5QI, Alan Knowles, Cura & PDG
1. What was the first record/CD/download you can remember buying?
I wish I could say it was something like Metallica or AC/DC but actually the first CD I ever owned was George Formby's 'When I'm cleaning Windows', but not by choice, my grandparents bought for me saying it was a classic. And still today I find myself randomly humming it. The first CD I can remember buying myself was one of the 'Now That's What I Call Music' albums from the 90s.
2. What is your biggest pet hate about the world of financial services?
No specific 'pet hate' as I think we do a lot of good things in our industry, but if I had to pick something it would be too much internal talk. We agree more people need protection, we agree that not enough 'advisers' recommend protection and we agree that the public's perception of protection isn't great. But with the exception of 7 Families, we continue to talk and not take enough action.
3. What is your favourite film, and why?
I'm a bit of a geek (well more than a bit) so it's Star Wars all the way. And I'm one of those Star Wars geeks who refuses to acknowledge the existence of The Phantom Menace.
4. If you could pick any job in the world to do, what would you choose?
Since I was a kid I loved writing fiction. If I could do anything and know I'd be able to feed my family doing it, I'd write fantasy novels.
5. If you could change one thing overnight about the protection industry, what would it be?
At the risk of upsetting some big insurers, intermediaries and maybe the public (so everyone!), I'd put the prices up, especially for term assurance. With higher prices we could increase the pool of 'acceptable lives' and reduce the loadings applied to people with existing medical conditions. So don't shoot me, but put the prices up and cover more people!
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