Gary Hosmer, founder of Shout Digital

Dec 7 2009 By Andrew Mernin, The Journal

His inventions have revolutionised the contrasting worlds of heavy industry and the internet while his latest venture hopes to transform the mobile phone world. Andrew Mernin talks to serial entrepreneur Gary Hosmer.

The Questionnaire

Who or what makes you laugh?
My wife singing.

What’s your favourite film?
Bienvenue chez les Ch’tis (pretentious, moi?)

What car do you drive?
A Range Rover.

What’s your favourite restaurant?
Sale Pepe in Jesmond.

What’s your favourite book?
I’ve just finished a book about Ian McGeechan – the former rugby union player and coach – called Lion Man, which I really enjoyed.

What’s the last album you bought?
My wife buys all the music. It was probably Squeeze’s Greatest Hits.

What’s your ideal job?
Captain of a luxury yacht.

If you had a talking parrot, what’s the first thing you would teach it to say?
Fancy a beer?

What’s your greatest fear?
Any harm coming to my loved ones.

What’s the best business advice you’ve received?
Try and try again. Never give up.

And the worst?
Invest in Hungary.

What’s your favourite drink?
A good red wine.

Other than The Journal, which newspapers do you read?
The Times.

How much was your first pay packet?
£2, Dolcis shoe shop.

How do you keep fit?
Biking, gym and tennis, rounded off with a few pints.

What’s your most irritating habit?
Falling asleep in front of the TV, plus snoring, allegedly.

What’s your biggest extravagance?
My wife and my small motor boat.

Which historical or fictional figure do you most identify with / admire?
Nelson.

And which four famous people would you most like to dine with?
Nelson, Ian McGeechan, Sir Bobby Robson, Harpo Marx.

How would you like to be remembered?
Not bad for a Bermondsey boy.