Alan Harris, general manager of Avon Insurance, loves cooking but hates washing up
What newspapers do you read?
The Times, Financial Times and, of course, Insurance Times
What career did you want to have when you were a child?
I wanted to build something as an architect
What do you like best about insurance?
The people. In our company, the brokers and staff come first and the business succeeds because of it
What would you do tomorrow if you left the insurance industry?
Run a restaurant. I would do the cooking if someone else would wash up
What is your favourite film?
Sidney Lumet's Twelve Angry Men
What is your favourite book?
Cider with Rosie by Laurie Lee
What is the biggest insurance claim you have ever made?
My house was flooded in Easter 1998. Luckily, I was insured by a first-class Stratford-based insurer
What advice would you give someone starting in insurance today?
Qualify and learn, but don't stop there. Use your qualifications to learn more
Who do you most admire?
Jack Nicklaus for never knowing when he was beaten. As a result, he was hardly ever beaten
Do you have an unfulfilled ambition?
To cook alongside one of the top chefs
What is your favourite quote?
If people listened to themselves more often, they would talk less
What is your most over-used phrase?
What does that mean for the bottom line...?
What keeps you awake at night?
My three-year-old son, Michael. It's OK though; he's fast asleep by the time my alarm goes off
How do you relax if you do not play golf?
I play squash to relax after playing golf
What was your first job?
Trainee underwriter (and general dog's body) in Newcastle
Where did you grow up?
Chester-le-Street, County Durham
What was your education?
Chester-le-Street Grammar School, City University
Business School
What is your favourite tea?
From the machine on our second floor. It's very good for stripping paint
What is your favourite joke?
See below
How often do you use public transport?
Once a week. The Cotswold line to London run by Great Western. Nice scenery, but the journey is only worthwhile because of the modern rolling stock, pleasant staff and excellent catering. Please see question above
Are you in favour of the Euro?
Yes. But we need the media to calm down so that we can enter sensibly, unemotionally and in a controlled fashion
Hosted by comedian and actor Tom Allen, 34 Gold, 23 Silver and 22 Bronze awards were handed out across an amazing 34 categories recognising brilliance and innovation right across the breadth of UK general insurance.
