Skip to content
team-hands_1920x1080

On the spot: Tom Morton - TAB Harrogate

Listen to Audio Version:

Tom Morton is The Alternative Board’s local Facilitator for the Harrogate region.

In this quick-fire interview, Tom gives an insight into his most embarrassing mistake, his love of cricket and golf, and gives a very clever choice for his final meal...


What was your first job?
(Aged 18) Working in a label-stringing factory in Nottingham, alongside a number of puzzled, but robust, Nottingham ladies (mostly wives of miners). Fortunately they adopted me as a sort of mascot ....

If you weren’t in your present position, what would you be doing?
Probably vegetating, getting more and more grumpy, and getting under my wife's feet -- as opposed to having the best job in the world, as I do now!

What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made?
(Most embarrassing) (Aged 14) Answering my parents' phone when they were out, and being impatient with the caller for whispering -- not knowing that he'd had a tracheotomy -- still makes my blood run cold!

(Most important) Not starting my own business a lot earlier.

What are you proud of, but never have an excuse to talk about?
Running a half marathon in 1 hr 52 min (though this was a number of years ago!)

What’s your ideal day away from the office?
Playing golf on a links course on a fine day with good friends.

Name one person you would like to have dinner with and why.
(Still alive) Mike Brearley -- the greatest ever England cricket captain, and a perfect example of a leader.

(No longer with us) William Shakespeare (how on earth did he have such insight into things which are still key issues 400 years later, and always will be?)

What was your best subject at school?
Maths -- I loved it, and still do (it underpins virtually everything else)

What was the best day of your life?
My wedding day!! (Surely you didn't expect any other answer?)

What would be your last meal?
Ideally something which took AGES to eat!

What would you do if you won the lottery?
Try and help a lot of people -- but it'd be difficult, because I don't buy a ticket!

What is your top time saving tip?
Don't be afraid to say NO.

What was the last picture you took?
A golf mate (You Know Who You Are) attempting to play his ball out of a hawthorn bush.

What would your epitaph be?
What I'd LIKE it to be is something like "he helped to change other people's lives for the better" .... what it'll ACTUALLY be -- well, who knows?

Where do you want to be in an hour?
Going for a brisk walk (it's a lovely crisp day as I write this).

And finally, what would you like for Christmas this year?
A nice surprise...


Tom Morton is the owner of TAB Harrogate

You can view other 'On The Spot' interviews here.

team-hands_1920x1080

We've got boards running across the UK

Discover more by finding your nearest TAB board facilitator.

Latest insights and articles

Why you should never give away Equity when SME's raise finance

25 March 2024 | 2 minute read

Discover why giving away equity when raising funds for SMEs is a bad idea. Explore alternative options to maintain control and maximise growth potential.

Time Management: Theory and Practice 2024

25 March 2024 | 6 minute read

This is a comprehensive guide to time management, its theories and putting them into practice. Learn all about time management with this in-depth post.

Conquering Imposter Syndrome: Strategies for Business Leaders

13 March 2024 | 4 minute read

Conquer Imposter Syndrome as a business leader with practical strategies and insights on overcoming self-doubt and embracing your full potential.