James Dyson: ?The worst thing anyone has said to me? That my father had died. I was nine?

Born in Norfolk, Sir James Dyson, 74, studied at the Royal College of Art. He spent four years developing the cyclonic vacuum cleaner and went on to set up his company in 1992. Dyson products, now available in 82 countries, span household vacuums, purifier fans and heaters, lighting, hand dryers and haircare. This year he published his autobiography, Invention: a Life. He is married with three children and lives in Wiltshire.

What is your earliest memory?Being lowered into a swimming pool by my father who had me in a rope noose attached to a stick. That's how I learned to swim.

What is your greatest fear?Losing a child.

Which living person do you most admire, and why?David Hockney, because he's so experimental and creative. He continually reinvents himself in a really delightful way.

Describe yourself in three wordsDriven, impatient and thorough.

What would your superpower be?To have more energy. Compared with 30 years ago, I get tired much more quickly.

What scares you about getting older?Forgetting things.