"I love networking events!" - 20 Questions with Gary Timney from Acuity Learning Academy

We’re back again with another 20 Questions, our weekly format which sees us posing a series of part serious, part fun questions to some of Hampshire’s leading lights.

Under the spotlight this week is Gary Timney, Founder and Managing Director of Basingstoke-based Acuity Learning Academy.

His favourite spot in Hampshire is Lymington’s Elderflower restaurant, he loves networking events, and if he was Prime Minister for the day, he’d fill in all the potholes…

What is your favourite TV show?

Sport aside, it has to be Gogglebox, Its become a Friday night favourite. I never imagined I’d enjoy watching people watching TV.

Who would you like to share a car with?

That’s easy, Liam Gallagher, I’m hoping he would open up and share a few Oasis stories.

The best bit of my job is..?

I love networking events – meeting new contacts and clients gives me such a buzz.

And the worst?

Being ill, I hate not being well.

Who was your childhood hero?

Has to be Muhammed Ali, my dad regularly used to take me to Wembley Arena to watch boxing. We would walk the floor and meet all the famous boxers in the crowd. I’ve still got the signed programmes from those days.

What’s your favourite smell?

The smell of freshly cut grass on a summers day.

Where’s your favourite place in Hampshire?

The Elderflower restaurant in Lymington. We go twice a year as a special treat. Their taster menus are to die for.

What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?  

Visualize your end goal, set path goals and have a clear plan to achieve what you want.

What was your first record/CD?

Sex Pistols, Anarchy in the UK on Vinyl

What makes you angry?

I hate rudeness. Good manners cost nothing.

Do you have a favourite piece of music?

Jesus Jones’ Liquidizer Album, classic 90s indie pop. Seeing them perform the album live, many years later, was one of my all-time favourite concerts.

How do you reward yourself? 

Nice meals out with my wife or a good concert

What’s your favourite food or dish?

A good Sunday roast, preferably Lamb with mint sauce

What three things would you take to a desert island?

That’s easy, I’d only need one thing. I’d take my wife.

What’s the best thing about living/working in Hampshire?

Village life is wonderful for homelife. Regarding work, I’d have to say the road network makes travel so easy.

If you were Prime Minister for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?

I’d get all the pot holes filled in. I’d be everyone’s friend then.

What’s your biggest frustration?

Remembering passwords stresses me out constantly.

Where’s your favourite holiday location?

Tenerife, its my spiritual home. I’ve been going there since 2000.

Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

According to my life plan, working remotely in the sunshine.

What would you like to be remembered for?

Just for being a nice chap will do.