1 : WHAT DO YOU DO ?

A :

I ’ m the CEO of Rare Rockets , and my role is to implement , develop and lead the organisation into our new era .

2 : WHO HAVE YOU WORKED FOR IN THE PAST ?

A :

I was the manager of Hartlepool Deaf Centre , service coordinator at Darlington Council and director of CJ Interpreting , now known as Rare Rockets .

3 : BEST PART OF YOUR JOB ?

A :

Teamwork , networking and partnership ! Without these in place , I would be totally stuck in a rut . Having an excellent team onboard is satisfying and I take great pride in that . You can see how each individual staff member grows in confidence within their role . Look after them and they will look after our customers .

5 : FAVOURITE THING ABOUT WORKING ON AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK ?

A :

The location and the facilities we have nearby , especially Oak Leaf driving range ! There ’ s a good opportunity to try and improve my golf swing during lunch breaks .

6 : WHICH COMPANY / INDIVIDUAL ON THE PARK DO YOU DO THE MOST WORK WITH ?

A :

LemonTop Creative , when we were based in the same building . Since lockdown , they now work from home , but it doesn ’ t stop us from working together and we ’ ve successfully continued this .

8 : FOUR FAMOUS PEOPLE YOU ’ D LOVE TO HAVE ROUND FOR DINNER AND WHY ?

A :

James Martin - I watch all his cookery programmes . He ’ s so down to earth and I really admire how he interacts with his guests , quite similar to myself . Plus it would be a fantastic opportunity to see his cooking . Michael McIntyre , as I can relate to the comical side of family life . Trevor McDonald - I love his documentaries , how he describes life and draws out people ’ s personalities and characters . And lastly , Deborah Meaden , because of her business-like yet down-to-earth approach , alongside her love of nature . Having those around the table generates a true balance . I ’ m sure it would lift the roof after a couple of vinos !

11 : HAVE YOU EVER DONE ANYTHING REALLY DARING ?

A : Oh yes ! Where do I start ? Go-karting , quad biking , parachuting ! I was only two jumps away from going freefall . I love being a bit of daredevil !

13 : IF MONEY WAS NO OBJECT , WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL CAR ?

A :

Oh man ! It has to be an Aston Martin , any model ! I would have the biggest smile known to mankind . The sleek style , the sexy look , it ’ s a beast in my eyes , but I ’ ve not yet sat in one . Hopefully soon , who knows ?

14 : MONEY NO OBJECT , YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY WOULD BE ?

A :

Sanatoria . The stunning view . I just love being in the sun and chilling out .

15 : DO YOU HAVE A FAVOURITE BAND OR TYPE OF MUSIC ?

A :

I don ’ t have a particular favourite , but I used to listen to Michael Jackson during the release of his two albums , Thriller & BAD . I even went to old Wembley to see his concert , what an entertainer ! Since then , not much … my kids have taken over with their strange style of music !

16 : WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT ?

A :

Having two kids ! Just watching them grow into individual characters in their own way , you can ’ t beat that .

18 : WHERE DO YOU SEE YOURSELF IN FIVE YEARS ?

A :

Still in the same role , but continuing the development of Rare Rockets , with more staff , inspiring people and creating opportunities .

19 : WHO ’ S THE MOST FAMOUS PERSON YOU ’ VE EVER MET ?

A :

I haven ’ t met them directly , but they ’ ve been ‘ around ’ me …. my son has a photo with Joe Swash and Adama Traore ( ex- Middlesbrough footballer ). My wife met Ian Botham , my 1981 Ashes hero , and Phil Schofield ! The nearest famous in my eyes was Neil Maddison , when Middlesbrough drew 1-1 with Brighton on the last day of the Championship to get promoted to the Premier League . My friends and myself got a selfie with him with the biggest cheer of our life !

The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 7