Biz Extra
‘My biggest frustration? Political short-termism and politicians being ‘in it’ for themselves…’
Each week we shine the spotlight on a prominent person in Dorset and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…
His favourite smell is peat burning in a fire; he looks for enthusiasm, curiosity, hard work and ambition in a new employee and would like to be remembered for being open/fair-minded and good at ideas.
Mike McKenna, Chief Executive, Poole Bay Holdings Limited, takes the ‘hot seat’ for our popular 20 Questions.
Question: What is your favourite TV show?
Answer: M*A*S*H – the American war comedy set in a mobile hospital in Korea.
Q: Who would you like to share a car with?
A: Jess Phillips, Labour MP for Birmingham Yardley.
Q: The best bit of my job is…?
A: Coming up with new ideas.
Q: And the worst?
A: Difficulty implementing those new ideas!
Q: Who was your childhood hero?
A: Gerry Hitchens, an Aston Villa footballer from the 1960s.
Q: What’s your favourite smell?
A: Peat burning in a fire.
Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?
A: Parts of the Ferry Road, Studland, overlooking the nature reserve are gorgeous and remind me of the west of Ireland.
Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?
A: Find something that really interests you and become the best in that area.
Q: What was your first record/CD?
A: ‘Keep on Running’ by The Spencer Davis Group.
Q: What gets you angry?
A: Brexit. In my opinion, the decision to leave the EU was irrational and an unmitigated disaster.
Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?
A: Boccherini: String Quintet in C Major, Opus 30, No.6
Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?
A: Enthusiasm, curiosity, hard work and ambition.
Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?
A: I love maki rolls, sashimi and nigiri.
Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?
A: A plate of melon.
Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?
A: The climate – it is generally warmer here and the average rainfall is below the national average.
Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?
A: Propose a national infrastructure plan for the next 25 years to address chronic underinvestment.
Q: What’s your biggest frustration?
A: Political short-termism and politicians being ‘in it’ for themselves.
Q: Where’s your favourite holiday location?
A: Lucca in Italy.
Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
A: No idea, I can’t look forward that far!
Q: What would you like to be remembered for?
A: Being open/fair-minded and good at ideas.
