Meet the Team: Debbie Palmer
Welcome to our Coffee Cup Corner where we take a minute to catch up with our colleagues and uncover the people behind the policies. Read on to find out more about Account Broker Debbie Palmer, who tells us about her role at Xenia, her dream job and more.
Full name:
Debbie Palmer
Job title:
Account Broker
How long have you worked at Xenia?
I have worked at Xenia for a total of 13 years.
What is an Account Broker?
I’m the day to day contact for any credit limits (including Trade Credit limits), overdues and claims, or any queries that clients have about their credit and surety insurance, as well as any other policies we offer here at Xenia Broking.
How did you get into the insurance sector?
I applied for a job as a junior audio typist back in 1990 and got the job…I’ve been in the insurance industry ever since, although people type their own letters/emails etc these days and I’ve progressed a bit too…no longer a junior (although in my head I’m still young)!
What do you do at Xenia Broking and what does your typical day look like?
A typical day is helping to secure credit limits, making sure that overdue’s are reported on time and monitored, and also the main thing is to make sure claims are paid. Any day to day issues or questions about the Trade Credit and Surety bonds policies, we offer here at Xenia Broking then I’m here to help.
What do you like about Xenia?
I love the ethos of Xenia, we’re like a family. If you need support for anything, you’ll get it!
What do you enjoy most about your role?
It’s all about making the client happy and making sure that I’ve done all that I can for them.
What's the strangest / funniest / most memorable thing you’ve had to do in your current role?
When attending a Euler Hermes Corporate event at the MEN, (watching Lee Evans) I tried to coax Wayne Rooney out of the box next door to just say “hello”, he wasn’t having any of it and therefore I just had another glass of wine or 6!
Tell us something most people don't know about you / what's your hidden talent?
Mmmmm….I gave up my first job at 19 (typing up sets of financial accounts) to go and work as a barmaid at Butlins. Got there on the Thursday, checked into a B&B on the Friday and was home by Sunday (I’m sure Craig David based his song on this… haha).
What job would you be doing if you weren't doing this one?
A presenter on A Place in the Sun!
A piece of advice you'd give your younger self?
Learn to Drive! It will bring you a world of freedom.
What would you say to a young person who wants to get into the insurance sector?
Go for it! Credit Insurance is a niche business but so interesting. I’ve also loved being able to support/bring through colleagues from knowing nothing, to having the confidence to look after their own portfolio.
Who's your greatest hero or heroine and why?
My family, friends and colleagues are my heroes, without the support from them, I’d not be the person I was today.
What do you do to relax?
I love holidays in the sun, not that many had in the last few years. Socialising is also up there, again, not much of that done either! My three grandchildren don’t actually make me relax, but they’re a pleasure.
Your expert tip:
Make sure you’ve got a credit limit on the correct entity and make sure you report an overdue on time, else this can jeopardise a claim.
To find out more about the people behind Xenia head over to