On the spot – Business profile in Yorkshire Post with CNG Managing Director Jacqui Hall
1) What was your first job?
I got my first job at nine; I lied about my age and got a paper round so I could have horse riding lessons with my friends (you had to be ten to have a paper round in those days!) and I have worked ever since. My first proper job was as a general assistant at a hotel. It was hard work and long hours, but I loved the whole experience.
2) If not in your present job, what would you like to be?
I would like to be a hotel owner. I have always been very customer focused and I constantly strive for excellence. When I was growing up I actually wanted to be in the police force; unfortunately I was too small and by the time they dropped the height restrictions my eyes weren’t good enough!
3) What would be your ideal day out of the office?
A day with my family, somewhere fun with good food!!
4) Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why?
I have a number of key people in my life that I would love to be able to share dinner with. Colin Nigel Gaines, who sadly passed away last year, would be at the top of that list. Colin was the founder of CNG and I’d like to know that he thought we were doing okay.
5) What was your best subject at school?
Maths; I enjoy problem solving.
6) What are your hobbies?
I work full time and have three children, so that doesn’t leave much spare time. If you class socializing as a hobby I would say that. And I am going to do a 10k run next year, so running will have to be up there now that I have committed to it on paper!
7) How would you describe yourself in a personal advertisement?
Sociable, positive, hardworking and fun loving.
8) What's your top time-saving tip?
Marks & Spencer. I shouldn’t admit to that, but it’s true!
9) What would you do if you won the national lottery?
I wouldn’t change anything in my life at the moment; I’m enjoying myself too much. I would pay off the mortgage and that of my close family, then make some real difference for others with the rest. You only need so much.
10) Which political, legal, economic or sporting event would you most like to see happen in your lifetime and why?
I would love to see Leeds United win the Champions League, Harrogate Town make the Premiership and perhaps witness the demise of the Bush administration!
11) What is your favourite garment and why?
I haven’t really got one. I tend to keep things so special that I never wear them!
12) What was your worst mistake and why?
I haven’t made too many mistakes in my life; I have been very lucky. When things don’t quite go to plan all sorts of doors open up and take you down different paths, which can be a nice surprise.
13) What is your favourite time of day and why?
I am a morning person, so that is my best time of day, when I have my most energy and best ideas.
14) What is the best thing about being in business in Yorkshire?
You know where you are with the people of Yorkshire; everyone here is switched on and straight talking. I wouldn’t want to work or live anywhere else.
15) What would you like your epitaph to be?
A dancing queen who lived life to the full and was very proud of her wonderful family.
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