Broking break: And finally

My hidden talent

When people ask me what ‘my sport’ is, I enjoy letting them guess. Badminton is rarely top of their list - especially for a girl from Ireland! I started playing when I was eight in church halls and the back garden, and was invited to join the major racquets club to develop further. My first cap for Ulster came when I was 12 on the Under-13 team, before earning my first cap for Ireland at 13 for the Under-15s. I was lucky enough to play for both Ulster and Ireland up until I was 19, travelling around Ireland, the UK and Europe. Carving out a career playing badminton wasn’t an option but I’m so grateful for everything the sport has taught me. I’m competitive, hardworking and ambitious because of it. I still play for Middlesex county and at club level — and will continue for as long as my knees allow me.

Gemma Ritchie, operations director, Capsicum Delegated Authority

Why I chose insurance

I decided to enter the industry after the frustrating process of insuring my first car. I realised that there was a gap in the market for a company that focused on young drivers and could actually give useful advice to them. A successful crowdfunding round helped to turn my idea into a fully FCA-regulated broker. We now have a company that prioritises customers’ needs, gives them the help they require when selecting insurance policies and isn’t just focused on volume. 

James Noble, managing director, MyFirstUK

Pet of the month - Molly

Molly belongs to Clive Nicholls, UK & Ireland CEO at Crawford & Company. She is a one-year-old German Shorthaired Pointer that loves running across fields.

On the spot

Broker Network’s Richard Pitt on his attempts at farming and his love of curry

▶ My favourite book is…

…The Green Mile. Mr Bojangles the mouse gets me every time! Also, anything by Mills and Boon!

▶ When I was a child I wanted to be a…

…farmer. I tried it out for a while but it turns out that having severe hayfever isn’t a particularly useful quality when working in fields all day…

▶ The funniest person in insurance is…

…Paul Meehan – I’ve never seen such a bold dress sense. You should have seen him at the Broker Network Christmas do… Bright red tartan suit, anyone?

▶ The three foods I could not live without are…

…I survive purely on the tears of our competitors. Apart from that, I love a Twix. And definitely, curry, curry and curry.

▶ My dream job would be…

…chief network officer at Broker Network of course! I love helping businesses to be the best they want to be. I’d also like to be a judge on the Great British Curry Off.

▶ My best moment in insurance (so far!) was…

…thinking of, creating and delivering the organic growth programme – it’s such an exciting project and we’re seeing some stunning results.

Richard Pitt, chief network officer, Broker Network