Tax advisor to the stars flies flag for region

Jul 27 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

From his plush office in Gateshead, Brad Thomas looks after the financial affairs of some of the world’s leading investment bankers, sports stars and celebrities. Peter McCusker finds out how he found success.

Q&A

What car do you drive?
Audi A5

What’s your favourite restaurant?
Cafe 21 in Newcastle

Who or what makes you laugh?
My kids

What’s your favourite book?
Shogun by James Clavell

What’s your favourite film?
The Godfather series

What was the last album you bought?
It was that long ago I can’t remember. I’m into downloading now, or at least the kids are.

What’s your ideal job, other than your current one?
Professional sportsman

If you had a talking parrot, what’s the first thing you’d teach it to say?
He is in a meeting!

What’s your greatest fear?
My kids being hurt

What’s the best piece of business advice you have ever received?
A little bit of effort gives disproportionate results

And the worst?
Keep your head under the parapet

What’s your poison?
I like a good Merlot

What newspaper do you read, other than The Journal?
Mail on Sunday and The Times

How much was your first pay packet and what was it for?
£98 a month as a trainee at Dickinson Dees

How do you keep fit?
Gym

What’s your most irritating habit?
Reshuffling meetings

What’s your biggest extravagance?
My wife and kids, oh and holidays

Which historical or fictional character do you most identify with/admire?
Christopher Columbus, anyone setting off into the unknown.

And which four famous people would you most like to dine with?
Steve McQueen, Jack Nicholson, Marilyn Monroe and Bob Hope.

How would you like to be remembered?
As some who cared and tried his best