Where were you born?

Born in 1966 on the outskirts of Nottingham.

Where did you start your working life?

After a brief stint in the marketing and RMD department of Boots, my first real job, when 19, was in the media buying department of a full-service Nottinghamshire agency. I dabbled in media sales, then worked for a PR company before set up on my own at 24.

What were your ambitions – and do you still have any?

I aspired to earn a living as a creative and as a marketer. I’ve been fortunate to work with many organisations and teams across health, education, business and industry where together we’ve been able to make a really positive impact on their business and the people they interact with.

Would you rather be doing something else?

When I’m lost in the problem solving of a project or the creative cut and thrust of a piece of work that excites me, then there’s few places that I’d rather be. Like many creatives though the Paperwork and admin is something that I’d gladly exchange for walking in the Dales or exploring the Greek islands.

What do you regard as your biggest achievement?

Achievements can be fleeting. Being able to do a job I love for over 20 years. Learning my craft and being able to share it effectively – that feels like an achievement of sorts.

What are your key tips for success?

A friend’s poster says “Work hard and be kind” which rather neatly summarises my attitude. It’s something I aspire to but don’t always live up to it. Don’t be afraid to fail, don’t stop learning and don’t ever give up.

What regrets do you have?

Wishing I’d turned off my phone more will probably be right up there along with not seeing enough of family and friends.

The idea of a career in the Sciences was always a draw - I still read science and technology updates every day. Looking back at how technology has shaped our lives I would love to have been more involved in product development and commercialisation.

How do you relax?

Growing up in a house without a television turned me into an inveterate reader. I still am. I’d like to pretend I was discerning but despite a preference for foreign travelogues I read whatever’s available from newspapers to cereal packets.

What are your hobbies/pastimes/outside interests?

Outside the business, it’s family first, watching my young son grow up is a visceral pleasure. I still want to know what’s around the next corner, exploring new places by bike and on foot is still a passion.

What is your favourite book/ film /play and song?

My favourite book has always been Durrell’s My Family and Other People. From a very young age I could feel the warmth of the sun and Greek brilliance of light of spill from every page. It’s still a gem that I return to at least once a year particularly in the gloom of a Yorkshire Winter.

Film – High Society, shot in 1956 with Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra the dazzling Grace Kelly and a brilliant cameo by the great Satchmo has it all; wit, glamour, great tunes and a happy ending.

Who is your hero?

Without a doubt it was my father. A warm and genuine man with tremendously strong work ethic who would talk to anyone.

What do you think of Bradford and its prospects?

Bradford has a tremendous spirit in its people and its landscape that isn’t always shared by the vision of its leaders and administrators.

There’s a lack of planning insight that troubles me and a history of dreaming big and excepting small, be it grand designs for public spaces, scaled down shopping centres or regeneration projects.

The painfully slow pace of change and constant references to the glories of old are unhelpful to a new generation, perfectly capable of creating their own industrial revolution given a little support and the right facilities.