‘Education was my best investment’

Ulster Bank head of commercial and business banking John McGrane talks to Niamh Hennessy.

What was the first job you ever had and how much were you paid?

I’ve worked with Ulster Bank throughout my career and I’ve loved every minute. My first payroll slip still reads £54.75. It taught me that money ain’t everything.

What is the best investment you have made?

In my education. After five years on the doss, I went back to college at night and got myself a B Comm. My subsequent financial investments have rarely been as rewarding.

What has been your worst investment?

None of my oil shares produced any gushers but I had great fun dreaming of what I’d spend my fortune on.

What has been the most expensive item you have purchased?

Marriage, but worth every penny in the long run.

Whom do you most admire in business?

Professor Muhammed Yunus who has rightly won the Nobel Peace Prize for using micro-credit to reduce third world poverty.

What is your most prized possession and why?

My relationship with my family Irene, Valerie, Mary and Jack (but my stratocaster doesn’t answer back!)

What is the best piece of business advice you have received?

“Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sé”: our young people hold the key to our future success and they should be given every encouragement.

What is currently pressing your passion button?

Rolling out Ulster Bank’s expansion in the business banking market nationwide. We have the best team and the best customers in these islands.

What drives you to succeed?

My parents taught me the value of hard work and my team inspire me to do it every day.

Did you take out an SSIA?

No. We bought a harp, a cello and a drum-kit, and hearing our daughters and son play them means everything to us.