The last word: John Hargreaves

What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

After only four months, I’d have to say watch this space. I have a great team and we are working on some interesting projects.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

My economics and history teacher at school – he was great at managing his own time and getting great results.

What’s your dream holiday?

North Cornwall with my family. There’s plenty to do, such as playing golf and falling off surfboards.

Who was the last person you received a text message from?

A loan shark.

What is your favourite sitcom?

Dad’s Army – timeless quality.

What is your favourite film?

The Natural – a hero sports film with a happy ending.

When did you last take a trip on public transport?

Four months ago when I got the train to work.

What is the first thing you would do if you were made Prime Minister for the day?

Bring back grammar schools and fund them with a tax rise on the highest paid.

What three things do you take with you to a desert island?

Sand wedge, practice balls, Penguin Complete Sherlock Holmes Stories.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the lottery?

A house on the Wirral to return to my roots.

What is your best childhood memory?

Boxing with my dad.

How would you describe your leadership style?

Decent – I like to manage a team of individuals who are prepared to express their own views.

What was your biggest mistake in business – and what did you learn from it?

Trusting someone who smiled all the time – I learned to stick with my first instinct in future.

When did you last feel guilty about the environment?

I work for a vehicle manufacturer so it’s difficult. We’ve got greener engines and are developing lots of green technologies that helps ease my guilt.

Which historical character do you most identify with?

CB Fry, the Corinthian of the late-19th/early-20th century. My friends would probably say otherwise.

What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?

Game – I like the idea that it’s had a good life before getting to the table.

Who was your childhood hero?

Joe Royle, an Everton footballer who scored goals.

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?

The Invisible Man, but I won’t say why.

What is your dream car?

The one Dustin Hoffman drives in The Graduate – an Alfa Spider Mk1.

What was a pivotal moment in your life?

Joining Herondrive in 1985 – I met my wife there.

What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Never hurry, never worry, always stop to smell the flowers – you’re not here for very long.

What is the one object you couldn’t live without?

Sadly, probably the remote control for Sky Sports.

What is your favourite book?

The King’s Codebreaker by Andrew Douglas. My friend wrote it and it is a pretty good bit of historical fiction set in a city (Oxford) I know well.