NPD manager, EHL Ingredients, on paperwork, chocolate and Mary Berry

What was your first-ever job? Working in a video shop when I was 15 years old. It wasn’t a career path I chose to progress!

What’s been your worst job interview? I applied for a position as a meat processor once… I knew immediately I was not the applicant they were looking for, and both interviewers looked bored after 10 minutes. I didn’t get the job, but it was a good learning curve.

What was the first music single you bought? David Bowie - Blue Jean. 

How do you describe your job to your mates? I specialise in creating conventional and organic coatings, rubs, seasonings and dry marinades for meat, fish and vegetable dishes. 

What is the most rewarding part of your job? I am able to be creative and have seen my ideas progress from conception to launch. 

What is the least rewarding part? I find simple administrative tasks like paperwork quite tedious.

What is your motto in life? ‘Be happy - you only live once!’ 

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? To be able to research food trends by travelling the world and immersing myself in different cultures and environments. 

Do you have any phobias? I have a fear of snakes. 

If you could change one thing in grocery, what would it be? I wish there were more hours in the day because I often find myself so absorbed in researching, testing and trialling ingredient blends and responding to customer requests that time just flies by. 

What luxury would you have on a desert island? I’d have to take some chocolate with me. It’s a flavour I never tire of. 

What animal most reflects your personality? A bear - I have a tough side to me that appears occasionally. 

What’s your favourite film and why? Groundhog Day - I normally opt for a comedy and this film has a great storyline to go with it. I put it on when I’m after a little escapism.

Which celebrity would you most like to work with and why? I’d love to work with a celebrity chef and find out what new blends they’d like to see. I’m hooked on The Great British Bake Off so maybe I’d work with Mary Berry to develop a new, tasty blend to add to her cakes.