Christmas Spotlight: Fergus Bailie

Year after year, our festive spotlights prove very popular on our business pages. So, our Advent calendar of businesspeople is once again back for 2021! For each day of Advent during December, we’ll be putting a notable name from across the region through their paces, with 12 quickfire ‘one word’ questions…

Next up, it’s Fergus Bailie, CEO at Bailie Group…


1. Sum up 2021 for your business, in one word:

Evolving.

2. And a word that summarises how you expect 2022 to pan out?

Achieving.

3. What’s the one word from this year you’re sick of hearing?

Can’t.

4. And the one you hope to hear more of in the 12 months ahead?

Can.

5. Which business has impressed you this year?

York gin – I’ve been impressed by the way they’ve grown and developed a strong retail offering during the past 12 months.

6. If you could have one present for Christmas what would it be?

A personal Bonnie Tyler concert!

7. What’s the best Christmas gift you’ve ever bought for someone else?

I bought my wife a craft gin subscription – that seemed to go down well!

8. What do you think is the most under-rated thing on your Christmas dinner plate?

The humble sprout – Christmas isn’t Christmas without the old Brussels sprout.

9. How many people will be around your table on Christmas day?

Eight (and teo dogs) – heading back to Northern Ireland to spend it with family.

10. And which word would you use to sum up the ambience?

Tipsy.

11. Your favourite Christmas tipple?

Doom bar (not strictly a Christmas drink but Santa insists on it)

12. And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2022? (you can have more than one word for this one!)

Be bold, be adventurous, and look ahead – not back!