Declan Treanor, chief executive of Garwyn loss adjusters

Didn't quite happen…

My original plan, when leaving Ireland in the mid ‘70’s, was to go to Denmark with two friends and pursue a career in hotel management. But the pals bottled out and I took a one way ticket to London instead – I heard the beer was cheaper! And that was the start of my career in the insurance industry, with me celebrating 30 years with Garwyn this year. Not quite what I had planned at the start but definitely a very rewarding – although often challenging – outcome!

Proudest moment…

Well second only to getting spliced. This was completing the management buy-out of Garwyn in December 2005. I passionately believe in what the Garwyn business has created and delivers to our clients and when the opportunity arose to lead the MBO I had absolutely no doubts in my mind. With the backing and expertise of Barclays Venture Capital we have been able to inject a new energy into the business – combining the best of new technology with the fantastic heritage of the organisation and a team of really great people.

A bit like little Ern…

My secret ambition has always been to be a playwrighter. But unfortunately I am probably more like Little Ern - in more ways than one – than Alan Bennett. However, I have been able to satisfy my ambitions to some extent by financially supporting a friend who wrote a play about Frankie Howerd – and I got my money back!

Titchmarsh wannabe…

I have come to gardening quite late in life. We bought a property with a garden for the first time 3 years ago and since then I have been attempting to nurture my horticultural skills. However, I think I am more Edward Scissorhands than Monty Don! I am unlikely to give The Gardeners World Team any serious competition anytime soon.

Majorca versus Machu Pichu...

I recently attended a charity event for Leukaemia Research and, carried along by the spirit of the evening, ended up successfully bidding for a week’s holiday in Majorca. The cause is definitely deserving, but the trip may not rate quite as special as one of my most memorable holidays, Machu Pichu in 2001. The experience of walking through the archway to that spectacular scene at dawn was breathtaking!

Declan Treanor is chief executive of Garwyn loss adjusters.

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