The Cavell Rendez- Vous in Norwich celebrated its tenth anniversary in style. Julian Ward takes a trip down memory lane and pays tribute to the man with the original plan – Jim Moran.

Many moons ago, Jim Moran had a vision. That vision had two parts to it. Firstly, he envisaged an industry forum to promote commutations. Secondly, he believed that it would be possible to collect from reinsurers the incurred but not reported losses (“IBNR”) component of a commutation settlement. Whilst the jury remains out on the collectibility of IBNR, Jim – on behalf of Cavell Management Services –masterminded for the 10th time this June the world’s most recognised and succesful commutations rendezvous. Sure, sister events co-hosted by AIRROC in New Jersey, Global in Cologne and ARC in London have all become fixtures in the calendar, but without question, Cavell Norwich is the original and the best.

This year’s event centred once again around Norwich’s historic St Andrew’s Hall and had all of the same trimmings – the wonderful opening banquet, booths where commutation negotiations were either being hatched or progressed and unrivalled networking opportunities at the many sponsored events and bars. But following a fascinating Oscars awards hosted by PricewaterhouseCoopers, the defining feature of this year’s event was a tribute evening to Jim Moran and his merry band of loyal supporters, the qualification to join being those who have attended each and every one of the ten annual Norwich events.

Surely it was no coincidence that the anniversary dinner was held at the fabulous Caistor Hall Hotel – a mere stumbling distance from Jim’s home residence – and so the stage was set! Fabulous food was accompanied by amusing anecdotes from past rendez-vous– some repeateable … some not! Tales included Kathy Barker of Horizon mistaking a police car for a taxi and asking to be taken from the Maids Head Hotel to the Nelson Hotel… and Chris Dudley locking himself out of his room wearing only his birthday suit!

The evening culminated with reciprocal presentations. Firstly, Nigel Morson of Royal SunAlliance, on behalf of the stalwarts – come – guests, presented an “experience” voucher to Jim in thanks for his hard work, friendship and support . A touchingly emotional Jim was off-balance and speechless for the first time in a decade. He was in no fit state to choose between being pampered at a health farm and white water rafting! As ever, though, Jim had the last say, and after thanking current boss Alan Quilter and his predecessors for their unswerving support implementing his dream, Jim presented to each of the assembled flock a pair of commerative, engraved cut glasses.

The mark of a succesful operation is that it’s branding and success should not rely upon one person. Jim Moran will argue passionately that Cavell Norwich has achieved that, but he stands alone in that view. The words Cavell, Norwich and Moran are inextricably merged as one in the hearts and minds of every single attendee.

This Feature item appeared in issue 107 of JTW News - July - August 2006

Author: Julian Ward - JTW