18 Business DECEMBER 2018
10 minutes with...
What was the last gadget that you
bought?
My underwater-friendly iPod shuffle
has transformed my 2k-metre
swimming sessions.What is your favourite holiday
destination?
The USA such a huge place with lots of
great cities like San Francisco and
Boston and even more spectacular
outdoor destinations such as Niagara
Falls and Yellowstone. In the UK, I love
the Yorkshire Dales which has some
great walks and views.Where is your favourite restaurant
and why?
I have been going in Valentinos and
The Kush in Heaton Moor for years and
are both excellent. Another favourite is
La Casita in Chorlton, a small family-
run restaurant which does fantastic
Mexican street food and Manchester
craft beers.Aim high - which includes
his trophy-winning City
To what do you attribute your
success?
I’ve always had a strong work ethic. As
a kid I washed cars, did paper rounds,
worked in a shop and collected glasses
in a local pub. I have a strong moral
compass and always try to be myself. I
have a forthright style and don’t let the
herd sway my thoughts or direction.
I’ve always played a long game in terms
of offering consistent high-quality
client service and have never been
interested in short cuts or ‘get rich
quick’. My philosophy in life is that I
want to minimise problems for myself
the future.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve
been given?
My dad always taught me to aim high
and give everything my best shot and
never compromise my standards.
Who has inspired you most in your
career?
I left university with a chemistry
degree, with no idea of what working in
a professional financial environment
involved. My first role, at Arthur
Andersen, was a progressive, high
pressure, USA accountancy firm with a
‘sink or swim’ culture. I was taken into
the insolvency and restructuring world
by Alan Katz who was an excellent
mentor at work. He made me think
about client service and values, and
pushed/challenged me to achieve. I
owe him a lot. I have always taken
inspiration from the people close to me
not figures in the public eye.
What motor do you drive?
I bought my first car at 17 for £60 which
is cheaper than a tank of petrol now. It
was a battered old mini. I’ve had about
15 minis over the years and still drive
one now, albeit the newer model.
What was the last book that you
read?
My favourite author is Steinbeck and
I’ve just finished In Dubious Battle. He
has a way of writing that makes you feel
you are actually present in the plot. In
terms of non-fiction, I’ve recently
finished Johnny Marr’s Set The Boy
Free. Marr’s positive attitude to life and
his music is admirable.
Paul Stanley, north west regional managing partner of Begbies Traynor
How do you relax?
I’ve had a season ticket at City since ’
and I’ve also got one at Stockport
County. I’m currently trying to work
my way through the grounds down to
Conference North level. I’ve been a
member for years at the YClub in
Castlefield, which is not just a gym but
a great Manchester institution. I swim,
run and cycle and like indie music in
particular the Manchester bands of my
generation, Smiths, Stone Roses, Doves
and Oasis.How do you maintain work/life
balance?
Modern technology makes it possible
to keep up to date wherever you are. I
don’t have a PA and control my own
diary.What is the number one attribute you
seek in an employee?
Honesty. Most problems are solvable if
everybody pulls together as a team. Ihave a very reliable, competent team
around me and we are all open with
each other which means that there is a
good atmosphere and we enjoy our
day.Finally, tell us two unusual facts about
yourself.
My gran played centre-half for Dick
Kerr’s Ladies in the early 20th century.
Inspired by JJ Burnel from the
Stranglers, I played bass in a post-punk
band. We played a few gigs and
recorded a couple of tracks which were
played by Craig Cash in his DJ-ing days
on (I think) Signal Radio.Paul Stanley, 55, is the north west
regional managing partner of
Begbies Traynor. He is married
with four children and lives in
south Manchester. He joined
Begbies Traynor in 1993 after
qualifying as a chartered
accountant and licensed
insolvency practitioner. An avid
Manchester City fan, he can also
be often be seen cycling around
town on an old fold-up bikePaul Stanley and,
below, with City’s
2018 trophies