Simon Pearson
Chairman, recruitment and marketing agecy Pearsons.
What did you want to be when you were young?
My father was a solicitor so naively I thought I would like to do that. Unfortunately, because I was lazy at school I only achieved four O Levels and left at the age of 16.
How much was your first pay packet. What did you spend it on?
I had a job selling carpets for a department store (Newhouses, now Debenhams) so I can't have been earning much.
What's your dream job, other than your current one?
I would love to own a chain of luxury hotels.
What's the best piece of business advice you have received?
Empower the people who work for you to make decisions.
And the worst?
When starting the business 20 years ago I was advised not to be in the North-east and definitely not in the Tees Valley.
What is your philosophy when it comes to business?
Keep close to your market and embrace change. Deliver the service you would expect yourself.
What are your hobbies?
Any excuse to be outside at the weekend in the garden. Food is also a passion.
What's your top business or financial tip?
In any business, cash is king.
Does anything scare you and if so, what?
Flying, heights, but above all, becoming destitute.
What would you choose as your epitaph?
A never-ending passion and belief in the place I was born and ran a business, Middlesbrough and the North-east of England.
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