointment, Penny was thrilled to hear Brand’s fee, as well as donations on the night, went to the chairman’s charity.

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