Nick draws creative inspiration for his brand from New York. Photo: Getty Images

Club people • September 2014

My club: Nick Wheeler

Nick_MyClub
Nick Wheeler

Bronze Executive Club Member

The British businessman and founder of the Charles Tyrwhitt shirt company – who is a Bronze Member – talks about being inspired by New York, hating Wi-Fi on holidays and how he maximises his Avios collection

What’s the best thing about being a Bronze Member?
I used to be Silver but got bumped down because I didn’t have enough Tier Points – hopefully I will be Silver again in October. The Bronze benefit of priority boarding is handy. The best thing about the whole scheme is, unlike other loyalty programmes, you end up with useful rewards.

Where do you travel to for business?
Recently a lot of my business travel has taken me to the USA. We’ve opened a store in Chicago and are opening another in the new One World Trade Centre in New York. The US is a growing market for us.

And what about leisure travel?
The more remote, the better. But I have four children, and my wife won’t let me have many holidays in far-off, exotic places. However, we spent last summer on Vancouver Island, which was good for luxury in the wilderness. The only problem was Wi-Fi, which drives me nuts because the children are constantly on devices. I need to find a spot without Wi-Fi.

Where have you been that’s inspired you professionally?
As a menswear retailer, New York always inspires us. It’s a centre for innovation. They customise items efficiently by having a 75 per cent completed garment, which is then finished to your exact measurements by an in-store tailor.

Rwanda

Nick’s dream trip: to see gorillas in Rwanda

Where’s still on your bucket list?
Rwanda, to see the gorillas – I’m becoming more interested in wildlife and its disappearance – as everyone I’ve spoken to who has seen them says it’s the most amazing experience.

What is your recommendation for your home town?
Growing up in Shropshire, England, I was reluctantly frog-marched up one of the county’s highest summits, Titterstone Clee Hill, every Sunday. Now I think it’s one of the most incredible places – on a bright day, you can see glorious green landscapes for miles. Whatever happens in the world, it feels a very safe place.

Describe your Perfect Day
A couple of years ago I took my whole family – around 28 people – to Trasierra, just outside Seville. It’s an old monastery on an olive grove that’s now a boutique hotel. The older you get, the more you realise that family and friends really matter.

What’s your top tip for collecting Avios?
A Household Account is great, because you can earn Avios collectively. And it’s amazing how many you can earn with a BA Amex card. You also get companion vouchers, which are fantastic. Sadly, the last time I used one, I went to New York with my business partner Peter Higgins. Not very romantic.

Collect bonus Avios shopping with Charles Tyrwhitt through Gate 365. See the brand’s latest collection here

This article has been tagged BA, Travel Tips