The founder of Beyond, a North West-based group of specialist law firms, shares his passions and interests

What time did you wake up this morning?

6.00am, my partner’s alarm. I went back to sleep for an hour – the advantage of WFH.

What’s your favourite object in your office/home office?

Sentimentally, the picture of my children. Practically, the stand-up/sit-down desk.

Who is your closest colleague?

The person who inspires me in business and sets the early alarm.

Do you have a favourite family heirloom?

My father passed away some time ago. His pocket watch is very important to me.

What’s your favourite song of all time?

Wow, difficult question – maybe Say Something by Justin Timberlake and Chris Stapleton (guilty pleasure when singing in the kitchen) or Queen Who Wants to Live Forever.

What’s your favourite play?

Blood Brothers (yes, I know it’s a musical).

Who’s your favourite movie star?

Sean Penn. A great actor who can be quite controversial and doesn’t follow the crowd.

What’s your favourite book?

I can read The Night Manager by John le Carré over and over; the underlying sensitivity of the two main characters Jonathan and Jed is compelling for me.

What book are you reading right now?

The People: The Rise and Fall of the Working Class, 1910-2010 by Selina Todd. It perhaps provides partial context to some of the social issues the UK has been facing latterly.

What book do you wish you had written?

The Night Manager.

What’s the greatest invention of all time?

A second chance.

Is there a sport you wish you could play?

Nowadays, football – I’m getting on a bit.

Who inspires you in business?

My closest colleague and the person who sets the early alarm.

When you are back in the office will you dress up, dress down or somewhere in between?

Both, depending what’s happening and what people would expect.

Where do you go to relax?

The Admiral Rodney Public House.

What country have you always wanted to visit?

India.

Besides your phone, what do you always have with you?

Heart.

What’s the best part of your job?

Working within a great team of people across the whole of Beyond Group and the feeling of pride in all of the teams in all of the businesses.

What’s your favourite post-work tipple?

Lager – always and only.

Finally, what’s your guilty pleasure?

Eating a mammoth amount of Cheese and Onion Hula Hoops whilst binge-watching Peaky Blinders.

Visit the Beyond Group website