Peter Fairlie – group sales director, ATS Euromaster

What has been your biggest achievement in your current role?

I think my biggest achievement is working with the current ATS Euromaster leadership team to steer the business through a significant period of change, and delivering significant bottom-line improvements.

Who has had the biggest influence on your career?

For me, it’s not been any single individual.

Instead, I’d say the people who have had the biggest influence on my career are those who have worked with me and supported me over the years.

In this world, without a good team, you are nothing.I learned that early in my career.

What’s your dream holiday?

My dream holiday would be jetting off for two weeks of absolute peace, relaxation and luxury in the Maldives.

With three young children you don’t often get the chance to relax, so this would be utter bliss.

Who was the last person you received a text message from?

Nothing exciting – it was from First Direct.

What is your favourite sitcom?

I love watching Porridge. The re-runs still make me laugh.

What is your favourite film?

My favourite film would have to be Kelly’s Heroes – the 1970 blockbuster about a group of US soldiers sneaking across enemy lines to get their hands on a secret stash of Nazi treasure. Donald Sutherland was so cool in that film.

What three things would you take with you to a desert island?

I’d take my sunglasses, iPod and a bottle of Balvenie whisky.

What has been your biggest mistake in business – and what did you learn from it?

The biggest mistake I made was going into a business partnership with a friend – it rarely works, as I found out.

What is the first thing you would buy if you won the Lottery?

The first and most important thing I would do is set up a trust fund for each of my children to secure their future.

After that, I’d buy a holiday home in the Western Isles of Scotland as there is nowhere more beautiful.

It would be fantastic to have the ability to use it when the weather was glorious, but not feel you had to spend wet weekends there to justify it.

When was the last time you took public transport and where were you going?

It was actually last March, when I was in London and on my way for a night at the Fleet News Awards.

What is the first thing you would do if you were made Prime Minister for the day?

That’s a simple one: reduce fuel duty. The crippling cost of fuel is a heavy burden on any company operating within the logistics and distribution sector.

In the first half of this year we have seen a number of businesses fail as a result of increased fuel costs and this does not help a country in recovery.

Reducing fuel duty will help operators keep distribution costs in check and aid recovery.

Which superhero from comics would you most like to be?

No-one – I never liked dressing up!

What is your dream car?

It would have to be a Ferrari 250 SWB.

What is your best childhood memory?

Being brought up in West Africa. My daily routine consisted of playing golf every morning and swimming every afternoon. It was a hard life!

What is your favourite dish at a restaurant?

Fillet steak – nothing can beat it.

How would you describe your leadership style?

I think I’m quite driven and focused, and I try hard to engage my team in achieving our common goals.

When did you last feel guilty about the environment?

When I got my last gas and electricity bill and realised just how much energy we waste.

Who was your childhood hero?

Jack Nicklaus. I always thought I could be a professional golfer. How things change. I haven’t played for 15 years.

What was a pivotal moment in your life?

When I was sent to boarding school at the age of eight. I learned very quickly how to be independent.