“It is frustrating when you see so many people try to put it down – there are some very good people in Teesside.”

Mark Easby is a passionate local boy, and doesn’t take too kindly to criticism of his region, especially by those who struggle to get their facts right.

“I get angry when people spell Teesside with one S, especially on road signs.”

Mark is managing director of Middlesbrough-based brand agency Better, and, unsurprisingly, did not agree with a recent BBC article displaying the town in a less than positive light.

“I am very passionate Boro lad and Teessider – I was born and brought up in Thornaby.

“Sometimes we don’t do ourselves justice in our response to these sort of things, but there are some really good things going on in the region.

“The success Middlesbrough Football Club had last year and the developments in the town centre, such as Baker Street – these things get overshadowed.”

Mark’s background was in digital marketing, and his university course set him on his path to success at Better.

“It was a very generic course – I learnt about radio, TV and even how to create CD Roms. At the time I did the course, everybody was saying what is this new internet thing?

“I remember designing websites that were very basic, there was hardly any animation and no flash, but I very much fell in love and so I knew web design and web development was for me.”

The terms digital growth and social media would not have meant much during Mark’s days of studying, but he soon identified how a business like his could help so many others.

“We call ourselves a brand agency because our main purpose is helping people define their brand position.

“We help people to understand how digital can help growth and the opportunities available.

“When we started, things like Twitter were new - we saw digital technologies were changing and we wanted to help businesses understand the potential.”

Mark has plans to continue to grow the business, but admits it has been difficult to find the right people based in Teesside.

“The biggest challenge is recruitment - it is very tough on Teesside to find web designers.

“We moved from Stokesley to Middlesbrough to be more accessible so people could reach us from the train station.”

Mark’s current project is a long way from his early dreams, when he had visions of forging a career in water polo “Middlesbrough Water Polo club was very successful. I did a lot of swimming in my younger years and that eventually lead to me to take up water polo.”

It proved to be a wise decision, as he eventually went on to represent in the region in national competitions.

“They were some really good times. Unfortunately people grow up and the clubs like the one I went too struggle to be sustainable - they don’t get enough coverage.”

Does he regret not trying to pursue a career in the sport?

“It is such a commitment, even at that level. Your parents are running you around all the time, including weekends to take you to games.

“It would have been great – there were a few of us that could have made it to that level. But life takes over.”

And Mark’s life is all about doing things “Better.”

“We have a drive to constantly improve and be the best. That is how the name came about, by inspiring to always improve what we do.

“We want to keep growing in Teesside and grow the brand even further.”

Five minutes with Mark Easby..

Favourite North-East building and why?

I’m very proud to say it’s Better’s home, Plenary BV House, which has been dubbed Middlesbrough’s most historic building. The building is a symbol of industrial significance and was originally lived in by Teesside’s pioneering ironmasters, Henry Bolckow and John Vaughan, from 1841-1860.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid?

My first job was a paperboy around Ingleby Barwick. I got paid £5 for the round which wasn’t bad value when it was only a small housing estate but wouldn’t like to delivering papers to every house nowadays.

What is the worst job you've had?

I worked at Morrisons on the checkout for a while including over the Christmas period. I hated the blue overalls, the repetitive beep and the mind-numbing track list played over the speakers.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?

Fish finger sandwiches.

What would your superpower be?

It’s got to be flying.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Frank Skinner, Chris Evans, Sylvester Stallone and Slash from Gun n’ Roses. Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much?

My wife’s engagement ring from Tiffany’s in New York. I’m not telling you how much but luckily the $ exchange rate was much weaker than it is today.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? There’s load of very interesting industry accounts and influential regional business people that I could mention, but to be honest you can’t beat a bit of football banter from ‘Boring James Milner’.

(@BoringMilner).

Favourite book?

Gazza – My Story. I’ve never laughed out so much at a book.

When did you last cry?

I started to well up a little when I watched the latest High Tide Foundation video about the impact our programmes are having on young people across Teesside. I’m incredibly proud of the work we’re doing at the foundation and constantly inspired by the programme success stories.

What is your greatest achievement?

Founding Better and leading its growth. The team we’ve built, the work that we do, the clients that we work and the potential we have is testament to a lot of hard work from a team of very talented people. What’s the best piece of advice in business you’ve ever been given?

Look after the cash and treat people well.

Favourite animal and why?

Dogs. Our family dog Holly, a golden Labrador, was such a big part of the family when I was growing up.

Most famous person on your mobile phone?

I guess it would be the author Philippa Gregory. We’ve developed and supported her website for a few years now and remember seeing the domain name on the back of her books in Smiths and thinking “we built that”.

What was the last band you saw live?

Bon Jovi at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light.

Describe your perfect night in.

Ideally it would be a summer evening. We’d have the BBQ on, family and friends in the garden. Good food, good company and a few drinks with maybe a sneaky couple of Amaretto’s to finish off the night.

In another life I would be... ?

I’d have loved to be professional sportsman. Swimming and water polo used to be my game and I competed at a pretty high level including a few national championships. I would have loved to have pursued this full time.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

To be honest I’d have no idea. When I asked the guys in the studio the consensus was Antonio Banderas or Oscar Isaacs. I’d be happy with that.

What irritates you? I get angry when people spell Teesside with one ‘s’, especially on road signs.

What’s your secret talent?

I used to be quite a talented pianist. I reached Grade 7 level from the Royal School of Music but to be honest it’s been a while since I tinkled the ivories and I’d struggle to remember the notes.