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Penny Black’s Social Diary: Swiftcover’s meerkats; FT’s doughnuts

Social Diary

Penny Black is back, sharing the tittle-tattle she overheard at insurance industry events, reviewing the quality of buffets at conferences and giving a thumbs up – or down – to the sector’s social media posts.

Swiftcover turns 20

Having a brand mascot is truly a dying art. That’s why I was very pleased to see the Compare the Market meerkats – yes, those iconic mascots – making a cameo to celebrate Swiftcover’s 20th anniversary in Axa UK retail CEO Alain Zweibrucker’s LinkedIn post.

There’s something truly comforting about seeing people dressed in costumes of animals dressed as people, and the outfit choices of a business casual shirt and tie contrasted with a lush velvet robe made it even better.

I’m now debating what Insurance Post’s animal mascot would be. Seeing as our brand colour is blue, I love the idea of a whale, but that doesn’t address the challenge of convincing a member of the team to wear a whale costume.

If you see a blue whale mascot strolling around at our next British Insurance Awards in our legendary bucket hat, you’ll know I was successful.

LinkedIn post from Axa’s Alain Zweibrucker, featuring meerkats celebrating Swiftcover’s 20th anniversary

Penny’s Lunch Box

FT Doughnuts Penny Black

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again: as soon as any food is made into a tiny version, I am instantly impressed.

Our most recent bite-sized delicacy was the mini-doughnut ball served at the Financial Times Global Insurance Summit.

Biting into the powdery pastry and getting the most adorable dollop of jam – rather than the overwhelming mouthful a full doughnut often leaves you with – was truly delightful. Five stars.

Out of context

“You leave the broker out at your peril.”

Lee Harris, insurance correspondent at the Financial Times, has learnt that if you ignore brokers, you should be prepared for your premiums and your sanity to go up in flames.

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