What was your first-ever job? A holiday job stacking straw bales during the harvest in the baking summer of 1976. That first pay packet felt brilliant, it was £30.10! But I seem to remember that a pint of beer was 27p.

What was your worst job interview? I've only had one job interview, and luckily I got it so I guess it was also my best interview.

What was the first music single you bought? Waterloo Sunset. You hear it routinely on the radio today, so the royalties must be keeping Ray Davies going nicely.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I started Music Marketing Services, which owns Quail Digital, in 1985, so most of them have lived its development with me for many years.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Hiring the staff I want to work with and seeing the headset systems we make being used by staff in shops and restaurants around the world.

What is the least rewarding part? Luckily there are relatively few. We have a team who, like me, try to keep things simple.

What is your motto in life? No risk, no gain.

If you were allowed one dream perk what would it be? My children say I drive too fast, and I'm quite impatient, so an occasional driver might be good.

What's your favourite movie and why? Where Eagles Dare, made in 1968. There's a totally improbable fight on a cable car and the oft-repeated Richard Burton line 'Broadsword calling Danny Boy' from the back of their Dakota whining its way through the mountains of Austria (how no one on the ground heard them coming remains a mystery).

What was the most embarrassing moment in your life? Selling a rather old sheep in a market, which promptly keeled over in front of everyone bidding for it.

Do you have any phobias? Yes, heights. I can't look over buildings, cliffs or bridges, but I love flying. I guess a shrink could explain that one.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff who would it be and why? It's challenging enough managing your sales force without worrying about the ego of a celebrity employee!

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? Queues! I love devices, like ours, that improve efficiency.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A digital radio.

What animal best reflects your personality? Leopard. The thrill's in the chase.

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