Penny Speed meets... Mark Smith, director – claims, Topmark Claims Management
Being an insatiable socialite, Penny Black is always eager to probe the personalities behind the professional veneer of her industry friends. What better way to squeeze in and share as many intimate revelations as possible than her very own ‘speed meeting’ column? This week, it’s the turn of Topmark’s Colin Hawes.
What was your first ever job - and were you any good at it?
A ballboy for Celtic FC. Yes, once threw the ball back to Johan Cryuff in a European cup match
What's your favourite quote or motto?
Living the dream
If you had the power, what words or phrase would be banned?
"That can't be done!" - anything is possible
What would be your chosen superpower?
The healing factor of Wolverine
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Tom Hanks
What is your worst habit?
Insisting my brother stays out for one more beer
If you could go back in time, when and where would you go?
Ancient Rome
What would your death row meal be?
Garlic mushrooms, penne arrabiata and tiramisu cooked by Nigella Lawson, served by Susanna Reid, while Kylie Minogue sang in the background
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A printer
What is the strangest claim you have ever heard about?
I can't tell you. I am writing a book about them as there have
been so many
What was the last gift you gave someone?
A bottle of champagne
Wine or beer?
Both
Strictly or X-Factor?
Strictly
Pizza or Chinese?
Pizza
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