How did you get to where I am today? The first sensible career move I made was to go to business school at INSEAD in France. My introduction to entrepreneurship started in 1989 running a start-up exercise equipment company. The raw excitement of the start-up environment is addictive.

What was the best decision you have made and why? Running, and then investing in, Plymouth Gin as managing director from 1997 to 2001. Plymouth was a neglected jewel - a great product that was ignored by a large multi-national. Those four years led me directly to start Fever-Tree offering top quality mixers.

Who do I most admire in the grocery industry? Karen Bilamoria would be a contender - an entrepreneur from the 'just do it' mould who created Cobra Beer.

Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career? At various times there have been people I have learned a great deal from, but there hasn't been any one person.

What is the most important piece of information you have ever been told? That good quality products appeal to every level of every society.

If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be? That the industry should focus on enhancing cash margins. If a bar can charge 30p more on a better-quality drink that costs 25p more, they are advancing their cash returns and the value of their business.

What is the most rewarding part of your job? Seeing your products in the market. Hearing that our product was going to be used by Ferran Adria (one of the world's best chefs) at El Bulli restaurant in Spain - and that he liked our tonic so much he wanted us to come and dine there (bypassing a near impassable waiting list).

What is the one thing that you could not do your job without? My motorbike. Getting around town from meeting to meeting without ever paying the congestion charge.

If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why? I would not have started life as a mining engineer digging gold two miles underground.

What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today? Don't follow my career path. Find an area you are really interested in.

What do you like doing when you are not working? You mean some entrepreneurs actually spend time not working?

Where do you hope to be in five years? Running the fastest-growing and most respected quality soft drinks company.