In a new feature from Aycliffe Business, we get to know different personalities from around Aycliffe Business Park with 20 personal questions.
In the latest issue, we feature NC Group executive director Lee Childs…
1: What was your favourite subject at school?
A: Tough one – either PE or engineering. I really enjoy anything practical and I have ended up following both of those paths in later life, becoming an engineer and football coach.
2: Who was your childhood hero, and why?
A: Nigel Mansell. I love motor racing, he was fearless and a tenacious competitor.
3: How did you get to where you are now?
A: Many things have contributed to where I am now, but it has mainly been relationships. I am fortunate to have excellent relationships with people I have worked with throughout my career and without those relationships and people, I would not be where I am now.
4: Which is your favourite organisation on Aycliffe Business Park and why (excluding your own)?
A: Tough one as there are so many great businesses on the park… I think I will go for Siesta coffee shop, it’s a great place to grab a coffee and catch up with friends.
5: Which Aycliffe business or individual do you tip for future success?
A: The Recovery Room and Next Gen Jiujitsu – both opening soon in our old building. JP and Ang will be a welcome addition to the community and their businesses will be a great addition to the business park.
6: What’s the best business decision you ever made?
A: Setting up NC Group with my business partner, Ian Nelson. NC Group would never have been the success it is without Ian.
7: What’s the worst decision you’ve ever made?
A: Selling my Gibson Les Paul guitar.
8: If you could change one thing about your organisation, what would it be?
A: Change from a five to four-day working week. It is something we may possibly look at in the future if we can make it work and not disrupt what we currently do.
9: Are you an early riser or a night owl?
A: Early riser – definitely.
10: What is your business mantra?
A: 1 – focus on quality, service and value; and 2 – employ the best people, it’s so important that they fit our culture.
11: What advice would you give to a small startup?
A: Work hard, surround yourself with good people, have a robust plan and back yourself.
12: What does the future look like for you?
A: I am so fortunate that we have such a great team at NC, I can now look at how we grow and better support our customers.
13: What does the future look like for your organisation?
A: Busy. We will be delivering apprenticeships, training programmes for industry and supporting people back in to work on a local and national basis. We are very proud of the work we do, and we want to continue helping people and businesses to develop and grow.
14: What would you say to the Prime Minister if you saw him on Aycliffe Business Park?
A: Invest in the North-East and our industries, it really is a great place to do business. You just need to look at the employers who work on the business park to see that.
15: Which is your favourite local charity?
A: Restorative Cleveland – it’s close to my heart but they are doing some outstanding work in restorative justice and are really making a difference in reducing reoffending, enabling victims of crime to have their voices heard.
16: Which is your favourite local restaurant?
A: Santinni’s in Shildon. Great food and lovely staff, definitely worth a look for anyone who has not yet been.
17: What would be your ideal evening meal?
A: Anything with family and friends, I love all types of foods but it’s the company that makes the meal.
18: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Well, when I’m not at work I coach u10s football at Darlington FC, so I don’t have much spare time. But what I have I try to spend time at home with wife and my two boys.
19: What is your favourite film, and who is your favourite actor?
A: Film would be Terminator 2: Judgement Day – it’s such a great movie and the actor, Denzel Washington, is a brilliant actor.
20: What would you like to see more of?
A: Local companies supporting each other, we see some of it happening now, but we can definitely do more.