Keith Miller, Ecco Finishing Supplies managing director

UNDER glorious clear blue skies, Keith Miller is swimming with the head of the Russian Fire Authority in the Gulf.

Amid such opulent surroundings, he's working on spreading his company's international reputation for providing specialist industrial fire-proof coatings.

But while such a glamorous environment speaks of an extravagant lifestyle, Mr Miller is a Teesside lad at heart and those roots remain as strong as ever.

The 54-year-old started his firm, Ecco Finishing Supplies, with a £40 typewriter in his bedroom.

It now supplies pneumatic paint spraying equipment, blasting machinery and fire protection across the world from its base near Middlesbrough's Newport Bridge.

But while his trip to sunnier climes helped reinforce Ecco's work to clients, Mr Miller is equally, if not more so, focused on helping others, particularly local grassroots sport and the Butterwick Hospice.

As we speak, that passion becomes obvious.

Tales of a 26-mile sponsored cycle ride for Butterwick, apps to check his pedal power and thoughtless motorists pour out.

His office window ledges teem with Redcar Bears speedway team pictures, a love affair ignited after trips as a schoolboy to their base at the former Cleveland Park Stadium.

The walls are adorned by Middlesbrough Cricket Club and Middlesbrough Homeless Football Club shirts, each carrying Ecco's name.

He said: “I used to go to the speedway with a friend.

“His dad was a chauffeur for ICI and would pick us up from school and take us to the stadium.

“It was great, we felt like celebrities and looked like little Ant and Decs getting out of the car.

“That is why I decided to support the Bears through the company, it is a great club and has great opportunities to progress.

“Supporting the cricket and football teams and the hospice was an easy decision too.

“It is important to help other people in the area you live, and make things better for them.

“We've got people who are working very hard but are the least well-off in society and they just need an opportunity.”

Being offered chances to grow is also reflected in Mr Miller's plans for the company, as it looks to take advantage of increasing work.

Earlier this year, Ecco hosted a delegation from the US oil and gas industry, and held talks to supply passive fire protection machines to Texas-based contractors, as well as customers in Canada, Australia and Russia.

The firm, which provides equipment to luxury car-maker Bentley to put unique paint designs on its cars for rich Middle-East clients, also secured a £100,000 contract to work at Sakhalin Island, off Russia's eastern coast, to apply fireproof material to an oil refinery.

Mr Miller said: “The projects that are being carried out in places like the Middle-East are just unbelievable and there is so much potential.

“All of the buildings that are going up all need fire-proofing, and that's where our passive fire protection work comes in.”

Favourite North-East building and why? The Transporter Bridge.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Apprentice at W Richards. I got £55 a week.

What is the worst job you've had? Not had one yet.

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

What would your superpower be? To make illness and poverty disappear.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Sir Winston Churchill, Sir Bobby Robson, Eric Morecambe and my father, Gordon.

Most expensive thing you've bought – other than a car or house – and how much? A holiday home for £44,000.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter? Dave Allan.

Favourite book? Zane Grey.

When did you last cry? I can't remember.

What is your greatest achievement? My children, Jodie and Lucy.

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

Favourite animal and why? Labrador. Had one as a child.

Most person on your mobile phone? My dad.

What was the last band you saw live? Mumford and Sons.

Describe your perfect night in. Good company, good food, background music and a nice red wine.

In another life I would be... a better person.

Who would play you in a film of your life? George Clooney.

What irritates you? Greed and poverty.

What's your secret talent? I don't know.