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 favourite holiday location is Zimbabwe, he considers helping people as the best bit of his job, chooses Arne as his favourite place in Dorset and says having a swim in the sea before work is the best thing about living in this part of the world.

Ben Ashton, Director and Co-founder, Good Oaks Home Care, occupies the 20 Questions’ hot seat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: Line of Duty.

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

A: Would it be controversial to say former Health Secretary Matt Hancock? I’d like to get the inside scoop on what happened inside government during the pandemic, and find out how close social care reform was before he resigned.

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: Helping people. The feeling that through your job and company you are helping to change people’s lives and help them live happy and healthy lives in their own homes for as long as possible. We have such a great team and the carers are amazing, so working with them is great. I also like the variety of my role. It’s good to be involved in lots of bits of the business, from the day to day running to marketing and planning.

Q: And the worst…?

A: I don’t think there is a worst bit really. This last year has presented challenges for care in terms of Covid-19. Everyone pulled together to keep our clients and carers safe and we worked fast to ensure we created resilient Covid-19 secure policies that go above and beyond the government and sector guidelines in order to keep everyone safe. I am so proud of how everyone looked after each other.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: My Mum.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Sun cream. It reminds me of going on holiday.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Arne. It’s really peaceful there. Stunning.

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

A: You won’t end up doing what you think you’ll do – and that’s OK. So much of our lives are influenced by random events and things we can’t control. You will probably end up doing lots of different things during your career and you may even do jobs that haven’t been invented yet. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all figured out just yet. Just be open to different experiences and you may well find a role or career you love in an unexpected place!

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: Probably something by Green Day?

Q: What gets you angry?

A: I don’t know the last time I was angry. I think I’m genuinely pretty calm.

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: American Pie by Don McLean.

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

A: A good fit with our values. That is so much more important than prior experience or skills. Skills you can train, and you can build experience but if someone doesn’t have the same values as us, it just won’t work out. We are committed to our PRIDE values of professionalism, respect, integrity, dedication and empathy and we want to take on and develop people and give them career progression options and a good pay rate.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: Mexican.

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

A: It has to be sponge pudding!

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

A: A swim in the sea before work.

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

A: I’d reform the health and social care system. I’d like to see proper funding and protection for people, so that they don’t have to worry if they are in the 10% of us who’ll have very high care costs in our lifetimes. We want to see people have the option to stay in their own homes for as long as possible.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: Covid. Obviously, you want to make sure that you keep your family and friends and your colleagues and clients safe. But I’m proud of the way the team has risen to the challenge and how we have kept everyone safe. On that note, another frustration would be when I see people in a restaurant or in a shop not wearing face masks properly – people who have their nose out. PPE is important and good practise isn’t hard.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Zimbabwe. My parents are from there and we used to visit every year. It’s an amazing place, the people are brilliant, and the wildlife and scenery is spectacular.

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

A: That’s a difficult one. I want to continue to do what I enjoy, which is helping people and building something special. It’s lovely when we get lovely feedback and cards or a note from clients. It makes you realise you’re really doing something people value and that’s great.

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: My BBQ skills. Failing that, I guess being a decent human being sounds like a standard answer, but it’s true.

• goodoakshomecare.co.uk