Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

His childhood hero was the actor Henry Winkler aka The Fonz, he gets angry at music playing down the line if he’s held in a telephone queue, chooses Studland Bay as his favourite place in Dorset and would declare November 11th as a new Bank Holiday in the UK if he was PM.

Tim Noakes,  Commercial & Private Client Executive, NFU Mutual West Dorset, occupies the 20 Questions’ hot seat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Would I lie to you?…It’s ‘Sherlock’.

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: Elton John’s collaborator Bernie Taupin travelling on a yellow brick road.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Supporting a mix of both commercial and private clients; listening to their specific needs and being able to draw on my experience to recommend the right, bespoke solutions for them individually in their own right.

Q: And the worst…?

A: Losing a prospect who has made their decision based on price alone as opposed to considering the bigger picture.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: The actor Henry Winkler aka The Fonz. He seemed so cool at the time.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: The aroma and bouquet of a classic Sancerre, suitably chilled.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Studland Bay.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Buy a copy of the book ‘Awaken The Giant Within’ by Anthony Robbins and take immediate control of your mental, emotional, physical and financial destiny.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: The Impossible Dream album by the Sensational Alex Harvey Band (check them out if you’re not familiar).

Q: What gets you angry?

A: On-hold music if I’m held in a telephone queue for a long time.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: God Only Knows – especially The Beach Boys original.

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: Someone with their focus on providing a quality experience for clients who can indulge the senses and leaves nothing to chance.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: This is a changeable feast. With the clocks going back, I enjoy coming home to mouth-watering and comforting stews cooked in the slow cooker; ready to eat!

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Sponge pudding and custard – unless there’s also an option for banana brulee cooked to our household secret recipe..

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: You can be far from the madding crowd and embrace rural life in and around Casterbridge or immerse yourself in all that is metropolitan.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: I’d declare 11^th November as a new Bank Holiday in the UK.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Income tax – each and every tax year!!

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: At the moment, it’s the English Riviera where my wife and I now keep our motor boat and we can find a sheltered spot to anchor in a nearby bay.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: The French Riviera (?) or at least fully retired and exploring new coastlines.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: Having collaborated with Bernie Taupin, writing at least one classic hit with royalties going to a mix of charities especially the RNLI who help save lives every day.