A Brief Encounter with ... Trevor Barlow
Director at Strong Developments

Q: What was your first job?
A: I studied photography, design & print processes at Manchester College of Science & Technology when I was seventeen for three years, later working as a photographer in Manchester and then London.
 
Q: Which business man or woman do you most admire?
A: Probably Bill Gates. He's the only man in the world who has made billions from selling a clever idea which has changed the face of computers but still doesn't actually work perfectly after all this time. That's clever!
 
Q: What is your favourite holiday destination and why?
A: I love the Maldive Islands, mainly for the fantastic diving, which was my passion until recently.
 
Q: What made you want to get into the development industry?
A: I got into development as I had been a general builder for many years. I then had the opportunity of meeting the right investor and have moved forward from there.
 
Q: What is more important, work or play?
A: I was brought up to work hard and my Father had little time for play. It has been a problem for me as I sometimes feel guilty if I take time away from work.
 
Q: What was the last book you read?
A: Rules of Engagement by Col. Tim Collins, mainly because my nephew is in the Royal Marines and just returned from a term in Afghanistan
 
Q: What skills and knowledge do you pride yourself in?
A: I have a good knowledge of building and design, which is useful in our business. I have reasonable presentation skills, which tends to help when putting schemes forward to banks etc.
 
Q: Where do you see yourself in 10 years time?
A: As I am now 63, I hope that I will be doing something less stressful, such as photography.
 
Q: What are your goals and aspirations?
A: I will be happy to end-up with my mortgage paid, some money in the bank and another small business to enable my wife and daughters to be secure in the future, which is my current agenda.

 
Q: What did you want to be when you were growing up?
A: I started out wanting to be a vet or a farmer. I didn't have the will or brains to become a vet and I didn't have the money to become a farmer. In hindsight, I'm glad I didn't.
 
Q: Who has been the most influencial person in your life?
A: Probably my Mother.