For the 18th day of advent, Stuart Reid, chairman at Partners& and Pikl and Insurance Times columnist, offers some industry optimism and wishes for fewer surprises next year

1. What was your insurance industry highlight of 2024?

Despite all that has been thrown our way, we remain such a strong industry and the envy of many, which we should not forget.

Stuart Reid Christmas

Stuart Reid

Our friends across the pond are as eager as ever to gain a foothold in our industry, which is proof in itself.

Our financial resilience, the predominance of annual renewals and our cash generation is enviable. We are generally lucky to be in a place that is generationally strong.

2. What is your Christmas message for your insurance colleagues? 

Eat, be merry and take a proper break.

Do switch off those mobiles, don’t check emails and have some festive cheer. I have never known such pressure for those in our sector, so let’s forget it all for a while and, if you can, enjoy being with your family and friends.

3. What do you hope to find under the industry’s Christmas tree for 2025? 

No surprises. I fear I may be wrong with so much looming, not least the car finance scandal, but be of hope.

We have so much to be proud of and we should not be shy in saying it.

I also need some new socks.