Each week Swindon Business News gives a prominent member of the town’s business community the last word on its weekly e-bulletin.
This week Kate Westbrook, partner at leading commercial law firm Thrings, answers our 10 questions
What was the LAST:
Film you watched? 
I’m almost embarrassed to say it was The Hangover Part II. It was funny and ridiculous, and while not as hilarious as its predecessor, it was perfect viewing for a Friday night.
Book you read?
I’m reading The Secret Seven Adventure to one of my daughters. I was a huge Enid Blyton fan when I was younger, and her books were all I read between the ages of seven and 10. I envy my daughters having so many Enid Blyton books to look forward to.
Music you bought?
I subscribe to Spotify, so rarely buy music in the traditional way. The last track I listened to on Spotify was Ain’t No Pleasing You by Chas ‘n’ Dave. It’s a strangely upbeat song and was actually one of the first 7-inch singles I bought.
Concert or play you went to?
In September I went to see Black Coffee at the Wyvern Theatre in Swindon. I progressed from Enid Blyton to Agatha Christie, and remain a huge fan of her books, especially those featuring Hercule Poirot.
Sporting event you attended?
I recently went to the Swindon Rugby 7s Festival at Greenbridge Road (home of Swindon RFC) – an absolute feast of rugby, beautifully organised (by my husband!) and the event raised money for the club.
Holiday you went on?
A family holiday to Menorca in August this summer. It was hot, the beaches were quiet and my kids spent almost every waking moment swimming in the pool or the sea. It generally follows that if the kids are enjoying themselves, so are their parents.
Restaurant you ate in?
The Weighbridge Brewhouse in Swindon. My husband and I went there to celebrate our wedding anniversary. If you like your Indian dishes spicy, tasty and large, I can wholly recommend the turkey Madras.
Thing that annoyed you?
I get annoyed when I hear people moaning about Swindon. The town has so much going for it: there are some fantastic open spaces (Lydiard Park and Coate Water Country Park are good examples), Swindonians are generally friendly and welcoming, and from a professional point of view, it’s a fantastic place to do business. Thrings’ association with Swindon dates back to the early part of the 18th century, and the town, its people and its fantastic range of interesting businesses have been very good to us.
Thing that made you laugh out loud?
My colleagues at Thrings have the ability to make me laugh every single day!
Piece of good advice you were given?
When the waiter at The Weighbridge brought the huge turkey Madras to our table, my husband said “Go big or go home”. I firmly believe that if you’re going to commit to something, commit to it fully or don't do it at all.
Kate Westbrook spent time in Yorkshire, Coventry, Maidstone and Cardiff before setting up home in Swindon almost 14 years ago. After joining Drakes Meadow-based Thrings as a trainee in 2001, she progressed to the position of partner in 2009. Now a highly-respected commercial lawyer, Kate specialises in drafting, reviewing and negotiating commercial contracts and has a particular interest in defence, aerospace and technology based businesses.
