Where did you grow up and what brought you to London?
I came to London from Newmarket, Suffolk, straight after I finished my A Levels in 1968 when I was 17 years old. I took a secretarial course in South Kensington and became familiar with the tube route between Edgware Road and Gloucester Road – thinking that was London!
What do you put your success down to?
Great clients, a great team and making the most of opportunities. Sponsorship was a fledgling industry when I started. It has matured considerably and I have been lucky enough to have grown my business alongside an emerging marketing discipline.
How do you keep fit?
I used to go to the gym every day when we were in our old offices in Notting Hill – there was a gym right next door. Then, when we moved to Southwark, I walked every day along the river which was great. Now I’m back on the tube and getting back to the gym is high on my list of New Year resolutions.
Who are your sporting heroes?
My greatest hero is Seve Ballesteros. His natural talent and competitive spirit are very inspiring. I’ve been lucky enough to meet him and I confess that I was very weak at the knees!
What’s been your greatest achievement so far?
I’ve just been nominated as the Sunday Times Sports Businesswoman of the Year. I think that is the ultimate accolade and, judging by the number of congratulations I’ve received, others would agree.
What has been your experience of working in a male-dominated environment?
It’s been remarkably easy really. Apart from the startled looks of MCC members when I was allowed into the hallowed Long Room at Lord’s, I haven’t met very much prejudice. I think it all comes down to respect – if men respect the work you do and, more importantly, you [respect] yourself, then business is relatively simple.
Do you think it’s important to support women in particular, in business?
Of course. There are a number of examples where women are not fairly treated when their abilities are equal, if not better, to the men with whom they work. However, I think the situation is improving and I’m lucky that, in the sponsorship industry, women often rise to the top.
What’s your philosophy on life?
Wake up every morning and be eager to go to work. This means enjoying not only the work you do, but the people you do that work with.
What was the last show you saw?
Oliver. It was terrific. I’m very keen on musicals and try to see as many as I can.
What’s your most memorable west London meal?
A dinner I had many moons ago at Langan’s. It was with the BBC TV cricket production team – people like Jim Laker and Richie Benaud. Brilliant company, amazing food and a truly unforgettable evening.
What’s on your west London cultural hit list?
As many musicals and plays as I can cram in.
What’s by your bedside?
Sea of Poppies by Amitav Ghosh. It’s a long book. I’ve started it twice and got stuck. But I’m going on holiday next week and it will go with me – and I’ll finish it this time.
How do you relax?
Watching the sun go down in a warm climate with close friends and a glass of wine.
How would you spend an ideal Sunday?
Pottering about barefoot in my flat by the Thames and being able to sit on the balcony in the sun and read the Sunday newspapers from start to finish. It never happens!
