What was your first job in travel and how much did you get paid?
Working for Intasun as a rep in St Tropez as part of my degree course. I earned £60 but with all the commission on the trips I earned £150 per week.
What’s the best job you’ve had, apart from your current one?
I used to work for Tampax as a sales rep selling to pubs and clubs.It was great to see all those landlords squirm with embarrassment and I was extremely popular with my friends for freebies!
Which company, apart from your own, do you most admire and why?
EasyJet because it’s a simple concept and more importantly exactly what people have wanted for years.
If you weren’t in travel, what would you be doing?
My grandfather had his own solicitors firm and always wanted one of the family to enter the business. I’d have probably gone down that route.
What single thing have you achieved at work which has given you the most satisfaction?
Creating a new agency sales team.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the travel industry?
Work hard, play hard and whenever you get the opportunity to travel, go for for it. Also talk to and get to know as many people as you can.
What do you always carry with you to work?
Pro-plus.
Do you have a Web site and if so how many bookings do you receive on it?
Each of our brands has its own Web site and we anticipate an on-line booking facility by the end of last year.
Do you think the growing consolidation in the industry is good for consumers?
As long as the smaller niche operators are still able to provide the quality and service that they have done then it is good for the consumer.
Make one prediction about travel in the 21st century:
Weekend breaks in Australia!
Job title: national sales manager
Age: 31.
Born: Bolton, Greater Manchester.
Lives: Hemel Hempstead.
Status: separated.
Education: North Bolton Sixth Form College and University of Central Lancashire.
Path to career: joined Tampax as a sales representative in 1989. Joined Butlins as regional sales manager in 1990. In 1994 joined Parkworld Holidays as sales manager North. Joined Rank Holidays in 1998 as national promotions manager. Became national sales manager in 1999.
What is your star sign?
Capricorn.
What would you change about yourself?
My impatience.
What is your greatest extravagance?
Being called Imelda and Patsy gives you an idea.
If you could be anyone for the day who would you be and why?
A pilot on Concorde. I’m determined to go on it before it goes out of service, it must be an incredible experience.
What is the most memorable destination you’ve visited and why?
Jeddah in Saudi Arabia. I lived there for six months and met all nationalities, experienced different cultures and saw some fantastic sights. I’ll never forget it.
What type of holiday would you avoid at all costs?
Hedonism.
What is your favourite TV programme/film/book?
The programme is The Vicar of Dibley, the film is The Shawshank Redemption and the book is The Beach by Alex Garland.
What’s your idea of a great night out?
One that I can’t remember with my friends, as we are all soon to be members of the ex-wives club and we always have a ball.
How do you relax?
The light off, a bath full of bubbles, lots of candles and my favourite CD.
What would you have put on your gravestone?
Crikey – it’s hot down here!