MIKE Peates, who spent 25 years in the world of banking and finance, is the founder of a successful start-up business called Owow Chocolates, based in Old Basing.
He, with his team, produces branded chocolates for the corporate market in the shape of their own innovations – the MiniO and GrandiO.
In their first 16 months of trading, they already boast a client list which includes O2, Vodafone, Hays, NatWest and International New York Times along with many SMEs across the UK.
Mike is also a qualified strengths practitioner and puts this to use employing his own staff and mentoring other micro businesses.
1. Who was your childhood hero and why? Brian Clough – enigmatic and outspoken but a winner and motivator of men.
2. What is your most precious possession, and why is it important to you? Eddie, my sprocker spaniel – he gets me out in the fresh air and is great fun when life is a little frustrating.
3. What was the first record/CD you bought? Blondie, Parallel Lines.
4. What is the radio/television show you hate to miss? The Thick Of It.
5. What is your favourite film? The Blues Brothers.
6. What is your pet hate? Bad manners.
7. What are you reading at the moment? Terry Pratchett’s Steam.
8. If you were choosing a last meal, what would it be? Thai red curry.
9. If you could meet anyone from history, who would it be? Ray Kroc, the founder of McDonald’s.
10. If you had a time machine where would it take you? To the future to see what innovations have been successful.
11. If you were stranded on a desert island what luxury would you choose to have with you? Drinking water.
12. What sports team do you support? Nottingham Forest FC and Hampshire County Cricket Club.
13. What was your first job? Paperboy.
14. If you could take over someone’s job for the day, whose job would you choose? Richard Reed, the director of Innocent.
15. What worries you the most? Not being able to provide a first class service.
16. What is your proudest moment? Winning our first order from O2.
17. What would you like your epitaph to be? “They brought him here kicking and screaming.”
18. What’s your guilty pleasure? Chocolate pork crackling.
19. What one thing could change society for the better? Lose the blame culture. People should take responsibility for their actions.
20. What three words best describe you? Focused, supportive, fun.
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