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James Whittaker is the managing director of Peel Waters and is involved in some of the North’s most important developments.
However, he’s arguably best-known as the son of billionaire John Whittaker, who gave the North game-changing projects like MediaCity and Trafford Centre.
Recalling his childhood he said: “We very rarely saw Dad as children. He was working so late. He wouldn’t be in until 12pm and when he did come in, he would be on the phone.”
He told the Northern Leaders podcast about his father’s vision for the Trafford Centre when he was a young child.
“He pointed to some land from the Barton Bridge next to the Manchester Ship Canal and said ‘I’m going to build the biggest retail leisure destination in the world here’ and as children we laughed at him.”
At the age of eight, James went to boarding school at Ampleforth College with some words of wisdom from his father ringing in his ears.
“He said ‘don’t worry about education, just play 1st team rugby,’ James recalled. “He said rugby teaches you every life lesson you need to learn – teamwork, commitment, camaraderie and training.”
The young Whittaker did get picked for the 1st team – even keeping future England rugby captain Lawrence Dallaglio out of the team.
James also spoke about his father’s relationship with Sir Howard Bernstein, the late, great, chief executive of Manchester City Council.
Host: Chris Maguire, executive editor, BusinessCloud
Producer: Ellice Street, What Media
Contact: Chris Maguire [email protected]
Listen to the podcast on Spotify; on Apple Podcasts; or watch the interview on YouTube below.