QBE's summer party was almost a washout following a downpour as we huddled together under their golf umbrellas on St. Katharine Docks writes Andrew Tjaardstra, editor, PB.

Atlantic race

On Wednesday we were invited to the official re-naming of the Atlantic Quest to QBE Insurance Challenge, I preferred the first name, but never mind. QBE's Colin O'Farrell, head of marine and energy, did the honours by smashing a bottle of champagne over the boat. Two intrepid rowers are going to compete in the Woodvale Atlantic Rowing Race this December. Considered one of the toughest tests of endurance, James Croome and Oliver Back will row the Atlantic in 55 days and help raise money for the East Anglia's Children's Hospices and the Multiple Sclerosis Society - good luck chaps! As for the party, we moved inside to Zizzi where plenty of Pimm's and pizza was on hand.

Talking of charity, Martin Holden, commercial director at Wigan-based broker Allied Insurancehas annother hard and tough test: it involves swimming in the Rivington Reservoir for 2.4 miles, cycling for 112 miles and a marathon length run of 26.2 miles. Martin is raising money for the Pelican Cancer Foundation www.justgiving.com/ironmanuk2009

Judging and cricket

Meanwhile, on Monday, I joined some esteemed and experienced insurance broking experts to help judge the UK Broker Awards. Find the shortlist here: www.ukbrokerawards.com/shortlist.html It is a great event happening on 11 September in London, (tables are still available).

I managed to spend a day at the cricket and it seemed a lot of businesses were without their senior staff as no less than Sir Stuart Rose, executive chairman and chief executive of Marks and Spence and John O'Roarke, managing director of LV's general insurance business were enjoying the sunshine. After a remarkable partnership between Cook and Strauss, England resumed business as usual with a characteristic middle order slump, the cheer we gave Freddie Flintoff on entrance, deserved more than the four runs he managed. Clearly inspired his bowling though as a five wicket haul in the second innings has just left England 1-0 up in the series.  

Football competition

Our football competition with Allianz is still open; so if your son or daughter is aged between 14 and 16, and into their football, they could be going to Munich on 26-30 August and watching Bayern Munich play in addition to training with their coaches. They can enter here:  http://www.footballcamp.allianz.com/ and tell us why they should win.

STOP PRESS

The Conservatives have outlined plans to scrap the Financial Services Authority if they gain power Read here for the full story: www.broking.co.uk/insurance-age/news/1468952/tories-set-scrap-fsa   

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