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…

He loves radio with a passion and would like to share a car/minibus with his eight favourite broadcasters; gets frustrated at negativity; chooses Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour as his favourite location in Dorset and advises anyone starting out on their career to always keep their enthusiasm and love for life.

The tables are well and truly turned as Andrew Diprose, Founder and Editor of Dorset Biz News, occupies the 20 Questions’ hot seat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Dragons’ Den. It’s been aired since 2005 but I’ve only watched it for the last couple of years. It was fascinating talking to contestant Yanika Cordina who gave a behind the scenes glimpse of what it’s like to appear on the show.

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

A: Perhaps a minibus would be more appropriate as I’d like Tony Blackburn, Desmond Carrington, Alan Freeman, Ray Moore, Bob Stewart (Radio Luxembourg), Terry Wogan, Steve Wright and Jimmy Young. And that’s just for starters. I’ve loved radio with a passion all my life and these eight, in particular, have given many, many hours of listening pleasure.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Meeting, and interviewing, so many inspiring people of all ages and backgrounds. Their energy, passion and commitment never ceases to amaze me.

Q: And the worst…?

A: You’re never fully off duty when you run your own business. The hours can be long and sometimes punishing but that’s my choice and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: Jimmy Young. Back to radio again. I loved his shows and always admired the way he conducted his interviews politely and in a friendly and non-confrontational manner. It relaxed the interviewee and they always gave more than, perhaps, they intended. It’s a style I’ve tried to adopt during my career and I can confirm it works.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Freshly baked bread. I used to bake two loaves a week and our home ended up smelling like a bakery.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Brownsea Island in Poole Harbour. The trip over by boat and then walking the island, looking out for red squirrels, peacocks and deer, is my idea of a perfect day out.

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

A: Never lose your enthusiasm and love for life. This September marks 42 years since I first started my journalism apprenticeship. I’ve reinvented myself many times over the years – you have to if you’re going to survive in the work jungle – but I’d like to think that I’ve never lost my enthusiasm for what I still consider to be the best job in the world.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Tricky because it was so many years ago but I reckon Chicago: If You Leave Me Now. I used to play it over and over again on my old Dansette record player.

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Not so much angry but irritated by people who complain about something but never do anything about it. Also rudeness, intolerance, negativity and people who rant.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: The intermezzo from Cavalleria rusticana by Pietro Mascagni. Intensely moving and gets me every time.

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

A: Enthusiasm, a willingness to learn, positivity.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Sausage (as in sausagemeat) and bean (as in baked beans) pie served with mashed potato and peas. A childhood favourite which continues to this day.

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

A: Oh, no question. Sponge pudding – preferably my favourite syrup sponge – covered in lashings of thick, home-made custard.

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

A: We really do have it all. Beautiful countryside, an incredible coast and yet one of the most dynamic business communities anywhere. Sleepy Dorset we ain’t.

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

A: Sort out the funding of care in later life. It’s outrageous that after so many years of promising to do something from political parties of all colours, people are still having to sell their houses to fund their care.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Negativity. It saps morale. I see it all the time, especially in the media. It’s why I’ve tried to do things differently with Dorset Biz News. We’ll always be half full rather than half empty.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Norway. The fjords are stunning.

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

A: I’ve just celebrated my big 6-0 so probably reading Dorset Biz News from the comfort of my favourite chair. The difference being that someone else will be doing the work.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: A good husband, father and son and also the guy who created that website called, um, Dorset Biz News which didn’t take itself too seriously but was always a good read!