Get stuck inside the world of Billy Wright, the KFC loving Masterchef, we dive into the delightful chaos of his life as a family man and entrepreneur. We also get the lowdown on Decem, his ingenious low-alcohol spirit, born from a personal need for a drink that doesn’t knock him out, perfect for drinking not drunking.

• What is your favourite family tradition?

Billy: "Favourite family tradition is definitely the morning time. So he’s been on a strict routine ever since he was born, so to have those hours of seven till nine before work is amazing. We sort of spend 45 minutes in bed after he’s fed, and then I have him for half an hour downstairs, where we unload the dishwasher and do general chores and then set them up for a little weaning breakfast, which is getting a little bit more entertaining."

• What is the secret to balancing work and family life?

Billy: "Because I’m my own boss, I obviously can set timings a little bit more rigidly around family life, rather than the other way around, but I’ve still obviously got a lot of people to see and meet. Being in the drinks industry, this tends to be afternoons and evenings, so generally, I have the morning blocked out with the family, which is really nice."

"There are quite a few pictures of me back in the day asleep in nightclubs, which is not a good look for anyone"

• How did the idea for Decem come about?

Billy: "So Decem really came about because of an individual need that I have, and that is to find a drink that is not beer that I can drink for quite a long time. Because obviously, when I’m out with the boys, or when I’m out, generally and when I was younger beer was everything that we drank. But my body really doesn’t like it. So I’ve sort of drunk spirits from quite a youngish age, which is obviously not great health wise either. So there are quite a few pictures of me back in the day asleep in nightclubs, which is not a good look for anyone, especially now that we have smartphones! Back then you actually had to take your camera out with you. So I got away with a few! But anyway, there was nothing on the market. I was like, can we make a spirit? Can I make a spirit at a lower percentage? And I did."

• What has been the most rewarding moment in your entrepreneurial journey so far?

Billy: "So the most rewarding moment in my entrepreneurial journey is definitely getting to market and actually getting the idea into a bottle, onto a shelf. It was just incredible to see. Also, I guess the first sale that goes through is fairly monumental, because it’s a hard process. It’s not an easy thing to do, especially when you’ve got nothing to benchmark it against. Whilst we were coming up with the idea, we thought we were the only ones. There are now other people in the market, which is good, because I think if we were doing it on our own, it’d be a struggle. So definitely that first ever sale, I think!"

"Other than Peachies nappies, at the moment, which we definitely couldn’t live without, personally, I would say probably my kitchen knives. Bit of a rogue choice, maybe, but obviously, as a part-time chef, I do travel with them."

• What is something you can’t live without?

Billy: "Other than Peachies nappies, at the moment, which we definitely couldn’t live without, personally, I would say probably my kitchen knives. Bit of a rogue choice, maybe, but obviously, as a part-time chef, I do travel with them. Just been away on holiday, and I forgot them, and it wasn’t great!"

• What is a recent book or podcast that has inspired you?

Billy: "I mean, I listened to the ‘Hungry’ podcast with Dan Pope a lot, because it’s obviously an FMCG podcast. If anyone hasn’t listened to it, you should definitely listen to it even if you’re not in the FMCG world just because it’s so insightful. They have some amazing, incredible guests on. I even have a little notebook where I write down little cribs and information from it. So definitely, that has inspired me a lot."

• What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy that might surprise people?

Billy: "This is probably what people are not going to expect. I actually collect and trade a bit of crypto and NFTs. Bit niche, but there you go!"

"My guilty pleasure is fried chicken and specifically KFC. I’m just going to say it, KFC fried chicken and gravy is my thing."

• What is your life mantra?

Billy: "My life mantra is definitely live life to the fullest and treat every day as your last."

• What is your favourite way to unwind after a long day?

Billy: "My favourite way to unwind after a long day is probably two or three Decems in different guises. First being a Decem and tonic, followed by a Decem Negroni and it is beautiful!"

•  Who is your hero and why?

Billy: "That’s an easy one, it’s got to be my mum. She’s been through a lot in her life, and she’s still here to tell the tale. She’s battled through a lot of cancer, so it’s amazing that she’s still here. She’s incredible with Freddie, and she was a working mum with me and my brother. So hats off to her! She’s definitely my hero! (Sorry, Dad)."

• What is one thing on your bucket list?

Billy: "One thing on my bucket list is definitely to take Freddie to the home of cricket. Yes, I love cricket hopefully Freddie will enjoy cricket, but no pressure there, Freds, don’t have to mate!"

• What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?

Billy: "So the best piece of advice was probably when I first started work, I had a client and was late for a meeting, and he said to me, Billy, 'why is your time worth more than my time?' And I said, 'Well, it’s not.' He said, 'Well, why are you late?' I was like, from now on in I’ll always be punctual!"

"The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is quite an easy one. Probably go on national TV. Yeah, going on Master Chef was pretty nerve-wracking"

• If you could have dinner with three people dead or alive, who would they be and why?

Billy: "If I could have dinner with three people dead or alive… that’s a tough one! Only three?! Small dinner! I’d think I’d need at least thirty. But anyway, three, I would go for probably Anthony Bourdain; absolute legend of the cooking world and documentary world, amazing and a lot of stories to tell. Then probably Shane Warne, going back to the cricket theme; one of my heroes as a sort of sports person growing up. Sadly, left us way too early. Both of them are not alive. So probably pick someone who’s alive; probably Sir Alex Ferguson. I was a massive Man United glory boy when I was younger, and he’s just an absolute legend. And a lot of stories to tell, and obviously the best in the business in terms of what he did. So to learn from him would be incredible! I think it’d be a good dinner."

• What is your guilty pleasure?

Billy: "My guilty pleasure is (other than taking you for lunch mate), I reckon… I love fried chicken and specifically KFC. I’m just going to say it—KFC fried chicken and gravy is my thing."

• If you could become an expert in anything, what would it be?

Billy: "I could become an expert in anything? What would it be? I think I’d love to be able to code and do something which all the youngsters probably can do at the drop of a hat now, and I’ve got absolutely no idea where or how or what to do. So I’d love to have that knowledge and power to be able to just go, 'I know how to do that!'"

• What is the most adventurous thing you’ve ever done?

Billy: "The most adventurous thing I’ve ever done is quite an easy one. Probably go on national TV. Yeah, going on Master Chef was pretty nerve wracking, I must say! Hey, Freddie? Hopefully you’ll be able to watch it soon!"

• What is your go-to karaoke song?

Billy: "My go-to karaoke song? This is another easy one. Live Forever by Oasis."

Billy Wright’s journey is a testament to balancing personal and professional life while chasing your dreams. His dedication to family, coupled with his entrepreneurial spirit, makes for an inspiring story. We can’t wait to see what’s next for him and Decem!