Penny Speed meets... Mark Smith, director – claims, Topmark Claims Management

Being an insatiable socialite, Penny Black is always eager to probe the personalities behind the professional veneer of her industry friends. What better way to squeeze in and share as many intimate revelations as possible than her very own ‘speed meeting’ column? This week, it’s the turn of Topmark’s Colin Hawes.

What was your first ever job - and were you any good at it?
A ballboy for Celtic FC. Yes, once threw the ball back to Johan Cryuff in a European cup match

What's your favourite quote or motto?
Living the dream

If you had the power, what words or phrase would be banned?
"That can't be done!" - anything is possible 

What would be your chosen superpower?
The healing factor of Wolverine

Who would play you in a film of your life?
Tom Hanks

What is your worst habit?
Insisting my brother stays out for one more beer 

If you could go back in time, when and where would you go? 
Ancient Rome

What would your death row meal be?
Garlic mushrooms, penne arrabiata and tiramisu cooked by Nigella Lawson, served by Susanna Reid, while Kylie Minogue sang in the background 

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
A printer

What is the strangest claim you have ever heard about?
I can't tell you. I am writing a book about them as there have
been so many

What was the last gift you gave someone?
A bottle of champagne

Wine or beer?
Both

Strictly or X-Factor?
Strictly

Pizza or Chinese?
Pizza 

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• Topics
• Penny Black
• Claims