On the spot with Steve Hagues

I worked for the largest three-wheeler dealer in the country in Selbyon Saturdays and after school.They let meclean, valet and polish the Reliant Robins, sweep up, make tea and serve petrol, in return for 1.50 an hour.

What was your worst mistake?

Unbeknown to myself, someone in the firm, after a non-productive sales call, had recorded that a financial services business owner was a "miserable old so-and-so" in the title section of our client database. Having updated the database a few yearslater, it automaticallyfaxed out the salient marketing features of candidates to financial services business owners. It taught me to be more careful with direct marketing.

Name one person you would like to have dinner with?

It would probably be industrialist Andrew Carnegie as I would love the opportunity to learn from his business experience and I'm also fascinated by his philosophy, beliefs and achievements.

What was your best subject at school?

Science.

What are your hobbies?

I go to the gym and play five-a-side football twice a week to compensate for my other hobbies of socialising and eating out.

What would you do if you won the Lotto?

I would clear the mortgage and put some away for the children and a rainy day.

What is your top time-saving tip?

Planning and focus.

What is your favourite time of day?

The evening and cuddling upwith my beautiful wife on the sofa after the kids are in bed.

What is the best thing about being in Yorkshire?

The people – friendly, genuine, honest and hardworking.

What would your epitaph be?

Hopefully a great father, husband, friend and businessman in that order. If not, then: "Did alright for a fat lad from Hull."

Steve Hagues is managing director of Retiring IFA and Foundation Resourcing, based in Ripon