Each week Bath Business News gives a prominent member of the city’s business community the last word on its weekly e-bulletin. This week David Newton, chief executive of Bath-based property developer Kersfield, answers our 10 questions.
What was the LAST:
Film you watched? The 1949 film The Third Man, often cited as the best British film of all time. The cinematography and musical score used to set the scene are awesome as is the cast headed by Orson Welles. 
Book you read? The End of Alchemy by Mervyn King. It gives an account of the forces behind the global financial crisis and is surprisingly easy to read despite the content.
Music you bought or downloaded? I have quite an eclectic taste in music and, unless one of my teenage daughters has managed to family share their latest downloads to my iPhone, you can find me listening to anything from a chilled house compilation to Mozart’s Requiem and absolutely everything in between.
Concert or play you went to? I’m slightly embarrassed to admit that I had a fantastic night out at The Bee Gees tribute concert at the Chapel Arts Centre. It’s a great venue that is definitely worth a visit. Our redevelopment of Hope Chapel on Lower Borough Walls overlooks the centre and adjacent public space – so look out for some future enhancements in the area.
Sporting event you attended? I had a lovely afternoon at the 20:20 cricket at Taunton watching England v South Africa as a guest of Greg and Jane Ingham. I am fortunate enough to enjoy many sporting events but the gentle pace of cricket in particular is always welcome.
Holiday you went on? I went to Port Andraxt, a charming fishing village in Majorca with a large group of friends to celebrate a significant birthday. I’ll leave you to guess which one!
Restaurant you ate in? The Pig at Hunstrete. The service and food are exemplary but they still manage to create a relaxed and informal atmosphere.
Thing that annoyed you? Politicians holding unnecessary elections which have created unwelcome uncertainty.
Thing that made you laugh out loud? The whole of the film Ted 2.
Piece of good advice you were given? Irrespective of wealth or popularity, we all too often witness a good reputation ruined overnight. This quote from Warren Buffett is worth remembering on a daily basis: “It takes 20 years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it. If you think about that, you’ll do things differently.”
David Newton is chief executive of privately owned Bath-based property developer Kersfield. Following a self-admittedly short and undistinguished army career, David transitioned into the field of property and has an established track record in the delivery of luxury residential development. He is a member of the Construction Excellence South West committee and the Bath Initiative, which represents the interests of leading Bath’s business owners to local government. Kersfield is a member of the Bath Percent Club, which commits to give a percentage of profits to charity and regularly takes part in local charitable events – the most recent being the inaugural Dragon Boat race in aid of Wizzybug – with Captain Newton at the helm, naturally.
