Clive Nicholls, chief executive officer of GAB Robins UK, has a thing about gerbils and helpful head office staff
What newspaper do you read?
The Times
What career did you want to have when you were a child?
Motorcycle trials rider
What was the worst business decision you have ever made?
Underestimating the time it takes for cultural change
What do you like best about insurance?
It's not fixed yet
What would you do tomorrow if you left the insurance industry?
Run my own business in the West Country
How do you relax if you do not play golf?
Mountain biking
What is the biggest insurance claim you have ever made?
Water damage to a lounge carpet a long time ago – GAB Robins has made a few
larger claims relating to my company cars over the years
Who do you most admire?
Sir John Harvey-Jones
Do you have an unfulfilled ambition?
To cycle from Land's End to John O' Groats
On dress down Friday, what do you wear?
A suit – we do not have dress down Friday
How many people have you sacked?
Right now I would prefer to concentrate on a major recruitment campaign we are running
What is your favourite quote?
Don't fix the blame, fix the problem
What is your most over-used phrase?
They never told me it would be like this
What was your education?
Unorthodox, I left school with one O Level, but I am still learning
What advice would you give someone starting in insurance today?
Common sense and people first, then build as wide a base of insurance skills as possible
Where did you grow up?
Middlesex, followed by Essex, followed by Devon
What was your first job?
Shop assistant by day, barman by night
What keeps you awake at night?
Very little apart from the kids
What is your favourite film?
The Last Boy Scout
What is your favourite book?
All Together Now by Sir John Harvey-Jones
What is your favourite tea?
I drink coffee
What is your favourite joke?
I am here from head office and I am here to help
How often do you use public transport?
Every day
Who do you vote for?
My company
How did you vote in the last election?
Where I live in South Oxfordshire, even a gerbil with a blue rosette would win
Are you in favour of the Euro? Yes/No?
Is that about 63p?
