**1. What was your first job?**
At university I sold Shagrags (first two letters of my surname), fun boardshorts which I had made. It made me realize that quality products can be sold at premium prices. Before university I had a job working in the medical department of Foyle’s bookshop in Charing Cross Road.
**2. What was the best advice you were ever given?**
Our family motto is _Facta non Verba_ (deeds not words). I try to live by that as it is part of my family crest. At GPFO you are only as good as your last event.
**3. Which was the last book you read?**
_Decline and Fall_ by Evelyn Waugh. However, I read a lot about naval history as it runs strongly in my family, especially information on Nelson and Augustus Agar, one of my relatives who won a Naval VC at Kronstadt.
**4. What would be the first item on your bucket list?**
A holiday!
**5. Who inspires you?**
Winston Churchill, for his leadership in times of trouble and his enjoyment of a good cigar or two.
**6. What does your ideal weekend involve?**
Barbecuing with family and friends and my dogs. But if being totally selfish I do enjoy casting a fly over some trout on a local river. More often than not you will find me out with a chainsaw and chopping wood.
**7. How long can you go without your mobile?**
I would love to switch it off, but unfortunately as a company and with the families we work with it is 24/7 due to time zones.
**8. What advice would you give the young you?**
Try, try and try again. You will be knocked down but never give up.
**9. What would be your luxury item on Desert Island Discs?**
A box of Cuban cigars and my Morris Minor!
**10. Who would you most like to meet, and why?**
Bill Gates and Warren Buffett – two inspirational figures of today. However, the Queen inspires me for her loyalty and duty and symbolises the ultimate standard to all her subjects.
