On the Spot with Simon Richardson

As a sixth form student I worked part-time in a hotel as a waiter/kitchen porter/gardener. I learned so much there about work and life from some very kind people.

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

I would hopefully be working for someone like me – still in the IT industry

What would be your ideal day away from the office?

If I have a day off from work my ideal day would be a track day or a one-to-one driving session.

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

If he was still with us, my dad so that I could tell him again how much he inspired me.

What were your best subjects at school?

Geography and English. It helps having a mum who is an English teacher.

What are your hobbies?

I'm car mad. I also like doing practical things that get me outdoors like DIY and gardening.

What is your favourite garment?

I collect Oliver Sweeney shoes, so any of my shoes.

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

Actively engage with entrepreneurs in such a way that they can inspire the entrepreneurs of the future. Despite the barriers to entry, we still turn out some great entrepreneurs. I would like to see companies legally obliged to be more socially responsible. I think companies have a legal and moral responsibility to give back to society.

What would you do if you won the Lotto?

I've never done the lottery, so I've never imagined winning. I'd rather earn it.

What is your top time-saving tip?

I write lists. Without my lists I would not get half the things done that I need to. Lists save you time.

What would your epitaph be?

He was inspired. He tried to inspire.

Simon Richardson is managing partner of Network Integration Technologies in Leeds