LUXE PEOPLE >>
I find entrepreneurs very infectious when they have a passion for what they do. I am very fortunate to have worked with some very inspiring people. My mum for how she has maintained sanity in bringing up my brother and I, and my father and my family for their business acumen and hunger for success. Finally, my girlfriend Jodie for her continued support.
LUXE PLACES >>
For a weekend > The Lakes or the Northumberland coast.
A long holiday > Skiing. Anywhere in the Alps. Or America; I am lucky enough to have family in New York, so that’s always a good excuse for a holiday.
A treat > Weather depending, golf in Scotland. There’s nowhere better.
LUXE RELAX >>
Best food > I love food. A good steak or anything with a kick to it.
Best wine > I have tried wine, but I always fall back to a beer or gin.
Best restaurant > I enjoy a Chinese with a large group so you can’t go wrong with Hei Hei in Newcastle. But if it’s a special occasion, Café 21 is the best. The food there is exceptional.
Perfect weekend > A combination of golf, friends and family, in no particular order!
Downtime means > Door locked, curtains drawn, on the sofa with my feet up and the TV on.
Best telly > Monday night football is a must for any football fan. The Apprentice is good TV to switch off to. I always have a boxset on the go as well. It’s Homeland at the moment.
Best book > I am a bit sad and I like books by economists and entrepreneurs. The book I took on holiday recently is called The Choose Yourself Guide to Wealth by an entrepreneur called James Altucher. A must-read for anyone with a business or even an idea.
Best sounds > Anything fast and with a beat to lift the mood.
LUXE SHOP >>
Best shopping city > I like Newcastle and Intu Metrocentre because I know where all the shops are. I don’t browse when I’m shopping, I shop with a purpose.
Favourite shop > Does Amazon count?
Retail treat > I could spend a fortune on golf clubs or clothing – I can’t help myself when I’m in a golf shop.
Luxe party >>
A memorable night out > I went to Vegas for my 30th. What I can remember, I’ll never forget!
Perfect party > I love a wedding. Good friends, family and great atmosphere. There’s nothing better.
Perfect night out > I am going to sound old now but I feel like the days of 5am finishes in a club are behind me and I much prefer a cosy pub with a fire burning and good company.
Best outfit > I’ve had to tone down my outfits in recent years. A sports jacket or jumper with some jeans or chinos. I have recently been bought some pyjamas, how I have managed 31 years of my life without a pair I’ll never know.
Dinner date > Anywhere up the coast or in Newcastle with my girlfriend.
Your Luxe thing in life >>
My business. It is still early days but I am proud of what I have achieved and I feel that I am really helping people with their finances. I have a passion for financial planning and I get to do what I love everyday. Hopefully as the business grows I’ll be able to purchase the more luxe things in life!
The Associate Partner represents only St. James’s Place Wealth Management plc (which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority) for the purpose of advising solely on the Group’s wealth management products and services, more details of which are set out on the Group’s website. The title ‘Associate Partner’ is a marketing term used to describe St. James’s Place representatives | chrisstraker.co.uk