An insurance broker from Locks Heath stayed cool under the pressure and the spotlight to win a national Mastermind-style competition.
After finishing third last year, Tony Knight, who runs Knightsure Insurance Brokers, was determined to be the winner of the annual Insurance Times Brokermind.
Tony Knight wins Brokermind
He took to the signature big black chair of the BBC show and answered questions on insurance and his specialist subject Tony Hancock by host John Humphrys – who also presents the television programme.
Around 700 insurance brokers entered the competition, sponsored by Zurich, after it was launched in May at the BIBA conference.
Mr Knight made it through the semi-finals and came out victorious in the tense final of the contest held at the Soho Hotel in London.
“It was very pleasing and it’s quite a major achievement,” the 60-year-old said.
“Last year I came third. I knew I could improve on it and fortunately I have. It’s quite stressful – you’ve got the light, the drums and the big black chair like you’re on Mastermind.
“You certainly feel the pressure when you’re sitting there because you’ve got the spot light in your face and John Humphrys on the other side of you.”
He won a trophy and £2,000 to go to the sporting event of his choice, with £250 for travel and accommodation. Mr Knight is not yet sure what event he will choose but is considering the Commonwealth Games or Wimbledon.
“It demonstrates I know what I’m talking about with insurance – or at least with Tony Hancock,” he laughed.