Gary Partington (From York Press)

Gary Partington

2:49pm Tuesday 3rd November 2009 in

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BEING a hi-tech engineer feeds Gary Partington’s passion for watching Formula 1 Racing. “I love its perfection,” he says.

That same fascination for any technology that works well also drives his success as director of Wilton Homes (York), the Copmanthorpe-based building company known for creating homes with super energy-efficient systems.

Gary set up the business with his brother, Alan, in 2002, after a career in the world of semiconductor manufacturing which took him round the world with positions in Germany, Asia and the North of England.

Wilton Homes now employs up to 20 people locally, including subcontracted skilled tradespeople across the York area and what sets his new homes apart is energy efficiency through high spec insulation and excellent build quality.

Townhouses and apartments at its Stone Court development on Dalton Terrace in York achieve a B rating on energy performance certificates – a standard attained by fewer than one per cent of all the homes in England and Wales, according to a Halifax survey earlier this year.

That top performance has created demand which has powered him through the recession.

It has also brought him the kind of success that has allowed him and his partner Donna to visit Singapore F1 races this year, and Hockenheim and Le Manse in previous years. “I’ve always loved F1 since I was a boy but I can afford to see it first hand now,” he says.

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

Formula 1 chief (Bernie Ecclestone’s) job, travelling the world in luxury and witnessing all the Grand Prix.

Greatest achievement?

Becoming a parent at the age of 45 to two-and-a-half year old Florence.

Biggest mistake?

Forgetting to put my car’s handbrake on after I drove on to a car park stacking system in Taiwan. I left just before it rolled off crashing to the ground 20ft below. End of car.

What makes you most angry?

MPs’ expense claims.

What makes you laugh?

MPs having to pay back expenses.

What fools do you suffer least?

Jobsworths. People who are not prepared to be flexible in their approach to work.

Whom do you most admire and why?

All members of the armed services serving overseas to protect our way of life.

What do you need to make life complete?

To be able to provide my family with financial security.

How do you relax?

Spending time with the family and watching motorsport.

Why do you make a difference?

My level-headed and analytical approach to situations and problems gives me an edge.

Name the organisation (apart from your own) that you see as closest to perfection and why

Samsung Semiconductor Company in Korea. Its investment in R&D and new manufacturing facilities dictates it will always be on top in its field.

Favourite record?

Sultans Of Swing by Dire Straits

Favourite holiday destination?

Palau, a tropical Pacific island. Heavenly.

Your epitaph

Nothing ventured, nothing gained.