One Minute Intervew: Andrew Bainbridge, MEUC

Andrew Bainbridge, chairman,

Major Energy Users’ Council

Career history: started as a newspaper reporter and had his own PR firm by the age of 24. Created the first energy efficiency training course and wrote the first book about employee participation in energy-saving programmes. Established the MEUC in 1987.

What was your first job?

Newspaper reporter in Sunderland.

What are the best and worst parts of your job?

Best: enabling customers to confront government about its ill-thought-out legislation. Worst: trying to counteract boardroom apathy.

What’s your dream job and why?

Conducting symphonies by Sir Edward Elgar – because he is the greatest English composer.

What’s your most treasured possession?

My collection of Elgar biographies.

Where did you last go on holiday?

Cruising in the Mediterranean.

In the Hollywood film of your life, who would play you?

Billy Connolly, but without the swear words.

Reveal something about yourself not many people know.

I once ran a charity tea party at 10 Downing Street.

What album is currently in your car CD player?

As a member of the Institute of Advanced Motorists, I have to concentrate on the road.

What’s your favourite film and TV programme?

Film: Bad Day at Black Rock with Spencer Tracy. TV: cricket on Channel 5.

What quote or saying do you most overuse?

“We need movers and shakers.”

If you ruled the world, what would you do first?

Vet politicians’ expenses.

What’s your favourite joke?

The Grim Reaper came for me and I beat him off with the vacuum cleaner. It was Dyson with Death.

This article first appeared in Utility Week’s print edition of 22 June 2012.

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