Q & A: GRAHAM LIRONI, director of Liquorice Media, public relations consultants, Glasgow

Published on Thursday 20 September 2007 00:11

WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN?

February 1964, at home in Bellshill, though I spent my childhood in a suburban cul-de-sac in East Kilbride with my parents, big brother, wee sister and, later, another wee sister.

WHERE WERE YOU EDUCATED?

Claremont High School, Glasgow Chamber of Commerce, and Bell Street College (now Abertay University) in Dundee, where I studied economics before struggling with a postgrad in marketing at Strathclyde.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST JOB IN THE MEDIA?

As part of a dissertation on the Scottish PR sector, I interviewed a number of PR MDs. At the end of interviewing, Tony Meehan, MD of TMA Communications, I was offered a job. I accepted, gratefully - then left four months later to sign on the dole, get married, tour with a band and attempt to write "The Great Scottish Novel".

WHAT WERE YOUR IMPORTANT CAREER MOVES?

Landing then resigning from that first job. Getting appointed as one of three staff journalists on Business Scotland magazine (then finding myself appointed as editor and the sole editorial member of staff one year later). Returning to PR as a business writer after 12 years in business journalism and, finally, starting my own public relations agency, together with colleague Susan Christie (left), at the start of this month.

WHO HAS BEEN THE BIGGEST INFLUENCE ON YOUR CAREER?

Robin Presswood, a colleague on Business Scotland, who taught me the first rule of journalism: "If in doubt, leave it out."

WHAT ARE YOUR OUTSIDE INTERESTS?

Writing and music. I've been fortunate enough to have a couple of novels published and recently self-published a piece of non-fiction called Doubt Faith on lulu.com. I've always played in bands and have had CDs released on Glasgow's Creeping Bent label with The Secret Goldfish and Mongoose. My latest musical project is an acoustic country/folk tinged band called The Motherwell Swimmers.

HOW MUCH WOULD YOU SPEND ON A BOTTLE OF WINE?

I always buy what's on offer - so I'm content to pay 4 for an 8 bottle.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE WORST EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE SO FAR?

Learning the hard way that the grape and the grain don't mix - then forgetting and having to re-learn the same lesson every six months or so.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE BEST EXPERIENCE SO FAR?

A long weekend in Fornalutx, Majorca, with my wife, sipping sangria, puffing on a Havana and watching the Tramantana mountains turn red in the sunset.

IF YOU COULD BE IN SOMEONE ELSE'S SHOES, WHOSE WOULD THEY BE AND WHY?

The driver of the tram from Port de Soller to Soller, Majorca (above), I don't think I'd ever grow tired of that brief journey along the beach, through the orange and lemon groves up to the bustling town square and back again.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS?

To make a success of Liquorice Media by meeting our clients' expectations, to publish a third novel and to release a Motherwell Swimmers CD.

WHAT ARE YOUR AMBITIONS FOR SCOTLAND?

Liberty, equality, fraternity - and prosperity.