Duncan Bannatyne
Duncan Bannatyne on starting a paper round and wanting to be a film star.
Duncan Bannatyne
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Name: Duncan Bannatyne
Age: 62
Company: Bannatyne Group
Turnover: £96m
First job: Paper round. I had wanted a bicycle, but was told by my mother that she couldn't afford to buy me one. So I asked the local newsagent if I could start my own paper round; but was told that I would need a list of 100 potential customers. I painstakingly knocked on many doors and eventually drew up a list of 100 names and addresses. I got the job, bought the bike, and never looked back.
Dream job: Film star.
Car: Maserati.
Economy, business or first class: First class.
Most extravagant purchase: My family villa in the South of France.
Most-played song on your iPod: "Love Changes Everything"
Best business book: Anyone Can Do It: My Story by Duncan Bannatyne (of course!) – it has sold over 200,000 copies thus far.
Worst business moment: Losing £1,000,040 on Lady in Leisure (and don’t forget the £40!).
Proudest business moment: Buying 24 health clubs from Hilton.
Your business mentor: Donald Trump.
Next big thing: Bannatyne Digital, which launched this month.