Hugo Finlay is the owner of Hugo Thomas menswear, one of the most recognisable independent stores on the Lisburn Road. A committed member of the Lisburn Road Business Association, Hugo grew up on the Lansdowne Road before settling in Coney Island in County Down. In a previous life he worked alongside inmates of the US penal system before establishing his reputation as a leading menswear retailer...

Where were you born and where did you grow up?

I was born on the Antrim Road and grew up on the Lansdowne Road

Where did you go to school?

St Malachy’s, Queen’s University and the University of Ulster, Jordanstown

What did you want to be when you were a child?

I wanted to be a painter and decorator just like my dad

What are the worst and best jobs you have ever had?

The worst was working in a commercial laundrette in the United States alongside inmates of the local prison. The best was as a nightclub host in Spain in the mid-80s

What is your favourite book, film and band?

The book is David Niven’s autobiography called The Moon’s a Balloon, the film is Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid and the band is Coldplay

Do you have a favourite joke or quote?

’Don’t let them grind you down’ or at least the uncensored version

What is your most treasured possession?

I can’t think of just one

What is your greatest fear?

Failure

What are you very good at?

Avoiding interviews

What are you most proud of?

My family

What place would you like to visit before you die?

Nepal

What is the last text message you received?

It was from my sister

If you were a politician, what is the first thing you would do?

Fight for fairer rates for small business

If you won the lottery what would you spend it on?

I’d buy a boat

How do you want to be remembered?

‘At least he tried’

What do you like most about North Belfast?

The Cavehill

What would you change if anything?

I’d put better facilities in along the shore