Mark Jones

Sep 4 2007 by Helen Logan, Evening Gazette

Former Tees Valley Chef of the Year and owner of Ocean Restaurant and the Staincliffe Hotel in Hartlepool.

What did you want to be when you were young?

The lead singer in Slade. I am a huge fan and was still a member of the fan-club until a few years ago. I have seen them live 20 times - I used to think I was sad until I met a bloke who had seen them 532 times!

How much was your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

£32. I spent it on a radio-cassette player and The Beatles 1962-1966 red album.

What’s your dream job, other than your current one?

I’d love to be a footballer for Middlesbrough, even though I’m Welsh. My wife is from Middlesbrough and it’s my adopted team.

What’s the best piece of business advice you have received?

Never give up and always believe in what you are doing no matter how many knock-backs you get.

And the worst?

I’m not sure you can get bad business advice because it all depends on how you interpret it - everything has to be weighed up.

What is your philosophy when it comes to business?

Always try to improve and always give 100%.

What are your hobbies?

Football, music and cooking.

What’s your top business or financial tip?

Make sure you build the right team around you and are surrounded by enthusiastic and committed people.

Does anything scare you and if so what?

Failing.

What would you choose as your epitaph?

He always tried.

For an archive of Q&A columns log onto www.nebusiness.co.uk/business-news/ business-questions/