“Do You Know?” is a not too serious column for you to enjoy where we ask a local personality to share some of their secrets and inspiration for success with us.

This afternoon I had an enjoyable coffee break with James Gabb at his home adjacent to his solicitors’ practice in Campden High Street. James was modest and amiable and looked very fit and well, which will come as no surprise once you have read more about him.

Are you a local boy?

I was brought up on the High Street. My father was the local baker here at The Old Bakehouse, and I went to Chipping Campden School where I did ‘alright’ academically.

But there was something you excelled at?

From being at primary school I enjoyed martial arts and the training and discipline. I liked competing individually rather than in team sports and went on to be the kickboxing champion of Great Britain and represent GB internationally.

Do you still train?

I have some equipment in a room that I use as a gym behind the house and office. I sit down all day, so I like to do some morning training which can incorporate running, cycling, swimming or gym conditioning. And I walk the dog. I don’t commute so can do this instead.

Do you read or listen to podcasts?

I like reading and regularly have two or three books on the go. I’m reading Stephen Fry’s Greek Mythology series of books, also a history of Henry V. I’m learning French via podcasts and like to put it into practice when I can. My wife criticised a recent poor performance at a triathlon in Nice because I was spending too much time at aid stations speaking to the locals. It was 37 degrees; much better to talk than ride and run.

What about TV and the cinema?

I can cheat by watching TV while training in the gym. I liked the “Vikings” box set (yes all 93 episodes) and am enjoying “You” and “Drive to Survive” both on Netflix. My most recent trip to the cinema was to see “Black Bag” which was good.

What’s on your playlist?

A very eclectic mix. Hip Hop is my favourite genre. Recent gigs have included Nas, Kasabian, Primal Scream, and Alexis Ffrench. Nas performed his original album at the Albert Hall with a full orchestra, so this presents a new perspective on the original format. My favourite live performance of late was when Stormzy made an appearance with Ed Sheeran in London. I have also picked up on artists my children have liked, so I found myself listening to the likes of Dua Lipa at a run in Amsterdam last year.

So how did you get into law?

I didn’t do very well at my A-Levels and went on to take an HND in Business and Finance. Afterwards I got a job with the Law Society in Redditch and I worked hard through a part-time law degree and Legal Practice Course by weekend block release. I did my Training Contract with “Rickerbys” in Cheltenham and qualified in 2002. I then worked on for them

When did you set out on your own?

I started my own firm in 2006 from my home in Winchcombe and moved everything up to Campden in 2007. I had more contacts here than further south, so it made sense.

What were the big challenges?

The cost of professional indemnity insurance for solicitors is incredibly high. Also advertising is not that effective. It’s word of mouth and recommendations that grow a legal practice. So getting new clients doesn’t come in a rush. You have to be patient and do a good job so clients return to you and recommend you to others too. I was lucky that teaching kickboxing also bought in some money, mainly training and coaching others.

How are things now?

I have a staff of ten, with four qualified solicitors and another two who will be qualifying this year. We are a typical market town practice specialising in litigation/dispute resolution, wills and probate, and property. People are my top priority. Recruiting and retaining good staff is hard. New staff tend to come to me on a two year training contract which gives them the practical day to day experience they need to get fully qualified after their college studies. They need to then be able to continue to develop and of course they might get poached. We have to be very conscious of our reputation and keep standards high, word of mouth is still the best route for attracting new clients. I think communication at all times with clients is the key to this. We are judged on our performance.

I guess you can’t have any guilty pleasures?

Many! My worst is having a Toffee Crisp and a Red Bull each morning around 10:30.