I like the absurd and the surreal: the Coen brothers, Bunuel, Kubrick.

A great deal of energy is wasted in hating people, and I can honestly say I've no wish to expend such a precious resource on being outraged about anyone.

I admire anyone that follows the road less travelled.

It's possible to be satisfied with a day's work or a cake, but a life... what is a life but a history of events badly remembered?

Every decently-made object, from a house to a lamp post to a bridge, spoon or egg cup, is not just a piece of 'stuff' but a physical embodiment of human energy, testimony to the magical ability of our species to take raw materials and turn them into things of use, value and beauty.

My favourite authors include Trollope and Dickens.

As a property developer, I learned a long time ago to choose your battles wisely and that, unfortunately, compromise is a given.