David Yip is a director at the Manchester branch of Wing Yip, a £101m Chinese foods wholesale and supermarket business with four sites across the UK.
BW: What was your first ever job?
I didn’t realise it was a job at the time, but it was packing shopping bags and collecting trolleys at the family store – the same job that my siblings did, too. It was £5 for the day, if I remember correctly. It was fun and more of a novelty at first, especially when you’re doing something new. Back then, the only place you could really spend your pocket money was the corner shop or newsagents, and after a few days of being on my feet all day, all I wanted to do was stay at home, eat sweets and read comics.
BW: How would your colleagues at Wing Yip describe you?
Most of the time, I think they would say that I am patient, approachable and willing to listen. Unless I’ve heard it all before!
BW: If you could turn any activity into an Olympic sport that would give you a chance of winning a medal, what would it be?
It would have to be having the most tabs open in an internet browser.
BW: What would your perfect day involve?
Travelling. In particular, driving to somewhere new – across the world, perhaps – with no schedule or timetable. Along the way, it would be all about finding great places to stop to refuel, eat and explore, and soaking it all in. Bliss.
BW: What’s your song of choice at karaoke?
Smokey Robinson & The Miracles’ The Tracks of My Tears. But not performed solo, of course.
BW: Who would be your four ideal guests at a dinner party?
The comedian Ricky Gervais, psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud and actress Jessica Alba, for sure.
The last one is difficult, though – I was thinking of having the scientist Albert Einstein, but I’ll go with actress Marilyn Monroe instead.
BW: What would you cook them?
One of the only dishes that I can cook – spaghetti bolognese or chilli con carne.
BW: What fad or trend would you like to see make a comeback?
The LaserDisc. I don’t think it made it far enough to be classed as a fad or trend, though!
BW: If you were a superhero, what would you choose as your superpower?
Easy choice – time travel.
BW: What do you wish you knew more about?
History. And I don’t just mean traditional history, but the history behind businesses, science, technology and people. Knowing and understanding drivers and influences would be such a nice thing to have.
BW: When was the last time you changed your belief or opinion about something major?
I don’t think I have. If I have a strong belief or opinion, I’m not easily swayed, although if it’s on something major, I try to keep an open mind.
