Home: Berkshire. Age: Young at heart. Birthplace: Stokenchurch, Buckinghamshire. Profession: Construction industry specialist. Organization: Shanly Group (Shanly Homes, Sorbon Estates, Milestone, Shanly Foundation). Alma mater: The University of Life. Languages spoken: Housebuilding and English!
Current project: Improving home designs inside and out. Recent recognition: Housebuilder of the Year; Commercial Landlord of the Year. Both Thames Valley Property Awards. Design Award from Maidenhead Heritage Society for a regeneration project in Maidenhead. Latest accomplishment: First two donations to our two new large funds through Shanly Foundation for careers in construction and homelessness. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? I’m a Capricorn goat, so more of a steady climber than a big leaper. Hobbies: Fun times with the family. Recent travel or adventure: Trip to Devon with the family for our annual rounders match. Last book read: I haven’t read a book in over 30 years! I stick to the newspapers. Recently viewed and recommended: Celebrity Traitors. Recent unique acquisition: A garden sculpture of three large balancing rocks by Adrian Gray.
Personality profile: Determined, questioning, intuitive, cautious, playful. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Fun. Moral compass: Listen to others and trust my gut. How do you define a perfect friendship? Reliable and fun. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust, reliability, and good communication. What is your greatest joy? My garden. What is your guilty pleasure? Sandwich spread on anything. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Ridiculous! What natural talent have you neglected? Fixing things. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Tap dancers. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Buying sweet treats in Waitrose when I’m hungry. What is at the top of your bucket list? I’ve achieved everything I could have wanted and would just like to be able to live as long as possible. How do you relieve stress? I sleep it off. What is your go-to workout? I’m not a fitness fanatic, I’m just busy and active all day. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Things to do in nature-inspired locations.
What was your first paying job? General Electric Company factory job, drilling light fittings. What was your favorite college course? I left school at fourteen. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Meccano metal construction toys. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Mamma Mia. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Family photos. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Look after the pennies and the pounds will look after themselves. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Always anticipate risk and the downside. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Mobile phones. What company or organization do you most admire? Great Western Railway and what Brunel achieved in the industrial revolution. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The sun rising every morning. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Not having a dad around has made me a survivor.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Constant design improvements.
What change would you like to see in the world? World peace. What message do you want to send out into the world? Appreciate what you have and one another. What mega-trend most concerns you? Children constantly on gadgets and phones.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? I Did It My Way (If Sinatra hadn’t already nicked it). As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A chef. I won a medal at the Ideal Home Show as a kid for my award-winning cheese on toast. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Old family photos. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? At home with my family playing games.
Personal mission: Leaving my life tidy when I’m gone but giving back. Personal motto: Always do your best. Favorite quote: “Always look on the bright side of life” (Eric Idle). Desired epitaph: A life well lived, a rest well earned.
