Talking of Dibbs, a frisson of excitement rippled through a reception being held by Barclays recently when guests realised that both Nigel Knowles, the firm's current managing partner, and Paul Rhodes, his illustrious predecessor, were in attendance.

Rhodes' recent move to Dibbs' arch rival Hammond Suddards has caused consternation within the Dibbs camp.

The guests braced themselves for a shouting match – or, better still, a punch-up – but neither happened.

Having circled the room eyeing each other suspiciously for some time, the pair exchanged a few cursory words before disappearing off into the sunset – content, no doubt, to postpone the fight until another day.