The 55-year-old is married with four children and lives in South Manchester.

He joined Begbies Traynor in 1993 after qualifying as a chartered accountant and licensed insolvency practitioner.

An avid Manchester City fan he can also be often be seen cycling around town on an old fold-up bike.

To what do you attribute your success?

I’ve always had a strong work ethic. As a kid I washed cars, did paper rounds, worked in a shop and collected glasses in a local pub.

I have a strong moral compass and always try to be myself.

I have a forthright style and don’t let the herd sway my thoughts or direction.

I’ve always played a long game in terms of offering consistent high-quality client service and have never been interested in short cuts or ‘get rich quick’.

My philosophy in life is that I want to minimise problems for myself the future.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?

My dad always taught me to aim high and give everything my best shot and never compromise my standards.

Who has inspired you most in your career?

I left university with a chemistry degree, with no idea of what working in a professional financial environment involved.

My first role, at Arthur Andersen, was a progressive, high pressure, USA accountancy firm with a ‘sink or swim’ culture.

I was taken into the insolvency and restructuring world by Alan Katz who was an excellent mentor at work. He made me think about client service and values, and pushed/challenged me to achieve. I owe him a lot.

I have always taken inspiration from the people close to me not figures in the public eye.

What motor do you drive?

I bought my first car at 17 for £60 which is cheaper than a tank of petrol now. It was a battered old mini. I’ve had about 15 minis over the years and still drive one now, albeit the newer model.

What was the last book you read?

My favourite author is Steinbeck and I’ve just finished In Dubious Battle. He has a way of writing that makes you feel you are actually present in the plot.

In terms of non-fiction, I’ve recently finished Johnny Marr’s Set the Boy Free. Marr’s positive attitude to life and his music is admirable.

Last Gadget bought?

My underwater-friendly iPod shuffle has transformed my 2,000m swimming sessions.

What is your favourite holiday destination?

The USA such a huge place with lots of great cities like San Francisco and Boston and even more spectacular outdoor destinations such as Niagara Falls and Yellowstone.

In the UK, I love the Yorkshire Dales which has some great walks and views.

Where is your favourite restaurant and why?

I have been going in Valentinos and The Kush in Heaton Moor for years and are both excellent.

Another favourite is La Casita in Chorlton, a small family-run restaurant which does fantastic Mexican Street food and Manchester craft beers.

How do you relax?

I’ve had a season ticket at City since 1976 and I’ve also got one at Stockport County.

I’m currently trying to work my way through the grounds down to Conference North level.

I’ve been a member for years at the YClub in Castlefield which is not just a gym but a great Manchester institution.

I swim, run and cycle and like indie music in particular the Manchester bands of my generation, Smiths, Stone Roses, Doves and Oasis.

How do you maintain work/life balance?

Modern technology makes it possible to keep up to date wherever you are. I don’t have a PA and control my own diary.

What is the number one attribute you seek in an employee?

Honesty. Most problems are solvable if everybody pulls together as a team. I have a very reliable, competent team around me and we are all open with each other which means that there is a good atmosphere and we enjoy our day.

Finally, tell us two unusual facts about yourself?

My gran played centre-half for Dick Kerr’s Ladies in the early 20th Century.

Inspired by JJ Burnel from the Stranglers, I played bass in a post-punk band. We played a few gigs and recorded a couple of tracks which were played by Craig Cash in his DJ-ing days on Signal Radio.