He started off at Stones and then moved on to Brandprint (Wace), Centre Web and a slew of businesses that became part of Paragon: from Howitt to Lateral Group then DST, ultimately clocking up 25 years with the group. He’s been married to Denise for over 25 years, and they have two sons, George and Alfie. His hobbies include watching lots of sport, travel and “eating and drinking with great company”
What is your nickname?
Some people refer to me as Barbers
Why did you get into printing?
Back in the 80s I worked for NatWest in their advertising department up at King’s Cross House. Flash print owners used to come in and take my boss (BK) out to lunch and I thought “I could do that”. Little did I know…
What would be your dream job?
I don’t play much golf for now, but I have always fancied the lifestyle and the culture of the sport, a professional golfer and all that comes with it, failing that serving cocktails in my own beach bar somewhere exotic
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
James Gandolfini, if he was still alive
What is your dream bit of kit?
An iPhone X that has a perfect signal wherever you are
What is your favourite film?
I haven’t a film that is a single stand out, but I have always loved the James Bond films
What is your favourite TV programme?
At the moment Race Across The World as my eldest son George and I have just entered for the next series
What is your favourite album?
You will probably need to ask my neighbours that question!
What book are you reading at the moment?
Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson. A colleague gave it to me?!
Sweet or savoury?
Mostly savoury
Who or what do you dislike the most?
Dishonesty
Who do you admire most in the industry?
I have been fortunate enough to have worked alongside some of the best names in our Industry including Nick Dixon, Jeremy Walters, Dave Reynolds and Paddy Crean
What is your favourite phrase or saying? “
“Trust me, it will change…”
Cat or dog, or…?
We have a Pug called Dennis that sometimes thinks he’s a cat
What is your greatest luxury in life?
Traveling and the experiences it brings
What is the strangest job you’ve ever done?
I guess it wasn’t so much strange but it was a once in a lifetime opportunity, being a Games Maker at the London 2012 Olympics
Who would you like to be stuck on a desert island with?
My family
What is your greatest ambition?
Live a long and happy life
What’s your greatest fear?
Regret
Who or what makes you laugh?
Spontaneous banter with like-minded people
Where would you like to be right now?
Traveling to one of my bucket-list locations
What’s your worst fashion disaster?
My old work suit and ties
Which superpower would you like to have?
To stay at 56…!
What was your childhood obsession?
Sport
What is the worst kind of print?
Anything that we didn’t manage or produce
What was the best business deal that you’ve pulled off?
Probably the most significant was producing one of the largest ever National Door Drop Campaigns for Howitt when the government launched its ‘What to do In an Emergency’ campaign – significant not only in size but also for underpinning our credibility having just been bought by Nick Dixon a few months earlier
What advice would you give to your teenage self?
Follow your dreams
How would you like to be remembered?
A decent hard-working bloke
Life is…?
What you make it and make the most of every moment
