Christmas Spotlight: Darren Evans

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’ve tried to focus on what brings you joy.

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

First up it’s Darren Evans, design director and founder of The Engine Room…

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

…that I can get away with wearing shorts to work for 10 months of the year.

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

Drinks are on me, what you having?

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

Yes, my fixation on hiking gear went supernova.

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

1. Celebrating our 20th birthday and coming of age. 2. Continuing to work from home as part of the way we do things. 3. It can’t be any worse than 2020, so bring it on.

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

I’m pretty sure every single Yorkshire business has gone above and beyond this year. I feel for those hit the hardest. We’re a resolute bunch and I salute you all.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

I distinctly remember one Christmas when we were quite young, my sister and I having a sickness bug in the run up to Christmas. It took us about three times longer to open presents in between trips to the bucket!

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

Pigs in blankets – don’t even think about taking those away!

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

Baby Guinness, Die Hard (yes, yes it is a Christmas film) and Christmas Wrapping by The Waitresses.

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

Erm, see question 7!

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

There’s light at the end of this tunnel. Heads down for the final push!