Penny Speed meets... Barrie King, Branch Manager, Birmingham and Bristol, Axa

What was your first ever job — and were you any good at it?
I worked as a graphic designer. I had talent but was too young, too inexperienced and, therefore, couldn’t make enough money

If an MP3 player really could only hold three tunes, what would you select for the ultimate soundtrack to your life?
Unbelievable by EMF
Big Yellow Taxi by Counting Crows
Heaven Help Us All by Stevie Wonder

Who was your top teenage pin-up?
Deborah Harry. No contest

My colleagues won’t know this about me but...
Aged 13, I was an illustrator for my local newspaper. I produced a weekly comic strip

Favourite book of all time?
I, Partridge by Alan Partridge

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Don’t buy anything you can’t afford and never get into debt

What would be your chosen superpower?
Become a ‘jumper’, as in the film of the same name. I love travelling but don’t like waiting in airports or traffic

If you could be Prime Minister for the day, what change would you instigate and why?
I’d make changes to encourage more investment into manufacturing within the UK. I believe that a strong manufacturing base is essential for a healthy economy

How would a typical school report about you read?
Not utterly convinced that struggling family finances are a valid enough excuse for him never to show up at school wearing a uniform

My top tip for climbing the insurance career ladder is...
Work hard and keep an open mind about your future without restricting your options to one particular discipline or area

What’s the most annoying thing people do in your office?
Drink awful coffee

My last supper would comprise...
Chicken and chips followed by Häagen-Dazs ice cream, washed down with Woodford Reserve Kentucky Bourbon

Who has been the most influential person in your life?
My Gran. Born into poverty as one of 13 children from a small mining town, she was the biggest single influence on me. She taught me the meaning of hard work

When I’m not working I like to...
Keep as much variety in my life as possible. I play squash, travel, spend time with family and friends, watch a bit of sport, and eat in good restaurants

Last film you saw?
Alien. I recently saw it in HD and its unique look and design still impresses me today

Name your five ideal dinner party guests (dead or alive) noting what they bring to the party
Roberto Duran, the greatest boxer who ever lived
Pele, my childhood footballing hero
Micky Flanagan, to keep it light and provide laughs
Anthony Hopkins, to add a bit of class and culture to proceedings
Beyonce, a stunning live performer with an incredible voice

Marmite: food of the gods or work of the devil?
Food of the gods. I’ve eaten it almost every day since I was a very young child

Finish this sentence: Insurance is a great industry to work in because...
It’s diverse, at times exciting, constantly evolving and teeming with talented people

Would you like to be probed by Penny on one of her speed meets? Get in touch via stephanie.denton@incisivemedia.com