George Rafferty: A man with all kinds of energy

Oct 19 2009 by Peter McCusker, The Journal

George Rafferty is the voice of the North East's fast-growing oil sector, which is bringing thousands of jobs to the region. But Peter McCusker discovers he still harbours dreams of becoming an entrepreneur.

The CV

Born: October 21, 1955, in Hamilton, Scotland.

Family: Married with three sons.

Career: Spent 23 years in the steel industry, first with British Steel in Scotland, then various management roles before being made head of Scottish Regional Office in Glasgow.

1970s: Left British Steel in late 70s and entered private sector with major steel distributor.

1988: Moved to Middlesbrough in 1988 to head up National Accounts team at UK’s second largest steel distributor dealing with major blue-chip companies throughout UK.

1989: Set up steel distribution business based in Stockton for the same group to supply high-grade steel to offshore and energy-related businesses.

1994: Business Link chief executive.

2001: National Federation of Builders regional director, Yorkshire and North East.

2002: Appointed head of business management at Yorkshire and Humber Regional Assembly, Wakefield, in October.

2005 NOF director.