IF retail therapy is a shortcut to sanity, then Mike Thomas, 53, must be the sanest man alive.

Mike is the centre manager of McArthurGlen’s York Designer Outlet – part of Europe’s original designer outlet group.

As such he oversees 120 stores and 1,500 employees who work in that shopping paradise, as well as heading up a core team of ten managers who implement retail offers and roll out marketing strategies, organise in-centre community events throughout the year and manage occasional crises.

Given that the centre attracts 3.5 million visitors every year, bucking the sector’s gloomy trends, it is a good team. And perhaps offering designer and high street brands for less, such as Calvin Klein, LaCoste and Ted Baker, also has something to do with it.

Mike, who joined the team in January, brought more than 30 years retail experience, working with brands including Littlewoods, River Island and USC and saw him based in different parts of the world, including the Middle East, Russia and Poland.

All of which makes his regular weekly commutes from York – where he now has a flat in Hungate – to his family in Glasgow seem a breeze.

He hopes to re-locate them to York this summer once his youngest of three daughters goes to university. When he isn’t working, Mike likes to play golf, describes himself as a “social runner”, and is an avid Manchester United fan.

Which job (other than your own) would you like to have and why?

To manage Manchester United’s worldwide retail business. I’m a retailer and an avid Manchester United fan – to combine the two would be a dream.

Greatest achievement?

Being the father to and bringing up three beautiful, polite and different girls.

Biggest mistake?

Going to work for a dubious retail organisation in Russia – all my instincts told me I shouldn’t go. If it looks too good to be true, it probably is.

What makes you most angry?

Injustice.

What do you need to make life complete?

Nothing. Never mind winning the lottery. I am happily married, with three bright, healthy daughters and I enjoy the job I do. What more can I ask for?

Why do you make a difference?

Because doing so isn’t hard. Being polite and considerate, saying thanks, giving encouragement, smiling rather than growling is all easy stuff but it does make a difference.

Your epitaph

He was all right.