Broking break: And finally

My hidden talent

Picture the scene: I am walking down the corridor of a hospital in the North West, dressed in full motorcycle leathers and hi-vis like something from a sci-fi movie, on my way to the neonatal unit.

When I arrive, I’m greeted with a warm smile and a hug from a nurse, which is quite overwhelming and draws a tear to my eye.

What I had just completed was the delivery of donated breast milk for the benefit of several tiny little wrigglers, whose mums were not able to produce.

I am a volunteer motorcycle rider for Manchester Blood Bikes, a charity that provides a free out-of-hours service for the NHS, delivering blood, platelets, samples, medication, equipment and donated milk across the region.

I don’t give up my time because I get to ride big motorcycles (great perk though) but because I want to give something back and repay the dedication a commitment shown by the staff at the many establishments from which I collect and deliver.

At 3 am in the morning, the motorways can be a very lonely and eerie place, but to know that I am in some way helping save or improve a life is so incredibly fulfilling that words fail me….

Bruce Fayle, audit and conduct risk manager, RWA

Why I chose insurance

I always wanted a career in the financial services sector, perhaps banking or accounting, but then I got an opportunity in a claims department. This was a stepping stone to an underwriting role, which itself led me to where I am today having realised it was where I wanted to be: a broker. The best part of the job is sitting and talking with people, helping them, their business and resolving their problems. Let’s be honest, insurance itself is not the most exciting subject, but helping clients is what makes it interesting and keeps all of us returning day after day.

Richard Barry, account executive, Sutcliffe & Co

Pet of the month - Bambam and Mushki

Markel UK underwriter Jade Knight’s rabbits

“They are one year old and enjoy running really fast in circles like they are crazy, they annoy me when I am doing my make-up in the morning by jumping on my lap to see what I’m doing. They also love carrots!”

On the spot

Affinity Brokers’ Yvonne McKnight on diplomacy, globetrotting and young talent

▶ My favourite book is…

…I don’t have one particular favourite but I love autobiographies. I’m curious about people and I really enjoy reading about other people’s experiences, whether it be politicians, entrepreneurs, comedians or survivors. A recent highlight was Beyond Belief about a woman who escaped the Church of Scientology. It was fascinating.

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

…diplomat. Even from a very young age it seemed like an incredibly interesting and glamourous career. I studied foreign languages as a result, before my career brought me in to the industry.

▶ The funniest person in insurance is…

…my husband. Well he makes me laugh at least! We work in the same industry but not together and it helps to have someone who understands the industry to laugh with, and vent to, at the end of a long day or week.

▶ The three foods I could not live without are…

…cheese, chocolate and sushi, in that order.

▶ My dream job would be…

…globetrotting as a travel editor, staying in fantastic hotels and getting paid for it. Can you think of anything better?

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

…establishing and implementing the Young Professional of the Year award with the Insurance & Actuarial Society of Glasgow. Myself and Gillian Mooney launched this award with the support of our local institute in 2014.  As an industry it is imperative that we attract young talent to the profession, and recognise their hard work. It was such a wonderful experience to nurture this award together and form part of the judging panel. The achievements of the nominees in the inaugural year, and each year since, has been mind-blowing.

Yvonne McKnight, operations/marketing director and co-owner, Affinity Brokers