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Making the most of a caring society

The boss of Darlington Building Society is a very busy man. Graeme King met Peter Rowley, chief executive, marathon runner, real ale fan and one of a shrinking tribe who believe in the power of society. Read

Bill McPherson

Leader with a world of experience

The flying Scotsman has landed. Andrew Mernin meets Bill McPherson, the man behind the take-off of Newcastle’s new route to Dubai. Read

Stephen McNicol

It’s about letting people blossom

Rising from trainee solicitor to managing partner in 11 years at commercial law firm Muckle LLP (formerly Robert Muckle) Stephen McNicol has achieved more than most could expect from an entire career. Read

Nick Spurr, owner of the Amble Boatyard in Northumberland

Steady hand in stormy waters

From an early age Nick Spurr has been fascinated with the craft of boat building, harbouring a romantic notion to own his own yard. James Barton meets a man who realised his dream after buying the Amble Boat Company in Northumberland. Read

Arnab Basu

Arnab follows in father’s footsteps

THE desire to emulate his father’s achievements led Dr Arnab Basu to begin a journey which sees him now at the head of a successful Durham company. James Barton met him. Read

Sam Morton - Twenty First Century Media

Building site – to building sights

A chance encounter with Courtney Cox and David Arquette led to a bit part in horror film Scream 2 and inspired Sam Morton to pursue his dream of a career in film-making. James Barton met the boss of Newcastle’s Twenty First Century Media. Read

Stefan Lepkowski

Grand designs and wild imagination

STEFAN Lepkowski was brought up in the wilds of the South African veldt: he adored the open vistas and the endless beauty of the landscape around his home near Table Mountain. Read

Maurice Duffy

A human touch and a sense of fun

A HUMAN resources agency should go further than fit people to jobs and jobs to people. It’s about understanding, involvement, maximum benefit – and fun – as Alastair Gilmour discovers. Read

Neil Barker

Neil Barker, Mackellar Architecture

The man at the helm of the 133-year-old firm reveals the latest stage of the company's plot for world domination. Read

Bill Colbeck, chairman of Henry Colbeck

Appetite for growth

After surviving two world wars and the Great Depression, a fourth generation fish and chip shop supplier is looking forward to a profitable 21st century. Read

Simon Woodroffe

Saying YO! to eccentric

With a rather eccentric image - long sideboards and a taste in shoes and socks not shared by many - you might think YO! Sushi and Dragon's Den entrepreneur Simon Woodroffe just got lucky to make his millions. Graeme King thinks otherwise. Read

Dr Matt Ridley

Dr Matt Ridley, Northern Rock

Northern Rock chairman Dr Matt Ridley on what needs to be done to kick-start the North-East economy. Read

Prof Malcolm Young

Charting a life of success

Professor Malcolm Young has been making headlines after discovering a cure for the MRSA superbug and is considering a stock market flotation for his drug discovery company e-Therapeutics - yet it could all have been so different. Read

Lisa Hart

Sharp end of real relationship

A business analyst has Alastair Gilmour querying his questions and analysing the response. Read

Richard Cotter

Each day's a joy for Berghaus boss

Richard Cotter is a man on a mission. With the outdoor clothing market expanding rapidly, he is determined that Berghaus is going to claim at least its fair share of that growth. Read

Hossain Rezaei

Why Hossain's starting out again

Hossain Rezaei has run the gauntlet with the British legal system, acts of God and political turmoil in his own country to build a successful business career in the UK. He talks to Nigel Stirling about his salvation of Pride Valley Foods and what his future holds. Read

Dr Mark Randle chief executive of Dermasalve

A new complexion on career

A Durham GP with serious entrepreneurial tendencies has built up a new career as chief executive of a multi-million pound stock market-listed skincare company. James Barton has an appointment with Dr Mark Randle. Read

Bob Fountain

A classic recipe for the good life

An innocent pleasure in dismantling his toys as a child led Bob Fountain to create a multi-million pound business in his backyard, restoring some of the world's most luxurious cars. Then he went on to buy the pub next door. James Barton hears how he lives the life many men can merely dream of. Read

Colin Peacock, Managing Director of Peacocks Medical Group

Peacocks still in the best of health

The Peacocks have been making orthotics in Newcastle for more than 100 years. Chris Hill met them and discovered a remarkable family affair. Read

Caroline Theobald

From Captain Bob to her own Bridge

From stamping passports for Swedes, through doing PR for Robert Maxwell, twice breaking her neck skiing and now winning a Queen's Award, life has never been dull for Caroline Theobald. Graeme King met the networking queen. Read