On the spot: Dave McCartney - TAB Leeds North and Centre

Dave McCartney has been running peer board and coaching business The Alternative Board in North Leeds for nine years and has recently acquired the Centre Leeds franchise.

In an interview with the Yorkshire Post recently, Dave answered a bunch of quick-fire questions about business, his vinyl passion and what makes Yorkshire so great.

What was your first job?

I worked as a ‘chain boy’ for Henry Boot as my first summer job, basically as a quantity surveyor’s assistant. In a very small way, I helped to build Chesterfield’s bus station!

If you weren’t in your present position, what would you be doing?

I’d love to own and run a record store, given my recently rediscovered passion for vinyl.

What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made?

Not owning my own business earlier in life.

What’s your ideal day away from the office?

Walking in the Lake District. I love the freedom, the opportunity to clear my head and take some time to think

Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why.

Heston Blumenthal. I find his blend of science and creativity amazing and it would be even better if he cooked the dinner in the first place.

What was your best subject at school?

Maths. I really like the fact that there’s no ambiguity. It’s either right or wrong.

What are your hobbies?

Vinyl: both collecting and playing it, and I’ve spent a lot of time getting the hi-fi setup spot on at home. My other passion is cooking - I make a mean paella!

What would you do if you won the lottery?

I’d set up an investment fund for businesses. I’ve always fancied the idea of being a Dragons’ Den ‘dragon’, and this way I could help businesses financially, as well as supporting them through my day job.

What is your top time saving tip?

Get up early and get a few wins under your belt before the rest of the world wakes up, so that you’re ahead of the day. Show it who’s boss!

What is your favourite time of day?

I love sundown. All of our family holidays involve memories of sundown and sundowners (non-alcoholic, and getting more alcoholic as the children grew up). I’ve also perfected the art of making daiquiris in our Nutri-Bullet!

What is your favourite item of clothing?

The herringbone jacket I ‘borrowed’ from my 21-year-old son. I always feel good wearing it.

What’s the best thing about being in Yorkshire?

It’s got everything: the best of all worlds. I live in a beautiful village north of Leeds with the most amazing scenery on my doorstep, whilst at the same time being close to a vibrant, lively and thriving city.

What would your epitaph be?

I like to hope that it would be along the lines of ‘he was a good guy who made a difference.’

Dave McCartney is the owner of TAB Leeds North & Centre.

This interview has previously been published in The Yorkshire Post.