SIMON Hamilton has come a long way since his first job.

Counting cars for a traffic survey in Darlington sounds an onerous task, and he makes no attempt to hide his displeasure at the experience.

Now, 25 years on, he still remembers the tedium of that position.

But from those foundations of his early employment career, he is now at the forefront of laying a different platform that focuses on helping North-East businesses grow.

Mr Hamilton is the managing director of UK Steel Enterprise (UKSE), the business support subsidiary of Tata Steel, which gives small and medium-sized firms vital financial support.

He said: “I’m a great believer in the importance these businesses play in regeneration and in creating a strong business sector in the UK.

“In the North, UKSE, or British Steel (Industry) as it previously was, played a leading part in the work done to turn Consett, in County Durham, around after the closure of the steelworks, and it has been great to see Tees Valley businesses grow and develop in a number of exciting sectors.

“The aim is to provide the kind of business finance that growing businesses find hard to obtain elsewhere.

“Raising finance is often a stumbling block, since few funders are able to provide true risk money in the relatively modest amounts that many of them need.

“It’s particularly true in difficult economic times and, because our bottom line is regeneration, we have more flexibility than other lenders and often our involvement encourages other funders to lend their support.”

A wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Steel, UKSE was set up in 1975 as British Steel (Industry) to help improve economies in 14 areas across the UK affected by changes in the steel industry.

With four regional offices in the North, Yorkshire, Humberside, Midlands and Wales, and Scotland, it offers loans up to £750,000 over a four-year period, and has helped more than 4,850 companies with £80m of capital and £33m investment in workspace, creating more than 72,000 jobs.

Across the North of England, UKSE has invested more than £17m to support about 11,000 firms, helping to bring 16,000 jobs to the region.

Mr Hamilton joined UKSE in 1997 as a regional executive and worked his way through the ranks becoming an area manager and regional manager for the North of England and Scotland.

He points to many highlights in his 16 year career, which includes overseeing companies come from start-up operations to dominant global market leaders.

He said: “It is hugely satisfying to see companies we have helped create jobs and succeed against worldwide competition. “But I’m also very proud of the two flagship business centres at Redcar and Hartlepool that UKSE built, and later extended.

“It involved four major multi-million pound projects and we committed to the most recent extension at Hartlepool in 2010, at a time in the economy when a lot of organisations and businesses were reluctant to invest.

“The centres are designed to help businesses with office and workshop space, as well as support services such as meeting rooms, and our aim has always been to allow tenants to concentrate on developing their own businesses and not having to spend time worrying about things like broadband connections or long-term leases.

“Securing £1.2m from the Government’s regional growth fund was another success story because it helped set up our £4m access to finance scheme.

“That has given us more opportunities to help with funding and we can now include an element of grant funding alongside our loan and equity finance.

“I’m also proud of our community support fund, which has helped so many projects that will improve people's lives, ranging from lunch clubs for homeless people to sporting activities in disadvantaged areas.

“They help young and unemployed people improve their chances of getting into work or training and have an impressive success rate.”

And Mr Hamilton says this overwhelming positivity is something that will continue.

He said: “I’m looking forward to the challenge of continuing to build on the support that UKSE has successfully provided to businesses for more than three decades.

“We will continue to evolve to meet changing circumstances but I believe that one of the most important aspects of our work is to stay rooted in our steel communities across the UK.

“One of our main strengths is the quality of our regional teams.

“They know their area’s particular strengths and challenges, and have the expertise and experience to provide the best possible support to their business community.”

Favourite North-East building and why? Durham Cathedral. I couldn't have had a more wonderful setting for my graduation.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Counting cars in Darlington market square for a traffic survey. I think I received £100 for the pleasure.

What is the worst job you've had? Counting those cars. Although it was only a week, I vividly remember the boredom 25 years later.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Maybe a Sunday roast, but I love my puddings so it would include something highly calorific, chocolatey and wonderful.

What would your superpower be? The ability to be in three places at once. I often find people try to make me do that anyway, so a superpower would help no end.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Nelson Mandela, who is an inspiration, Dawn French, because I think she would have an amusing tale or two to tell, Jack Bauer from TV show 24 (the character rather than the actor, to see if he really is human and to get some gadgets) and Mozart, who appears to have led a fascinating life and could always provide the entertainment if my chocolate dessert failed to excite.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? My Canon 1Dx camera. It was worth every penny.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Stephen Fry. For the humour and the geeky gadget comments.

Favourite book? I love a good thriller but my favourite changes often.

When did you last cry? It’s hard to keep a dry eye when your son tells you he loves you.

What is your greatest achievement? Apart from becoming a father, I would have to say being appointed to my new role as managing director of UKSE.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Treat people as people.

Favourite animal and why? When I was nine I had a blind guinea pig called Pip. He didn’t actually do a lot, but I loved him nonetheless.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? All the people in my phone are famous in their own way but there’s nobody in there who would make the pages of Hello magazine.

What was the last band you saw live? We took our son to see Olly Murs.

Describe your perfect night in. It has to be a family movie night. A pizza, a good film and all the family together.

In another life I would be.. less busy.