Simon Murphy joined the Dean Court Hotel team just over six months ago, bringing with him experience and knowledge of the hotel industry and a keenness to share his expertise at the city centre hotel.

As a resident of York for the majority of his life, Mr Murphy says he is passionate about placing Dean Court Hotel and DCH Restaurant "back into the heart of the York community and its residents".

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

"I love going into work everyday and get such a thrill from being around the guests and staff at Dean Court Hotel, but I have always had a dream at the back of my mind to be a Formula One racing driver.

"I love everything about fast cars, especially the thrill and adrenaline that you get from them (perhaps my love of fast cars is why I have such a run around energy at work). It’s not just about the Formula One cars and the racing, but imagine the places you would visit whilst racing – what an amazing experience."

Greatest achievement?

"I worked closely with the Leeds Children’s Charity to raise money for under privileged children who suffer from poverty, neglect and learning difficulties. Our challenge was to be able give them a holiday to Silverdale, in Morecambe, where the children could escape for the week, make friends and just have fun. It was such a rewarding experience and something I will never forget."

What makes you most angry?

"Two things that make me most angry, people who are rude and those who don’t show courtesy to others.

"I believe everyone should be polite and have good manners, especially in our type of business. As I deal with the general public on a daily basis, I often see every type of person coming through our doors whether it’s a guest, staff or someone I’m having a meeting with, so you can spot these people in seconds. It doesn’t take much to be polite but it can mean so much."

Biggest mistake?

"Even writing this now still makes my throat dry - turning down Apple shares. We don’t need to dwell on it."

What do you need to make life complete?

"I have lots of amazing people around me who make me happy, every day. Family is very important to me, and to become a grandparent for the first time is going to be an amazing feeling."

Why do you make a difference?

"I love my job and I am confident about everything we do at Dean Court Hotel, we are always striving to bring that special extra touch for our guests’ experience. The positive attitude I have towards my job and our loyal guests, hopefully inspires my team to love it as well."

Epitaph

"As quoted by Michael Winner in the Sunday Times, 'He was cheerful and hospitable'."