60 Seconds With... Foil’s Pete Allchorne

Explain your job to a five-year-old.

My job is about helping businesses with change – be that changes in technology or changes in the law – so that they can continue to be successful.

What has been the highlight of your career to date?

Assuming the role of President of the Forum of Insurance Lawyers in November 2023. It is a huge privilege to lead the organisation that represents more than 8,000 insurance lawyers like me, and which does so much excellent collaborative work around civil justice reform, and within the industry more broadly.

What would you name your autobiography? 

The Change Agent.

If you could learn any new skill, what would it be?

Like three quarters of the adult population, I regret not learning to play a musical instrument when I was a child. I would love to be able to play the piano or guitar. Maybe one day.

If you could be a fictional character, which one would it be?

It would have to be the famous time-traveller, the Doctor. While my day job involves looking ahead, I’ve always been fascinated by history and quite fancy the idea of travelling back through time.

What chore do you hate most? 

Cleaning. It used to be ironing, but practice makes perfect and I now find it weirdly therapeutic.

What did you buy with your first wage packet? 

A new set of speakers for my late 1990s music system.

What would you tell your 18-year-old self today? 

Life is not about accumulating possessions, it’s about making memories.  Believe in yourself, and others will believe in you.

What song is guaranteed to make you smile or dance?
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson and Bruno Mars

What sporting event that you’ve never attended is top of your bucket list?  

My whole family are avid Formula One fans, and the Monaco Grand Prix is the ultimate race in the calendar.

If you could go back in time to any point in history, where would you go? 

I would go back to the the third dynasty (Pyramid Age) in ancient Egypt. I’d love to witness how they built them.

What is one fact about you that would surprise your colleagues?

I sing second tenor in a male voice choir.

What one thing couldn’t you live without? 

Crisps. They are my Achilles heel.

How do you define success?

Being happy and fulfilled in my life, both inside and outside of work, and helping to care for and grow those around me.

What was the last lie you told?

“Sorry, I didn’t see your message.”