20 questions with businessman and motor racing enthusiast Lawrence Tomlinson
The Steeple Times shares “wit and wisdom”. What’s your guiding force?
To always strive to make things better.
“Don’t get even, get medieval” is, in our humble opinion, a great motto. What’s yours?
Do something today that makes a difference.
Kerry Katona was considered unacceptable in 2007. Who or what is unacceptable in 2013?
Wearing sandals with white socks. It’s never been nor ever will be acceptable and it certainly isn’t in 2013.
Tony Blair misses being Prime Minister. What do you miss most in your life?
I don’t miss anything really, I’m a very happy person. Perhaps I miss Coronation Street not being on consistently on Monday, Wednesday and Friday anymore. The change is schedule is most disruptive.
What might you swap all your wealth for?
Driving talent.
Donald Trump was once a case of: “If you owe the bank a thousand, they close you down; but if you owe the bank a billion, you own the bank”. What’s your view on the banking crisis?
Donald who?! Some banks are better than others and the greed in parts of the banking sector is not good. It’s time for some #growthnotgreed.
What phrase or word do you most loathe?
‘No’ or ‘can’t’. As your teacher used to say: “There is no such word as ‘can’t’”.
In the UK, some people consider charity to “begin at home”. What’s your view and what causes do you personally support?
I couldn’t agree more. I support many different charities and home and abroad but it’s important that they are personal to you.
The judge in Law Abiding Citizen states: “I can pretty much do whatever I want” before being blown up whilst answering her mobile phone. What’s your view on the appropriate use of such devices?
Drones seem to have replaced phones…
If you could fill a carriage on The Orient Express, who would be your fellow passengers?
I’d take my wife and kids for a family day out. I love spending time with them so there is no one I would rather be with.
If you were unfortunate enough to end up on death row, what would be your last meal and where would you eat it?
My favourite meal is pizza with ham and mushroom so there’s no doubt that’s what I’d have. I’d accompany it with an ice cold bottle of Heineken or red wine. Hopefully I’d be eating it on the run.
What time is it acceptable to consume the first drink of the day?
Depends how bad a day you’re having. I’d probably say 6pm on week days and 12pm on a weekend.
A Negroni, a martini or a cup of tea?
A proper cup of tea – you can take the man out of Yorkshire….
Whose parties do you enjoy the most and why?
Any I get invited to. I’m not that popular.
Who is the most positive person you know?
Richard ‘Happy Chap’ Branson. He never seems to stop smiling.
What’s your most guilty pleasure?
I try to stay fit so generally eat and drink healthily. It is hard to resist a small glass of wine on an evening though, so that’s my guilty pleasure. Knowing you shouldn’t seems to make it taste better.
If a tattoo were to sum you up, what would it be of?
“Luv & Ate”.
If you were a car, what marque would you be?
I am Ginetta.
Cilla Black presented Surprise, Surprise. Tell us the most surprising thing about you.
I was a winner at the Le Mans 24 Hour Race in 2006.
What’s currently sitting on your mantelpiece?
A papier-mâché mask my daughter made for me age 12.
Lawrence Tomlinson is the founding chairman of the LNT Group best known for having turned Ginetta Cars back into a successful car manufacturer. He is an Entrepreneur in Residence for the Department for Business Innovation and Skills.
Follow him on Twitter @lawrencelnt
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Ginetta cars….that takes on back. Interesting and unpretentious chap….
A Ginetta watch given by Lawrence…(who is so polite )….