Michael Mann’s decision to swap opera for operations paid off when he won a top customer service award. He gave up commuting to the Royal Opera House for a job with PPP Healthcare in Tunbridge Wells.

He has now been named The Customer Service Newcomer of the Year in the National Customer Service Awards 2002, organised by Quest Media and sponsored by Scottish Equitable.

Michael, who deals with the personal side of the business, handling daily queries relating to member policies, was presented with the award at the Grosvenor House Hotel in London.

The judges said: "Michael's great strength is his style and panache--his positive attitude shines through whether dealing with the occasional unhappy customer or instigating team building activities."