Lloyd's, A Profitable Future

Sometimes a picture really does tell a thousand words. Looking at Andrew Horton, the cerebral CEO of London insurer, Beasley, wearing a crumpled suit and open neck shirt at last week's Insurance Insider London Market Conference, he perfectly encapsulated the insurance market's current difficulties. Ultra keen to be seen as vibrant, modern and inclusive, the image projected is of an affluent man and market, ill at ease with sweeping trends and changes (capital, technology and consolidation). A collar that is missing the certainty of a silk tie. A market missing the certainty of premium rate increases. Perhaps the tie will reappear at industry events before the London Market's fortunes demonstrably improve? That would send a strong signal of intent.