In each edition of IFM News we’ll be giving you the opportunity to find out a little bit more about a member of our team.
It wouldn’t be right if we didn’t start with our Managing Director, Mark Barlow!
Let’s start with the boring stuff.. how long you have been in the industry?
Over 30 years! I started my career in insurance in 1987 with Prudential as an Underwriter. I then moved into Broking with M & S Insurance and later with Fenchurch.
How long have you been with IFM?
I joined IFM in February 2002 and later became the Managing Director.
If you weren’t in insurance what would you like to do?
Retire!
Where you are from?
I’m from Sheffield and live on the north side of the city in Grenoside. I live with my partner of over 25 years, Anne.
Tell us about your typical weekend – pre lockdown of course!
I have a curry every Friday night from the same curry house, then Saturday it’s breakfast, a round of golf, football at Hillsborough and out for dinner in the evening. Sunday is golf, followed by the pub and then a late Sunday lunch.
What are your hobbies?
Well other than golf and football it has to be travel.
What’s your favourite holiday location?
Portugal. I’ve been there at least once a year for the last 37 years. I first went when I was 16 with my girlfriend at the time. We booked flights and turned up in Albufeira at 11pm with no accommodation.
If you could only eat one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Crisps – any crisps! If pushed I’d say Roast Chicken Walkers Sensations.
What’s your favourite ice cream flavour?
Salted caramel.
What type of music are you into?
Anything! Mainly 80’s and 90’s. Bowie and Heaven 17 are favourites.
What was the last TV show you binge-watched?
Line of Duty. I don’t know why I haven’t watched it sooner but I’m on series 5 at the minute. Peaky Blinders in my all time favourite though.
What do you do on your commute to/from work?
If I’m not talking to clients on the phone then listening to the radio. Either talkSPORT, Virgin or Heart 70’s.
What’s the phone app you use most?
Twitter.
What’s your favourite board game?
Monopoly.
Who is the most famous person you’ve ever met?
I played golf with Annika Sorenstam at Royal Lithum & St Annes.
What’s the one thing that can instantly make your day better?
Sheffield United losing.
What would you change about yourself if you could?
I would go back to my mid-20’s and do it all again!
What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?
A lot would be given away before I’d think about what to do myself.
Tell us something that people might not know about you.
I played in the FA Youth Cup semi final in 1983.
