GOLF-mad estate agent and valuer David Beattie hasn’t been playing as often as he would like just lately and that suits him fine.

“If I have to make the choice I would rather see a good swing in prosperity than a good golf swing,” says David who is senior partner at Quantum Estate Agency in Walmgate, York.

When he and his mother, Lesley, and two sisters, Hazel and Adele, started the venture, it surfed the boom years in property. It continued to increase profits by 30 to 40 per cent year on year until the recession hit hard in 2008.

But David was determined to keep all 16 staff come what may.

“There was no way we were going to drop standards of customer service which has always been the secret of our success,” he said.

Quantum began to rebuild itself by concentrating on lettings. David said: “In April, we began to see a revival in house sales and even now, in what would anyway be a quieter time in the season, business is brisk. It seems like I’m going to have to put away my golf bag for some time yet.

“But who knows - if the market continues to improve like this, I may have to take on yet more staff.”

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

George Osborne’s – so that small businesses could be given the freedom and incentives to expand, and increase job creation.

Greatest achievement?

Shooting a 77 at Fulford! More seriously, though, getting through the recession without having to lose any staff; I was very proud of that.

Biggest mistake?

Happy to say I don’t think I’ve made it yet... does (briefly) liking Simply Red Mick Hucknell count?

What makes you most angry?

I don’t get too angry, but tourists either driving or walking round York suddenly stopping in the middle of the street to look at the interesting buildings does wind me up.

What do you need to make life complete?

Shooting a 72 at Fulford. And one day becoming a father...

Why do you make a difference?

Because I have strong personal moral values which guide me in business

Your epitaph

He thought he was funny. Occasionally he was... but this ain’t funny.