Christmas Spotlight: Andrew Palmer

If ever there was a year when we need some festive cheer, it’s 2020. So, for our annual advent calendar of Q&As with the region’s businesspeople, we tried to focus on what brings you joy.

Every day in December, we invited someone into the Christmas spotlight, with 10 quickfire questions…

Finally, to round up it’s Andrew Palmer Managing Director The Gravitas Matrix and Group Business Editor of the Yorkshire and Lancashire Times …

Complete the sentence: “If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s…”

Remember to always remind family and friends what they mean to you as they can be taken without any warning.

If you could give a one-line shout out to your team, for how they’ve handled this year, what would you say?

The editorial team at the Yorkshire and Lancashire Times have been marvellous, collaborative and willing to help. Thank you.

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

Spending time on my road bike. Enjoying one of the best malts Glen Grant – a superb smooth, Speyside whisky and books from the superb independent Ripon Book Shop with its fantastic window displays.

In fewer than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.

A pick-up in growth, and meeting people in person – being no longer reliant on virtual platforms. Creating an online mentoring course for those who want to build their public speaking confidence and improve body language.

Which business do you think has gone above and beyond, this year?

I think all businesses that have pulled together and supported their teams and innovated, rather than singling out one in particular. Although, the café below my office Cathedral View has been really good trying new recipe ideas and keeping the community together. We both get a stunning view of Ripon Cathedral from our windows.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

The excitement of that moment when you find your stocking has been filled at the end of your bed.

What’s the one thing you could never be without, on your Christmas dinner plate?

Well we always try something different on Christmas Day but if it was a traditional Christmas dinner it would be a close drawn thing between roast potatoes and Yorkshire puddings. Hmmm.. roast potatoes win.

What’s your favourite Christmas tipple, film and tune?

My favourite Christmas film is any James Bond. As for a tune - I am Chair of Ripon’s own symphony orchestra – St Cecilia, so it would have to be the Troika from Lieutenant Kijé (suite), Op.60 by Prokofiev it just creates Christmas for me… and as an organist O come all ye faithful and going full blast on Christmas Day for that last verse plus Glen Grant again

What are you most looking forward to, about Christmas 2020?

A quiet time of reflection on the events of the past year and drinking a toast to those I lost.

And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2021?

We’ve all shown resilience, there is light at the end of the tunnel and thank you for your support. Here's to a better 2021.

Merry Christmas from all of us at the Yorkshire, Lancashire and Cumbria Times.