| |
 |
|
Glen Newman, co-owner of Purple Contracts who lives in Efail Isaf with his family and chickens, tells us all about his life and the reasons he loves Cardiff.
THE LAST WORD
Who are you and what do you do?
I’m a father of Jasmine (9) and Bradley (7), partner to Deborah (late thirtiesish) and co-owner of Purple Contracts in Barry. I provide vehicles and vehicle finance to small businesses nationwide.
We adopt a very consultative approach with all our customers – not many people realise that although a ten grand vehicle will always cost ten grand, the way you finance it can save you a small fortune, so I help you get it right.
What do you like about Cardiff?
I love the culture and the personality of the city. You can’t walk through town without bumping into somebody you know. I love the Bay, the Barrage and our magnificent stadium.
Where would you recommend for an unforgettable dining experience in Cardiff?
Every Sunday morning there’s a terrific farmers market in Riverside, opposite the Millennium Stadium. One of the stalls is a Rajasthani curry hut that serves freshly made curries… you haven’t lived until you’ve had one for breakfast!
What is your favourite meal?
I’m a bit of a ‘foodie’, so I’ve got lots of favourite dishes but some of my favourites are fresh oysters (Ashtons Fish Market oysters are kept fresh over running water) with a drop of lemon and tabasco, medium rare fillet steak from Le Monde with lashings of Faustino, a red-hot chicken jalfrezi with lots of fresh green chillies and almost any tapas dish from La Tasca in the Old Brewery Quarter.
Favourite wine/drink?
A really good Rioja, like Faustino 1 Gran Reserva and Irish Whiskey. Not necessarily at the same time!
What do you do to relax?
Playing with my kids, or if I’m lucky enough to have the house to myself - a good music DVD, like the Eagles Live or Roger Waters/Pink Floyd, on the plasma, surround sound, very loud, with a large Bushmills. Heaven!
Do you have a pet hate?
Yes, two: able bodied people parking in disabled spaces and chewing gum. Not the gum itself though - I have an irrational dislike of the sound of somebody chewing gum, and to stand talking face to face with someone munching on gum is intolerable. I must have had a bad experience with chewing gum in a previous life!
What event in Cardiff is a must?
The French Food Market in the Oval Basin down the bay.
Favourite music and why?
Any good live music. I enjoy watching musicians practicing their craft. Sometimes watching them is as good as hearing them.
What gadget would you not be without, and why?
My wireless internet connection and laptop at home. Isn’t it just the best invention ever?
If you weren’t a vehicle finance Consultant, what job would you do?
I’d be a chef. I like cooking for my family and friends. They all say they love my cooking, but I think some of them may just be saying that because it means they don’t have to do it!
Any lifelong ambition?
I’ve been very lucky, I’ve got some great family and friends, and I’ve managed to succeed in many of the projects I’ve attempted. And when I’ve failed, I’ve learned from my many mistakes. All I want to do now is to get interviewed in a posh magazine… hey!
The most memorable thing that happened to you was?
Driving my Deborah to hospital in the middle of the night when Bradley was trying to ‘burst’ out of her. I got stopped by the police and escorted to hospital á la Frank Spencer.
I wish more people would take more notice of…
The law regarding mobile phone usage whilst driving.
A phrase you use far too often…
I swear far too much. Some say that excessive swearing is due to a lack of vocabulary, but when I swear I do it with panache. Swearing can also be a sentence enhancer.
I’m very good at…
Playing the bass guitar. I play in a good (if I say so myself) local band called Madassa Soul Band, with the legendary Laverne Browne. We’ve been doing our stuff for donkey’s years. Come and see us if you get the chance.
I’m very bad at…
Multi-tasking. I’m a bloke… what do you expect?
My ideal night out would be…
I have very basic requirements, a nice restaurant followed by a night cap down the local.
In moments of weakness I…
Really want a cigar. But I gave up smoking two years ago, so it’s not to be.
The best age to be is…
I’m enjoying life more and more as I get older. I’m 39 now, so I’ll say 39. But doesn’t life begin at 40?
In a nutshell my philosophy is…
Make the very best of every opportunity that happens your way. You can compromise your lifestyle and financial position, but never compromise your principles.
If you’d like to be featured or would like to promote your business in
Last Word, please call Jennifer on 0845 130 6452
or email jennifer@citylifecardiff.co.uk
|
|
|
