Some of our staff really did have to get their hands dirty on an engagement with our new client Elite Insurance.

Elite have recently signed a shirt-sleeve sponsorship deal with London rugby club Saracens, the reigning Aviva Premiership champions, and have been working with Barker Brooks to promote the partnership.

One of their first events was to host the Elite Rugby 7s tournament at the HAC ground in the City of London, assisted by players and coaches from Saracens. Barker Brooks felt the north of England should be represented, so we entered a team of our own led by their Business Development duo Ben Rushton and James Hyett, and 'managed' by Saracens' England winger David Strettle.

The standard of play was higher than expected, and the tackling was committed to say the least. Rather to the surprise of everybody, though, Barker Brooks ran out eventual winners. We received our trophy from rugby legend Hugh Vyvyan, the Premiership's most capped player.

“We've had some interesting business development experiences in the past,” said Ben, “but full contact body checking with clients is a new one on me. It was a bit tactless to win, maybe, but the honour of the company was at stake!”

Our brave and somewhat battered staff are looking forward to taking it easy for a few days.