YOU may not be familiar with the name Geonet Solutions, but, chances are, you’ll recognise its work.

It only takes a few clicks on the internet to find its wares.

The digital agency designs websites for businesses and organisations, and boasts a client list featuring the Great North Air Ambulance Service, car parts maker Nifco UK, Darlington’s Cornmill and Queen Street shopping centres and engineer Whessoe.

Overseen by managing director, Mike Overfield, the company employs about ten people and will soon be moving from a base straddling Darlington’s Northumberland Street and Grange Road to nearby Coniscliffe Road to maintain its expansion.

For Mr Overfield, the switch to pastures new, to spur growth, is not a novel idea.

A former apprentice toolmaker, he built both his skills and business acumen before buying into Darlington’s JJ Engineering.

The firm moved to Durham Tees Valley Airport, on the site of an old college, and expanded into a new 12,000sq ft factory on land around the plot, giving it space to look after moulding and tool-making projects.

It was a wise investment, says Mr Overfield, who says the firm grew further through an acquisition of a tooling operation in Meadowfield, near Durham City.

Supplying a number of sectors, including the car and personal safety industries, it was galvanised by the burgeoning mobile phone market.

“Lens moulding for mobile phones was big then and we did really well and got into some fantastic companies”, said Mr Overfield.

“There was a real growth spurt because phones had become so popular.”

Employing about 120 people, the company was continuing to grow, but an offer came along that changed Mr Overfield’s life.

He said: “We sold it in 2000; it was turning over more than £6m, making fantastic profits and had money in the bank.

“We were approached to sell, and, like a lot of things, everyone has to have an exit strategy and I then spent a few years doing what everyone likes to do, with holidays and the rest of it.”

So how did an engineer become lured away from that life and into a digital company?

Family ties, says Mr Overfield, were a key reason.

He said: “My son, Jonny, was working for the business and loved it.

“He was very keen on it, but the guy who owned it wanted to do his own thing.”

After taking it on, Mr Overfield says the firm has increased its foothold in the market by improving services for clients.

That focus includes work for Nifco, based in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, which has seen Geonet refresh its website and incorporate a new interactive function so viewers can look around a ghost car and find out where parts fit and what they do.

He also reveals the company has supplied auctioneer, Thomas Watson, with a function to help bidders outside the UK compete for goods.

He added: “We have some fantastic customers and we have stepped it up a gear to do things people want a bit more of.

“It is working really well and the work for Thomas Watson, for example, means people can bid from places like Russia, Italy and Germany.

“What we are doing is so exciting and we have some fantastic partnerships.”

Five minutes with... Mike Overfield

Favourite North-East building and why? Bowes Museum. It’s a fantastic building, housing wonderful antiques and the famous Swan.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I was a paper boy who worked seven mornings and six nights for the princely sum of £1.30.

What is the worst job you've had? None really, they’ve all been good experiences.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I’m not a great cook - my wife is the boss in the kitchen so I would probably offer to dine in one of the fantastic restaurants we have locally.

What would your superpower be? I would love to be able to fly. I could miss all of the traffic and have an extra cup of coffee in the morning.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: John Lennon, Sir Winston Churchill, Marilyn Monroe and Elvis Presley.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? I have a bit of a watch fetish and bought a really nice Cartier for about £6,000.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Lord Alan Sugar. He has bags of business experience and a good sense of humour.

Favourite book? The Old Man and the Sea, by Ernest Hemingway.

When did you last cry? At a recent family funeral.

What is your greatest achievement? I’ve raised three great children, all of which I am extremely proud.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Look after your customers and they will look after you.

Favourite animal and why? A Jack Russell. They’re great fun, loyal and a big part of the family. I have two, George and Poppy.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Nobody particularly famous, just friends and family.

What was the last band you saw live? Hall & Oates.

Describe your perfect night in: Fish and chips, with a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

In another life I would be... Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon. What a tale to tell my grandchildren.

Who would play you in a film of your life? George Clooney because he's much better looking than me.

What irritates you? People throwing litter on the floor when there is a bin nearby.

What's your secret talent? I've been told I don't do a bad Elvis impression.