Andrew Meadowcroft

Andrew Meadowcroft, head of licensed trade, Barclays bank

Corporate goal for the year?​

Helping our customers achieve their aims might sound like a cliché, but we're not only financial experts, we're sector specialists as well, so our customers know they can come to us for advice on wider business issues.

Any opportunity to grow your business?​

With the introduction of the smoking ban and poor summer weather last year, operators that have diversified are likely to be in the best position for 2008.

If there is a downturn in the economy, how bad is it going to get?​

Almost all in the licensed trade industry acknowledge 2008 could be a challenging one.

In the short term, we could see an increase in M&A with more consolidation in the industry as 2008 progresses.

If political pressure increases, what's our best form of defence? ​

Responsible drinking is clearly a key political issue. The licensed trade should use this as an opportunity to demonstrate how it is collaborating with local authorities.

Personal goal for the year?​

I'm aiming to run a half marathon in March in under one hour, 35 minutes.

Favourite quotation or business adage? ​

I have a number of favourite quotations but I particularly like: "Everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while you're climbing it."