What were the highlights for your business in 2015?
Prime Minister David Cameron visiting the business, passing a rigorous inspection process to be awarded the prestigious ISO/TS16949 quality mark, which will enhance our ability to win contacts from major blue-chip companies in the automotive sector, and investing £180,000 in new technology taking our investment to £1 million since we moved to our current base in 2014.
Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently this year?
No, very happy with how 2015 has shaped up
Is there anything we should watch out for your company doing next year?
Winning even more business, growing the workforce including the recruitment of apprentices.
Have any other North East companies impressed you this year, if so – why?
Nissan at Sunderland is a fantastic North East success story having, during the last 30 years, grown into the UK’S largest automotive plant. It was a proud moment for the region to see the launch of the Q30 Infiniti – the first time in more than 20 years that a major new brand of car has been produced at a UK automotive plant..
When business life gets on top of you, what do you do to destress?
Cycling along not only local roads, but further afield into the stunning countryside that surrounds Teesside. I find it helps me totally switch-off. I also train at the gym three times a week.
Have any social media accounts caught your eye this year, any favourite pages or people to follow?
Facebook has been my social media platform of choice in recent months as I have launched a new company – Turnbull and Thomas fine furnishings – and I and my business partner in this venture, Terence Turnbull, are using Facebook extensively to promote the business.
If you could do any job in the world what would it be?
Test driver for a super car manufacturer
If you could go back in time, which piece of advice would you give your younger self?
Don’t rush into things, sleep on it and give it time before coming to a decision or conclusion.
What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?
A Ferrari.
