Vikki Jackson-Smith, managing director of J & B Recycling, in Hartlepool

SITTING in the school classroom, Vikki Jackson-Smith had a dream.

Fast forward from the days of textbooks, homework and exams, and that vision is being realised to great acclaim.

Vikki might not be the nursery teacher she had once set her heart on becoming, but that aim for success has materialised through another chapter - waste management.

While her friend's were enjoying their weekends free from the routine of maths equations and scientific experiments, Vikki was spending her Saturday and Sunday mornings manning the weighbridge office at Jackson's Fuel Company for her father's Hartlepool-based business.

It might have seemed like a man's world back then, but Vikki thrived in the environment, and after building her career, the then 27-year-old took full control of the firm, transforming it into J & B Recycling.

She said: “Jackson's was a solid fuel company and supplied the power stations, but when they became privatised it became much harder.

“When the competition of gas came into the market too, we were losing more money and I knew we weren't going to be able to continue in that industry.

“My father was coming to an age where he was thinking about retirement and he said to me that he could either close it or let me have it and try something else.

“I didn't fancy the idea of going to work for someone else, and this was all happening at the time when the Government's new waste directives and targets for councils to achieve were coming in.”

Vikki admits the change of direction was not without its difficult routes, but received a boost when the alco-pop drink phase hit pubs and clubs.

Venues were given collection bins for used glass bottles, reducing waste collections and taking the discarded bottles away from landfill to a glass processing plant.

She said: “The recycling side was hard to start with, but it changed when they started bringing out the Bacardi Breezer and Hooch-style drinks.

“Those bottles were non-returnable and the costs for the pubs and clubs were rising.

“We managed to find someone who accepted mixed coloured bottles and offered a collection, which was a cost-effective to recycle.”

That move proved to be the catalyst for the firm, which now employs 150 full-time workers and about 100 temporary labourers.

In 2003 it secured its first kerbside waste collection contract with a local authority after signing a deal with Stockton Council, and handles work from across the country.

It was the first company in the Tees Valley to set up a plastic bottle bank scheme and one of the first to offer co-mingled recyclable collections for commercial customers.

It now has two recycling facilities in Hartlepool, with one processing all types of waste, and the other specialising in kerbside recyclable goods, that can, together, take and sort up to 75,000 tonnes of materials every year.

Vikki says the secret lies with a fluid service and an ability to easily flex to meet demand and industry changes.

She said: “It's a growth industry and we have really evolved.

“New technology is constantly being brought out and you have to be receptive to that and keep up with it.

“You need to be one step ahead and offer something unique and innovative because if you don't, you get left behind.

“The aim has always been to divert waste away from landfill and recycle, we have stuck with that and it is going very well.”

What’s your favourite North-East building and why? I haven’t really got a favourite building, however, I do think that the new Hartlepool College that has just recently opened has been a great addition to the town.

It has gave a refreshing new modern look for the town.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? My first job was with my father’s company, Jackson’s Fuel Company, which later became J & B Recycling, when I was 13. I worked in the weighbridge office on a Saturday and Sunday Morning and I got £10 each morning.

I then left school and went to work in the business full-time as administration support.

This was my first real job and I earned £50 per week.

What is the worst job you've had? I have worked at the same place all my life so I suppose there can’t really be a worst thing about it.

I have enjoyed working in every department of the business and now I’m the managing director I have a good understanding from top to bottom which has been a great experience.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I wouldn’t. I would get my husband Stephen to cook for us as he’s much better than me. He is always trying new dishes and is very creative.

What would your superpower be? To mind read. I sometimes think people believe I can already so I’d actually like to be able to for real.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Karen Brady, Peter Kay and Lorraine Kelly, and Gino D’Acampo to cook.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? I like to spend our money on holidays. Last year we went to Singapore to visit a friend and went on a family cruise to Bangkok, Ko Samui and Vietnam.

I’d rather spend my money on us doing things as a family.

Time goes to quick and the children are growing up so fast, so while we can do things together, or more to the point that they want to spend time with us, I think it is important to make the most of that time.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? I don’t use Twitter yet. I am just getting my head round social networking with Facebook and LinkedIn.

Twitter is next on my list to crack.

Favourite book? I don’t seem to find the time to sit down and read books as I am constantly on the go.

I even catch up with the papers and magazines while on the exercise bike.

However, I must confess that I did want to know what all the fuss was about and managed to find the time to read the Fifty Shades books out of curiosity on my last holiday.

When did you last cry? Unfortunately the last times I cried was at the recent loss of my cousin and also a family friend, who both died of cancer. It makes me proud to be involved with the Guild of Patrons for the Hartlepool Hospice who do a fantastic job in such difficult circumstances.

What is your greatest achievement? Definitely being married and having my son and daughter. My husband and I have been married for 13 years which is a great achievement in itself, even more so when we work together as well.

I’m also really proud of how well I’ve done starting the business from scratch in a new industry I love seeing an idea turn into a new project it is a great feeling.

We have recently been recognised and won two Business of the Year Awards which was fantastic, not just for me but for everyone I work with.

It really makes me feel proud.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Always be upfront and honest.

If you have a problem make sure it gets sorted out. Nothing is gained by burying your head in the sand.

Favourite animal and why? We got Louie, our King Charles Cavalier, a couple of years ago and I’ve become quite attached to him despite not wanting to get a dog.

It was my son who wanted a dog but I’m so pleased we got him now.

It again makes us spend more time as a family taking him for walks the kids love taking him on the Sand Dunes or to Crimdon Dene and it’s great for general exercise and has certainly helped me lose weight.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Unfortunately I don’t have anyone famous on my phone. What was the last band you saw live? I’ve just been to see Girls Aloud with my sister and sister-in-law.

It was a good night out and nice to do something different for a change.

It was the first time I’d seen them and I’m pleased I did as they’ve since announced they are splitting up.

Describe your perfect night in. I love nothing better than an early night through the week when I’m at work early and on a weekend I love chilling out with a few glasses of wine and eating a nice meal that has been made for me or an Indian Takeaway.

Onesies are the best invention ever.

However, on the flip side I do love a big night out and go from one extreme to the other.

In another life I would be... More organised at home and on time as I leave everything to the last minute.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Cameron Diaz as she always looks full of life, fun and smiling and looks like she doesn’t take herself too serious. I also wouldn’t mind her height and figure.

What irritates you? People who are two faced. There is nothing worse.