On the spot with Peter Brook

What was your first job?

Working for an arms dealer sounds very James Bond but the reality was humping tons of ammunition. I’ve still got the bad back to prove it.

If you were not in your present job what would you like to do?

I would love to buy and sell classic Ferraris.

What was your worst mistake?

Not starting my own business until I was 30.

What would be your ideal day away from the office be?

Having a day in London with my wife and children, looking around the Natural History Museum then out for dinner with a raging appetite.

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

Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of the Burmese democratic party, to understand how one person could be so resilient even after fifteen years of house arrest, yet has never lost sight of her goal to bring democracy to Burma.

What was your best subject at school?

Skiving then chemistry

What are your hobbies?

I passed my private pilot licence last year so I still love frightening myself by flying my plane down to London.

What would you do if you won the Lotto?

Take all of my family, staff and friends out to New York for the weekend.

What is your top time-saving tip?

Start your worst job in the morning and then the day can only get better.

What is your favourite time of day and why?

The afternoon (see above).

What political, legal, economic or sporting event would you most like to see happen in your lifetime and why?

China and America taking the lead with a long-term strategy against global pollution and Leeds United winning the Premier- ship.

What is the best thing about being in business in Yorkshire?

Having loyal staff that during the recent spell of bad weather made it into work.

What would you like your epitaph to be?

You’ll find him upstairs.