PICTURE BY CHRIS BOOTH
WE TAKE A BREAK AND SIT DOWN WITH A DIFFERENT EMPLOYEE OR BUSINESS OWNER / LEADER TO ASK THEM 20 QUESTIONS ABOUT A VARIETY OF SUBJECTS …
COFFEE BREAK
In this issue , Penny Gordon is in the Aycliffe Business chair . Penny and husband Paul own and run The Fish Tank on Aycliffe Business Park – winners of the Best Newcomer category in the 2022 Make Your Mark Awards …
1 : WHAT DO YOU DO ?
A :
I own and run The Fish Tank , a family swimming and activity centre on Aycliffe Business Park with my husband Paul . We also own The Happy Swim Company , teaching babies , toddlers , and children to swim .
2 : WHO HAVE YOU WORKED FOR IN THE PAST ?
A :
I began my working life as an apprentice accountant , for Chester-le-Street DC , working my way up through several roles to finance manager and group accountant at Hartlepool BC . After having children and taking our eldest daughter to swimming lessons the opportunity came up to retrain as a swimming teacher . It was a hobby that I enjoyed alongside my career until the opportunity came along to buy and run the baby swimming franchise ourselves .
3 : BEST PART OF YOUR JOB ?
A :
Being able to offer a quality , supportive venue for families to visit and enjoy , and know we ’ re making a difference to people ’ s lives .