Penny Black’s Social Diary: ABIenders and City elections

Insurance meets politics in Billingsgate

Insurtech UK CEO Melissa Collett took to LinkedIn to announce her candidacy for Common Councillor in Billingsgate Ward, with her running mate Nighat Qureishi, who is a reinsurance support manager for Sompo International.

The dynamic duo appear quite determined to champion the interests of insurance, tech, legal, financial services and SME businesses. A noble pursuit indeed. All the best to Collett in her new adventure with City politics!

I was particularly charmed by the comments section, with many familiar industry voices rallying behind her. Support from “across the pond” in Hartford (the self-proclaimed #insurancecapital, no less) shows Collett’s influence extends well beyond EC3.

Melissa’s later LinkedIn announcement that the duo was successful was the cherry on top and the congratulations rolled in once more.

It has me contemplating an alternative career as a campaigner for insurance professionals venturing into politics. After all, who better than your favourite insurance social columnist to spread the word?

Penny’s Lunch Box

The Association of British Insurers annual conference offered mash in a box with gravy and chicken. Not the easiest to eat standing up with a fork.

Much like the lunch boxes at ITC London, which I previously praised, these containers at least solve the eternal problem of balancing one’s plate while networking. However, a hot, saucy dish presents unique challenges – the anxiety of spilling gravy down one’s finest conference attire is hardly conducive to thoughtful industry discussion.

The vegetarian option with couscous and vegetable curry seemed better than many of the boring cuisine typically accepted by Post’s resident vegetarian Tom Luckham. Although his simple review saying “it’s fine” didn’t inspire much confidence.

Three stars – a valiant effort but one must question the wisdom of serving dishes that demand such concentration during what should be casual networking.