PROFILE
“ There will be many trials and obstacles , but you ’ ve got to believe in yourself and what you ’ re trying to create .”
The biggest character on the Tees business scene is … What has very much stood out to me is the tenacity , vision and determination of the SME property developers and investors across the region who we have helped support with vital funding from GB Bank . They ’ re building communities as well as properties and are a real inspiration .
Teesside ’ s a great place for business because … not only are house prices much lower than other parts of the UK , which can bring in essential talented staff , but inward investment and the grit and determination , especially among those incubating and starting new business , is very strong in the region . The area has excellent air , rail and road networks for business and if that wasn ’ t enough , there ’ s some beautiful scenery combined with a fantastic coastline .
My biggest frustration about Teesside is ... it talks itself down sometimes and seems to feel it has to constantly justify its place as an attractive area for investment , to work and to live . I think it needs to shake this off and stand proud .
My favourite local charity is … This isn ’ t a local charity , but I do support the charity Armenian Ministries by regularly volunteering my time . They do some wonderful work to provide aid for the poor and destitute in Armenia .
When I ’ m not working , I like to spend my time … riding my road bike or mountain bike . Where I live is very flat , so I love to travel to the North-East , the Peak District or the Lake District to ride on the mountains and hills . I like to spend time eating out and with the family . I ’ m a keen barbecuer and enjoy spending time with my two grandchildren – with a third on the way next year .
My guilty pleasures are … I have two : I ’ m a dyed in the wool Formula One fan and I don ’ t think I ’ ve missed a race since 1994 . I also eat too many KP salted peanuts !
The best holiday I ever had was … a few days in New York followed by a two-week Caribbean cruise for my 50th birthday . It was magical . We had a junior suite on the cruise ship and did many excursions involving snorkelling among the fish , going in a submarine and also on a mock Spanish galleon to Saint Lucia .
Not many people know this about me but … I play the clarinet and used to be quite accomplished on the piano .
In retirement , I ’ ll spend my time … enjoying my grandchildren and riding my bike across the UK and maybe in France and Spain too .
The voice of business in the Tees region | 51