Hawke’s Bay farmers cash in with new board game

Press, 14 November 1987, Page 15

Hawke’s Bay farmers cash in with new board game

By

TONY VERDON

in London

Three Hawke’s Bay farmers are cashing in on the ups and downs of the insurance world, with-the launching in Britain of a new board game. Imaginary world events ranging from the hijacking of a warship in the Mediterranean to a £1 million reward for the capture of the-Loch Ness monster, all play a part in the game, “Underwriter — the Names Game.” The game was devel-

oped by a deer farmer, Mr Digby Livingstone, with two sheep farmers, Mr Andrew Coltart and Mr Selby Palmer, and went on sale in Britain recently. The game is based on the Lloyd’s of London insurance market, and the uncertainties of underwriting insurance risks. Both Mr Palmer and Mr Coltart are underwriting members of Lloyds. The three men are also partners in McGinty’s

Restaurant in Hastings, and are being promoted in Britain as “art collecting, restaurant-owning farmers from Down Under.”

The trio’s latest project went on sale in London last week, and the firm marketing the game hopes about 5000 will be sold between now and Christmas.

People involved in the insurance and financial world of London are being targeted as prospective buyers initially, al-

though a wider market will be tapped next year. The game is selling for £29.95 in Britain, or about $B4, and is packaged in navy and gold in an effort “to reflect the tradition and credibility of the insurance profession." Although those marketing the game do not expect it to match the phenomenal success of “Trivial Pursuit,” they say there is a niche for the up-market “Underwriter” game. “Underwriter” is a game for two to four people or teams, with each assuming the role of an underwriter and managing a syndicate portfolio board across which the risks are spread. Ensuing "international events” around the board have a direct bearing on each portfolio, and so the player’s profit or loss.

The board includes four insurance categories, in

keeping with the syndicate portfolios, aviation, marine, non-marine and motor. Each category carries a different riskweighting, with aviation being ..designated high risk and motor, very low risk. As play progresses, players are dealt a series of risk cards that reflect the loss and profit expectations of each business class. The board squares dictate other ups and downs, such as stock losses, solvency tests, and opportunities to boost share capacity and redistribute syndicate risk spread.

The initial idea for the game came from Mr Livingstone’s wife, Juliet, and was developed over many hours at the trio’s Hastings restaurant.

It is understood the game will soon also be available in New Zealand.