Duncan is a Suffolk based entrepreneur and property developer. He's an expert in spotting early investment opportunities, whilst encompassing activities that range from purchasing existing buildings, to gaining planning permission for potential land developments. By his own admission, he ‘loves business’ and the work that goes along with the variety of companies he is involved with. Duncan, his wife Kara and daughter Ella are passionate charity supporters, proudly and proactively working with their chosen charities throughout the year. Duncan is an associate director of Ipswich Town Football Club, and a trustee of the Elena Baltacha Foundation. He talks to Gina Long

What's the impact of Covid-19 been on your life, and how are you adapting?

The impact on most of my business sales has been positive, yet we face new challenges of getting supplies on time and within budget. We find ourselves having to use multiple suppliers instead of staying loyal to a few.

What is your connection to East Anglia?

I was made in Suffolk.

What is your East Anglian heaven?

The rivers, the sea, Ipswich Town football club!

East Anglian Daily Times: Duncan Foster with wife Kara and daughter EllaDuncan Foster with wife Kara and daughter Ella (Image: Contributed)

What is your East Anglian hell?

Nimbies! People who complain about anything because they have nothing better to do.

What's your favourite East Anglian landmark?

Ipswich Town Football Club, of course.

What's the best thing that happens in East Anglia every year?

The start of the football season.

What is your favourite restaurant?

I love so many restaurants but it's hard to beat Benihana in London.

East Anglian Daily Times: Duncan Foster and Kevin Beattie pictured at Portman Road in 2015 with the England cap donated for the Bobby Robson auctionDuncan Foster and Kevin Beattie pictured at Portman Road in 2015 with the England cap donated for the Bobby Robson auction (Image: Archant)

Do you have a specialist Mastermind subject?

My friends would be disappointed if I didn’t say Rioja, but I doubt I would win because I would have to taste all the questions.

What is always in your fridge?

Onions, peppers, chillies, and leftovers of some concoction I have invented for a previous dinner.

What's your simple philosophy of life?

Enjoy life, be as good as you can be. Give back.

Your favourite film?

Mission Impossible

What was your first job?

I was a labourer on my father's building site in the school holidays.

What is your most treasured possession?

My wife would say my phone, I would say my wife but then I would be murdered for saying she is a possession, so in the interests of staying alive.my phone!

Who do you admire most?

Probably David Attenborough, he is truly inspirational.

What is your biggest indulgence?

Holidays.

What do you like about yourself most?

My loyalty.

What's your worst character trait?

I talk too much, especially after my favourite tipple.

Where is your favourite holiday destination?

Barbados and the best day of my life was marrying Kara there.

What's your favourite breakfast?

Eggs Benedict.

What's your favourite tipple?

Rioja.

What's your hidden talent?

I can play the piano.

What's your earliest memory?

Being caught trying to smoke one of my dad’s cigars at five-years-old.

Tell us something people don't know about you?

I am obsessed with a bargain, and often waste hours online trying to save a few quid.

What's the worst thing anyone has ever said to you?

I couldn’t repeat it here, but he was wrong!

Tell us why you live here and nowhere else?

I’m embedded in Suffolk, through friends, business, football. I have considered moving abroad for the weather but I would get bored and drunk.

What do you want to tell our readers about most?

How proud we are of the charities we support, the hours of dedication the teams put in selflessly to make less privileged children’s lives better.
We have also spent over 10 years investing in ways of tackling climate change.
And now we are hoping to deliver a product that will help millions of people in arid countries grow their own crops in the desert.