A coffee with… Mark Noble

1. How do you enjoy working at Romero?

It’s great! I’ve been here almost 3 years, and the company has come such a long way. The future is looking very bright. We work hard, and have a lot of fun along the way.

2. What’s your favourite thing about being here?

I simply look forward to coming to work. My department has a brilliant atmosphere which makes the day very enjoyable. The company does a fantastic job of embracing staff wellbeing and organising events.

3. What have you found most challenging?

Working in IT nothing stays still for long. We are always looking out for new ways of working. Oh, and keeping bad things away from our systems!

4. If you had to sum up your role in one sentence, what would it be?

My department plans, operates and supports Romero’s IT infrastructure so our staff can carry out their roles efficiently, productively and securely. We’ve got to meet multiple business and technical requirements, provide a secure IT infrastructure, and minimise costs.

Sorry, that’s two sentences!

5. What has surprised you most about working here?

Everyone has a voice at Romero and input into daily life at work. There is a real focus on ensuring staff can develop their career as well as being happy at work.

6. What would you like to change about insurance?

If you think IT terminology is bad, the insurance industry is on another level.

7. Where are you in 5 years’ time?

Being part of the Romero train, looking after 100s of happy users.

8. Where is Romero in 5 years’ time?

Without doubt one of the biggest insurance brokers in the UK, and there is absolutely no reason why this can’t happen. We have the staff and work ethic to do it.

9. Where did you work previously, and what did you do?

I’ve always worked in IT, mostly in the retail sector (jewellery).

10. What drives you to succeed?

If my users are happy, I’m happy. I don’t like red error lights, only green.

11. Sum yourself up in 5 words.

Positive, friendly, hardworking, cluttered, happy.

12. What’s your perfect Sunday?

The best day of the week!

Ideally I’d like to wake up on a hill whilst wild camping, however normally I am up early, climb some random mountain with the dog, Sunday pub lunch, and collapse on the sofa!

13. If you were a biscuit, what would you be and why?

I am more of a savoury person – can I pick a scotch egg? Perfectly rounded with a soft centre.

14. What’s your pet hate?

Lateness. I’ll admit to getting rather wound up about it.

15. If you were stranded on a desert island and could take one book, one luxury and one song, what would they be?

I’m ashamed to say I don’t read books apart from when I am researching something random (like building a one man submarine!). So I’ll go for a book on the Yorkshire Dales.

My luxury would be a camping knife. And I am quite partial to a bit of heavy music, so I’ll go with Motorhead – Overkill.