On the Spot with Steve McElroy

Working for an insurance company.

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

I would love to put my culinary skills to the test in a top-class restaurant. I like most kinds of foods and would say meat and seafood are my favourite. I like to cook seabass with buttered spinach and roast beetroot, or fillet of beef with horseradish potatoes and a red wine jus.

What was your worst mistake?

I had a chance to work in Dubai about five years ago but turned it down. Like a lot of things, it's all about the timing, and when I considered going to Dubai the market was emerging and Dubai was the place to be – all very different now, of course, but I would have still liked the experience.

What would be your idea day away from the office?

The morning would be spent playing a round of golf followed by an afternoon spending quality time with my children.

Name one person you would like to have dinner with?

There are many but I would go for James Cann, a dragon from Dragon's Den. I think James is a calm, clever and interesting person who often approaches things from a different angle

to most when assessing an opportunity. I think we can learn a lot from him.

What was your best subject at school?

Art and Design.

What would you do if you won the Lotto?

Buy all the things I've ever wanted but will never need.

What is your top time-saving tip?

Planning. I find that the time I use at the start of the day really helps me prioritise what I need to get done, and being selfish about the meetings I attend also helps.

What is your favourite time of day and why?

6.30am-7.30am. It's a time when I'm on my own in the office and can plan the day ahead.

What is your favourite garment?

A tailored suit.

What is the best thing about being in Yorkshire?

Being back in the county I grew up means I have a great deal of knowledge about the area and the people, which definitely helps in my new job.

What would you like your epitaph to be?

He was a great bloke who will be missed by lots on a daily basis.

Steve McElroy is sales director for Miller Homes Yorkshire.