I first visited Shanghai in 2005 and have returned at least once a year, adding Beijing to my itinerary along the way. The evolution of the insurance industry during this relatively short period has been rapid and intense.

I have followed the Lloyd’s story in China from the beginning: taking the plunge in the early days recruiting Gu Jin, a very special lady, on to the newly created platform. After slow progress initially, the business has grown significantly despite difficult market conditions, thanks mainly to the quality of people and the relationships we have nurtured on the ground.

A highlight in 2015 was signing a cooperation agreement with the Peoples Insurance Company (PICC) on developing intellectual property insurance in China; a very grand occasion with CEO Inga Beale representing Lloyd’s.

On my visits Gu Jin always looked after me well, allowing just enough time in the few days we had together to do at least one touristy excursion. The pay off was for her to sit in utter enjoyment watching me wrestle with the local food: chicken claws being her favourite.