Taking a quick peek at the personalities behind the region's companies, we meet Nick Holmes , managing director of five star hotel, spa and golf complex Rockliffe Hall, owned by Middlesbrough FC chairman Steve Gibson.

LUXURY may be the watch-word of the business he's in, but when he's off-duty, Nick Holmes likes nothing better than kicking back at a festival or taking off on a camping trip.

"When I go on holiday, I don't tend to stay in five star. I go self-catering, or camping - and I love music festivals. I like to rough it sometimes.

"I'm not sure my wife Liz - who is spa director here - is always too keen, though," he says, with a grin.

This relaxed and unpretentious attitude seems to sum the 55-year-old up.

He's impeccably dressed and with a background in luxury hotels at the highest level - his first job was at internationally renowned golf venue Gleneagles, and his CV includes Cameron House and Craigendarroch Hotel - but Nick has a knack of instantly putting people at ease, and is open, avuncular and genial.

"I always say to my staff, 'You're here to enjoy yourselves - if you don't enjoy it, the customers won't.

"Then I say, 'But don't enjoy yourselves too much', and we have a laugh. It wouldn't be sustainable if there was no feel-good culture here."

And although he now occasionally plays golf - with a 15 handicap - when he started in the business, aged 25, he had never so much as swung a club.

"My first job was at Gleneagles, so I thought it was a good opportunity to learn," he said. "I am lucky enough now to get fantastic invitations to play on some stunning courses."

As well as a love of the great outdoors, Nick likes to spend time with his wife and their 13-year-old daughter.

"My daughter is great - she has been moved around so much, she is almost like an Army child. She is amazing - she has so much self-confidence and I am very proud of her.

"When I was offered this job, it was a huge decision because it was such an amazing opportunity but we would have to move the family. But we have settled really well.

"I couldn't work for two better people than (Rockliffe chairman) Warwick Brindle and Steve Gibson. We share the same vision and we work very well together.

"To see what Rockliffe has achieved so far is very, very satisfying. I am very happy to be involved in such a leading product as this, with everything we can still achieve. I want Rockliffe to be up there as a world-renowned destination."

Five minutes with¦ Nick Holmes

Favourite North-East building and why. The Sage- I just love that place, the acoustics, the space, the view.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? I was 16 pretending to be 18 and working behind a hotel bar on the Wirral, £1.50 a shift plus tips... it was the 1970s after all!

What is the worst job you've had? My first college placement was at a hotel in the Lake District in 1979. Behind the scenes it was like something from One flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest. Appalling living conditions, a six-day week and a party every night. And occasionally it was even in someone else's bedroom! Ok, it wasn't that bad and I did get to go back to college after four months

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I love to cook anything but for entertaining it has to be crowd pleasers like traditional roast or shepherd's pie with a twist.

What would your superpower be? I'd like to be able to cook like Kenny Atkinson - maybe to impress dinner guests with one or two of his Orangery dishes - that'd be great!

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Comedians Sean Lock, Lee Mack, Sarah Silverman, Bill Hicks - well who wants to be serious at a party?

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? A boat a few years back when I was based near Bristol. I think it was around £25,000, and it depreciated about 200 per cent in three years

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? @rockliffehall of course for obvious reasons, I'm proud we're one of the most followed hotels in the country. Oh and not to forget @kennyatkinson1 - he even sometimes shares some tips!

Favourite book? Anything by Bill Bryson

When did you last cry? Recently watching My name is Khan

What is your greatest achievement? Finding a work-life balance within a job I love.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Your product is your best marketing tool.

Favourite animal and why. Our shiny new Lakeland Fell Terrier Jacko with his one white paw

Most famous person on your mobile phone. Apart from Steve Gibson? I couldn't possibly say.

What was the last band you saw live? Beverley Knight at the Sage...wow!

Describe your perfect night in. Cooking for friends.

In another life I would be... Taller with more hair

Who would play you in a film of your life? I like to say Jack Nicolson but probably Phil Mitchell from Eastenders.

What irritates you? That bloody dog in the Churchill ads.

What's your secret talent? I'm an OK guitarist.