Heather O'Driscoll reveals passion for singing and dancing

“I’m not a normal accountant”, she said, “I’m more interested in the people and their business.

“The numbers part is the skill, but it’s more about how you work with people and understand them.

“That is the important thing.”

She’s right.

As managing partner at Hartlepool-based Waltons Clark Whitehall chartered accountants and business advisors, she has various other strings to her bow.

Peeling back the layers of a her traditional accountant front, a new side begins to emerge.

A keen tap dancer, she has performed in a number of shows for charity, and also has a real passion for singing, though freely admits her vocal prowess has never reached further than a music video game.

Her love for singing even saw her take to Twitter to follow Black Eyed Peas star Will.I.Am when he appeared as a judge on BBC One show, The Voice.

In an ideal world, she would tour the globe as a massive rock star.

A bit different from the old images conjured up of accountants then, but do not mention her brief dalliance with picture framing.

Heather, who is chairwoman of the North-East Shadow Monetary Policy Committee (MPC), is originally from Lisburn, near Belfast, and endured a difficult introduction to working life in a picture framing factory.

She said: “I was rubbish and very nearly didn’t get paid because I broke so much glass.

“You had to have a lot of patience for that job, but it did serve a purpose because it showed me I didn’t want to work in a factory.

“I have always loved dancing and it got the point where I wanted to exercise – but also have fun at the same time.

“It was such a laugh and I was dancing in shows in front of 100 people and more, raising money for charity.

“My singing reminds me of the school sports day.

“At home, when we play on the Playstation game SingStar, I’m always the last one to be picked, but it really doesn’t matter because it’s so enjoyable.”

Stereotypes broken, Heather does have a serious side to her too, and her role in the MPC is a significant one.

The body, made up of a number of members from across the North-East, and is a partnership between The Northern Echo, the North East Chamber of Commerce and Waltons Clark Whitehill.

It looks at the region’s economy and allows experts from various sectors to discuss a number of issues, including the Bank of England’s policy on holding interest rates until unemployment falls to seven per cent.

She said: “The committee works across the North-East and its business people to see what is happening in the area because it can be very different from what’s going on in the South.

“We sit down and discuss everything that has gone on in the past month, including things such as what should be done with interest rates.

“But it’s also about getting a feel for business confidence, and we have a good mix of people from the region, which really helps, because Newcastle can be a lot different to Teesside.

“Another strong part of the MPC is that you come back from meeting with new knowledge and information that you can use to help clients and help them push forward.

“I care about my clients and I’m there to hold their hand and support them along the way, and the Monetary Policy Committee helps with that too.”

Five minutes with Heather O’Driscoll...

Favourite North-East building and why?

I love Durham Cathedral. It’s hard to believe how, all those years ago, they built something so intricate and beautiful which has lasted so long.

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

I worked in a picture framing factory in the school holidays and I nearly didn’t get paid because I was useless.

I broke so much glass they eventually sent me to work in the stores.

What is the worst job you’ve had?

Working at the picture framing factory.

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

Being Irish, I would make a really good Irish stew with soda bread, followed by a pavlova.

What would your superpower be?

I would like to be able to teleport.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party.

Queen Elizabeth I and Margaret Thatcher would be two. I have always been fascinated with history and I would need some strong women around the table, especially because Henry VIII would be my third guest.

I would also like to have David Tennant there, just for the eye candy.

Most expensive thing you’ve bought – other than car or house – and how much?

The only other thing I really spend on is shoes, and I have paid up to £200 for a pair. I’m not really a big materialist.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why?

I don’t follow Twitter a great deal, but I ended up following Will.I.Am just to see what he was Tweeting about during The Voice. I like to think he’s tweeting ‘why hasn’t Heather auditioned this year? She’d be dope’.

Favourite book?

Anything by James Paterson. I love a good murder novel and I can get through them in less than a day.

When did you last cry?

When Niall, the younger of my two sons, left for university.

What is your greatest achievement?

Having brought up my two sons to be great young men I can be proud of.

What’s the best piece of advice in business you’ve ever been given?

I wouldn’t say there was one single piece of advice, but knowing what you want to achieve and planning how to get there is key.

Favourite animal and why?

I’m a fan of dogs, my family have always had them and they are great companions.

Most famous person on your mobile phone?

There isn’t anybody you would class as famous, but there are a few wellknown business people on there.

What was the last band you saw live?

The Funk Collective, who performed at Hartlepool Beer Festival.

Describe your perfect night in.

It would be something as simple as having all the family round, stupid games and a few glasses of good wine.

In another life I would be...

A really good, famous rock singer.

However, truth be told, I’m a terrible singer.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

It would have to be someone fun, not too serious, like Cameron Diaz.

What irritates you?

Lies and exaggerated stories.

What’s your secret talent?

I can tap dance and have been in shows.