SIMONESCAPES.COM - BARBADOS
Who are your most inspirational business icons?
It used to be people like Richard Branson. Now it’s more Jeff
Bezos, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg and Larry Page. These
are also all outliers - in that they were in the right place at
the right time. However, they have built world conquering
businesses in the space of very few years. The scary thing is
these businesses, although now giants, were just start-ups at
the beginning.
You declined an invitation to be a Dragon on the Dragon’s
Den TV programme, why was that?
I just declined an audition a few years ago. It was too much
of a commitment at that time.
What is your opinion of Brexit?
Like many entrepreneurs we like to be in control of our
destiny. My fundamental issue with being part of the
European Union is that the rules and regulations have to fit
so many diverse countries with vastly differing economies
and cultures. How could this be optimal for the UK? As the
second largest economy in Europe, I think we can be more
nimble and entrepreneurial if we are in charge of our own
destiny - obviously we want to maintain close ties to Europe
- we need each other for trade!
Your normal routine includes a lot of travel and you are
known to use budget airlines, private jets and helicopters.
Do you enjoy the actual journey and what is your favourite
way to travel?
I don’t like travel - it’s tiring, but it’s worth it to reach my
favourite destinations. I spend most of my time in California,
Mallorca, Jersey and three months in London. It’s a good
combination - they complement each other well.
Do you still own your home in Chester?
I didn’t keep my home in Chester, I just wasn’t able to use it
enough. When home I prefer to stay with family there.
When you’re in Chester, do you like to eat in or out?
We always eat out in Chester and there are some great new
restaurants like The Chefs Table, Sticky Walnut and Joseph
Benjamins.
20 wirrallife.com
Have you ever spent any time on the Wirral, what do you
think of it?
I haven’t spent a lot of time on the Wirral but I think it’s
beautiful - especially around Parkgate and Caldy.
Maintaining a healthy life-style is important to you. Do
you have a strict fitness routine?
My fitness regime is dictated by where I am. In LA its beach
walks and lots of yoga. In the UK and Jersey its more tennis,
racket ball, Pilates and country/beach walks.
Apart from your luxury homes, what’s your most
expensive purchase?
A Porsche 918. But I am told it has risen $500,000 since I
bought it a few years ago.
Do you collect anything?
I collect art, I’m becoming more and more of an avid collector.
I also collect watches but I’ve not made any additions for a
while. I used to collect fine wine but I stopped drinking 3
years ago.
What is your guilty pleasure?
I sometimes watch box sets that I stream. I recently enjoyed
Big Little Lies! I will also occasionally eat a super high quality
pizza in Gjelina, Venice (California) - they are amazing! But
only 2 pieces max!
When you’re not working what do you like to do to relax?
Exercise - mostly everything I’ve already mentioned above
plus cycling and paddle boarding in Jersey. Eating in great
restaurants, movies, listening to audiobooks. I also love
yoga and meditation. I have found these two disciplines a
godsend and couldn’t do without them now!
What do you hope to be doing in 10 years’ time?
I hope to be pretty much doing what I’m doing now - which
is whatever I want to do!!
To find out more about Simon Escapes, please visit
www.simonescapes.com