Is it a brid? Is it a plane?...No, it's Brokerman

Added: (Thu Oct 27 2005)

Pressbox (Press Release) - BOSSES at one of Lancashire’s top firms of independent financial advisers couldn’t believe their eyes when Clark Kent applied for a job as a commercial insurance broker.

But they had to look twice at the interview when it became obvious he was an actual dead ringer for Superman himself.

Clark, 34, who lives in the Metropolis of Morecambe, put in a hero’s performance to land the job with the commercial insurance division of Preston firm, Taylor Patterson, which has recently announced its best ever financial year end since it was established more than 20 years ago.

Although he doesn’t possess any superhuman powers or a red-cape and underpants, Clark does have several years of experience under his shiny yellow belt which includes spells at PremierLine Direct, part of the Allianz Cornhill group, and Swinton Insurance.

Robert Cholmondeley, director of Taylor Patterson Insurance Services, said: “I have to admit the name did stand out from the rest and sheer curiosity wanted me to see whether he actually looked like the original.

“Nevertheless, Clark has a great deal of experience in the industry and he is a quality addition to the team.”

Man of steel, Clark, who was the first ever Clark Kent to be registered in the UK, said: “Luckily I am the type of character who enjoys the attention. Throughout my education and career people have questioned whether Clark is actually my real name. It has certainly helped me out when applying for jobs or meeting new friends as it is such a famous name which stands out.

“I am delighted to have joined Taylor Patterson, which is renowned throughout the industry for providing specialist insurance advice and I am looking forward to using all my skills to maintain and develop that reputation. The jokes have been flying thick and fast but they are in good spirits.”

Clark, who even has a Superman tattoo on his shoulder, also has his very own Lois Lane – wife Katrina. She said: “We used to work for the same insurance company but in different towns and when he told me he was called Clark Kent I thought he was taking the Mickey - I didn’t believe it was his real name. But he loves all the attention and the older he gets the more he looks like Christopher Reeve.”

His father Alan Kent, owner of the Blue Mountain restaurant, Morecambe, said: “My surname is Kent and we decided that we would call our first son Clark. When he was born Superman was also going through a revival so that was it.

“We also thought that if you have an unusual name people recognise it and it brings you attention but he’s never complained and he has really enjoyed being called Clark.”

However, mum Chrissy added: “When I met Alan more than 50 years ago he told me then that he wanted to call his first son Clark – but I think it’s because he really wanted to be called it himself! But Clark is a good lad and a great dad and if anyone ever asked him to do something for them he would do whatever he could to help them – so to us he is a real superman.”


ENDS.

Notes to Editors

Taylor Patterson employs more than 50 staff in Preston, Sheffield and Cumbria. It provides a full range of independent financial advisory services, including investment, insurance, personal tax planning, pensions, corporate and personal financial planning advice, to businesses, and high net worth individuals.

All media enquiries, please contact:
Michael Gregory or Kieran Howlett, Freshfield PR
01772 888400 or (firstname)@freshfield.com