Robin Davison

Jan 23 2007 By Evening Gazette

Group managing director, specialist recruitment firm Wolviston Management Services, of Stockton.

What did you want to be when you were young?
A writer or an actor - and ended up doing both as an MD!

How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?
£5 per week - spent on cigarettes, beer and girls and then wasted the rest.

What's your dream job, other than your current one?
To be a professional footballer. I used to referee junior professional footballers and know what a good life they have. Or be a professional musician, I used to play keyboards semi-professionally and very badly in a rock band.

What's the best piece of business advice you have received?
You can only spend your allocated budget once and also minimise your borrowings and overdraft facility

And the worst?
Buy shares in Enron!

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?
Turnover for vanity - profit for sanity.

What are your hobbies?
Watching Boro, spending time with the family, reading and walking in the country - but not at the same time or you fall over.

What's your top business or financial tip?
Always be courteous and respectful to your staff and clients and keep a close eye on your cash flow and debtors.

Does anything scare you and if so what?
I think in most businesses everyone is scared of events which could impact on your own business. As we are suppliers to major clients within the Tees Valley and world-wide we are dependant on their profitability and ability to compete in a global market place.

What would you choose as your epitaph?
Here lies Robin Davison aged 105 - the good die young.

• For an archive of Q&A columns log onto www.gazettelive.co.uk/businessqanda