What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?
Helping to build and position Leasedrive into the leading fleet management service provider in the UK.
Who has had the biggest influence on your career?
My wife June, who has always supported me and provided a balanced perspective.
How would you describe your leadership style?
Open, trusting and challenging. Leadership is about creating an environment where people’s passion and creativity can thrive – I think at Leasedrive we do that.
What is your dream holiday?
I would love to take the time to properly travel and see India, China, Vietnam and Cambodia. I’d love to experience the culture and history of those places.
When was the last time you took public transport?
I take the train regularly when travelling to our Birmingham office.
If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you buy?
I would like to own a nice, old property in Cap Ferrat on the Cote d’Azur. I would also love to set up a foundation to get more kids involved in sport.
What has been your biggest mistake in business?
I trusted and went into business with someone who I had a bad feeling about. I have learned to absolutely trust my instinct.
What is your best childhood memory?
Long summer days with my family. And as a child regularly playing three rounds of golf in a day during summer holidays.
What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?
I cant think of anything specific but I love most seafood.
What is your favourite book?
The Long Walk to Freedom, Nelson Mandela’s life story. Simply inspiring – the greatest living human.
What is your favourite sitcom?
Outnumbered – the children are absolutely brilliant.
What advice would you give your 18-year-old self?
Work hard, follow your instinct and always look forward. There’s no point in looking back.
What was the pivotal moment in your life?
From a business point of view it was teaming up with David Bird to buy Leasedrive back in 2003.
What would be the first thing you did if you were made Prime Minister for the day?
Immediately abolish our fascination with political correctness and get politicians focused on making a positive difference and stop worrying if they have said something offensive.
When did you last feel guilty about the environment and why?
Not sure I do. We are all becoming much more environmentally aware – although I recently took three return flights in a 12-day period!
Who was the last person you received a text from?
My friend “magic Pete” in Edinburgh. Don’t ask me to forward it to you.
Who was your childhood hero?
That’s easy – the late, great Seve Ballesteros. His amazing charisma and no-fear approach transformed the game of golf and attracted a whole new breed of players and sponsors.
What is your favourite film?
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. I love to watch it and it still makes me laugh. Jack Nicholson is brilliant.
Which historical character do you most identify with?
Not sure I do, although JFK was kind of cool. He was passionate, driven and likely to surprise you.
What is the one object you couldn’t live without?
Probably my Blackberry.
Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?
Roy of the Rovers. He always led and ended up on the winning team.
What is your dream car?
I would probably like to own a De Lorean – a nice collectors’ item and a reminder of millions of pounds of UK taxpayers’ money wasted!
What three things would you take to a desert island?
A DIY manual to build a house, a solar-powered phone and a boat to go somewhere else if I get bored.
denise sherrington - 08/01/2014 16:06
You are still wonderful My Darling and so successful Happy New Year