Johnny Timpson has described receiving his OBE medal as a “remarkable” experience but said he wanted to share the honour with all of his Access to Insurance colleagues.
In January it was announced that protection industry figurehead and independent consultant Timpson was being awarded an OBE in the Queen’s New Year honour’s list for voluntary services to people with disabilities and to the financial sector.
And yesterday Timpson received his OBE at Windsor Castle from Prince Charles.
Speaking to Health & Protection, Timpson reflected on what he called a “remarkable” experience.
Timpson explained that during a short conversation Prince Charles discussed interest in his work in improving access to financial products and services, and shared his concerns with the cost of living crisis.
But Timpson added that his award had also helped raise the visibility and impact of his work with Access to Insurance – a working group set up in September 2018 which reports to the Cabinet Office through Timpson.
“Since the announcement was made it’s given much more profile to the work I’ve been doing on Access to Insurance and how we need to improve consumer financial resilience to cost of living and income shocks,” Timpson said.
“On the Access to Insurance programme I am one of about 150 industry and charity sector colleagues so frankly I couldn’t have done this without their support. It’s an honour I share with all of them.”
Timpson noted the day was particularly special because he was in the company of around 100 other people including Sir David Attenborough who was collecting his knighthood.
He added that he and his wife were given a walk around Windsor Castle, including an introduction to all of the artefacts and history of the state rooms before being ushered into the final state room to meet Prince Charles.
As for his medal, Timpson revealed his wife is keeping it safe.