On the spot: John Toal, sales and marketing director at the Onyx Group

I started my career as a production engineer.

If you weren’t in your current position, what would you be doing?

I’ve always had a desire to move back to my engineering roots.

What was your worst mistake?

Not spending as much time with my family as I would have liked to have done over the years.

What’s you ideal day away from the office?

Travelling with my family and discovering somewhere new.

Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?

Stevie Nicks from Fleetwood Mac. It would be fascinating to get a glimpse of that world.

What was your best subject at school?

Physics.

What are your hobbies?

Running, playing golf and thanks to my children and their musical abilities I listen to a lot of live classical music.

What would you do if you won the Lottery?

I’d be driving a Maserati rather than an Audi.

What’s your favourite item of clothing?

My ancient Barbour jacket.

What’s your favourite time of day?

Early morning when I’m at my most creative and organised.

What’s the best thing about Yorkshire?

The sense of optimism in the business community.

What would you like your epitaph to be?

Glad he bought that Maserati!