What was your first-ever job? Having grown up in Chester, I got a part as an extra in Hollyoaks.

What’s been your worst job interview? A group interview for a media sales job. The interviewers pitched 30 people against each other who sat around a table shouting as they obnoxiously tried to get points across.

What was the first music single you bought? Regulate, by Nate Dogg and Warren G.

How do you describe your job to your mates? I run an event that brings together the best speciality food and drink producers with buyers from fine retailers and restaurants.

What’s the most rewarding part of your job? I often get to taste the latest products before they hit the shelves. Once I came home with a truly innovative non-fat inhaling chocolate.

What’s the least rewarding part? Having to go to the gym to burn off all the calories I’ve put on.

What’s your motto in life? Enjoy every minute as you never know what’s around the corner.

What’s your nickname? My boss calls me ‘The Gad’, which I quite like as it sounds like a character from The Godfather.

If you were allowed one dream perk, what would it be? Being able to take home all the food and drink from the show.

What’s your favourite film? The Fast and the Furious, or anything to do with fast cars really.

What has been the most embarrassing moment in your life? Having to make a speech standing on a crate in front of 500 exhibitors at a Speciality & Fine Food Fair drinks reception with a microphone that didn’t work.

Do you have any phobias? Sweetcorn. It may seem strange, but believe it or not, I’m actually afraid of it.

If you could pick a celebrity to join your staff, who would it be? Heston Blumenthal. He seems interesting and I’d love to see what kind of wacky plans he came up with.

If you could change one thing in grocery what would it be? I’d want to see more focus on speciality food within the major retailers.

What luxury would you have on your desert island? A Japanese chef to cook me a daily meal.

What animal best reflects your personality and why? A Siamese cat perhaps: smooth and sociable and I’ve still not used up all of my nine lives!

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