Insurance can seem dull, especially smal business insurance. But behind every small business claim there is a human story: tragedy, pathos and perhaps even comedy.

In a move that sees two very different writing worlds collide, the ‘bard of Salford’ was appointed by Hiscox as its first ‘(Under)Writer in Residence’. In his new role, Cooper Clarke has composed five original poems, inspired by some of the most colourful claims handled by the insurer – from a wildlife photographer who had his equipment stolen by baboons, to a thieving poltergeist, and a farmer who claimed for the loss of his prize bull’s semen.

(Under)writer in Residence won the PR Week Awards for Best Financial Services Campaign at the 2024 PR Week Awards.