Andy Preston aims to increase charitable work

Gathered in the shadows of Middlesbrough's Riverside Stadium, the 47-year-old looks for shelter in a night of homeless strife.

But he's not without a place to stay.

On the contrary, the successful businessman leads a life of comfort in his North Yorkshire abode.

Tonight though, it's different, and he's joined by a group helping to raise £30,000 to fight homelessness and poverty.

Their efforts were not in vain.

The chief executive sleepout event helped set up Middlesbrough Homeless Football Club, and he plans to expand them across the UK, having also raised £56,000 in a similar event at Newcastle United's St James' Park.

Such passion for helping others, be it family, friends or strangers, is a strong thread that weaves its way through everything he does.

His Philanthropic Foundation charity has also raised more than £500,000 for Teesside good causes in just over two years, with his energy attracting support from patrons such as Middlesbrough-based Cleveland Cable and AV Dawson.

He said: “When I started the charity, I wanted to do something special.

“I wanted to support community work and groups and also wanted to show local people that the business community is there and they can unite together for common good.

“People perceive businesses to having different aims but they are part of the community.

“I want Teesside to be a place where other people across the country, from Plymouth to Aberdeen, look at this region and see the enterprise going on here.

“We all know these are continuing difficult financial times, but if you have the right idea and get your message across to people at a level that resonates, people will write cheques.

“There is money out there if your message is good and you work hard.”

Mr Preston's main business is Green Lane Capital, which he runs with his brother, Chris.

The firm transformed the former Kirby College into living space and worked on the old Cleveland Club, also in Middlesbrough, to turn it into office space.

But Mr Preston, who was born in Acklam, near Middlesbrough, also has another passion, and is committed to seeing the town retain its elected mayor.

He led a campaign to keep the role in last year's referendum, and intends to stand as an independent mayor when Ray Mallon stands down.

He said: “We have seen a lot of party politics at a local level and we have a town this not functioning as well as it should.

“Party politics hasn't solved anything so I stuck my head above the parapet for a yes vote in the referendum.

“We have to capture the enthusiasm for Middlesbrough because there are some very good assets but some flaws that have to be put right.”

Favourite North-East building and why? Middlesbrough’s Transporter Bridge. It‘s just so massive and inspiring.

Close up it’s very intimidating. It’s so different to anything else I have ever seen.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? A paper round in Acklam.

I received £2 a week.

What is the worst job you've had? I used to mow my neighbour Mr Smith’s lawn and do his garden every two weeks when I was 13.

He insisted on standing next to me, for the whole 90 minutes, and telling me what to do.

He used to pay me £1.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? I honestly don’t cook so I’d have to re-heat something my wife had prepared.

But that’s good news for you because she’s a great cook.

What would your superpower be? Need less sleep. If I only needed two hours a night I would get so much more done. I’d have more friends, more money and probably be a nicer person.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party. Karl Marx to discuss the good and bad about modern capitalism; Larry David, a giant of comedy; and, beyond my wife and family, I’d invite my good friends Gareth and Brooke Cherry.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? Probably my wife’s engagement ring.

I’m not telling you how much it was though.

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

He's very funny and I often genuinely do laugh out loud when I read his stuff.

Favourite book? Freakonomics.

The guys who wrote this expose some raw elements of human nature and show us the way that people and communities actually behave not how they say they behave.

When did you last cry? No one really sees me cry.

I cry internally a lot though when I hear about extreme suffering and hardship.

Sometimes the most emotional thing is seeing someone improve their life and circumstances, that is so inspiring.

When my eldest lad won the leavers prize at school I was so proud and pleased for him, I almost cried in public.

What is your greatest achievement? I actually worry that I haven’t achieved enough, but I’m very proud of the amazing community work that Middlesbrough and Teesside Philanthropic Foundation has done for less fortunate Teessiders.

I’m also really hopeful that my new charity, CEO Sleepout, will become a major national force to fight poverty.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? I can’t remember any advice I’ve been given, but this is mine to everyone: “Do your best. If you give 100 per cent and they’re not happy they can leave.”

Favourite animal and why? My dog Hilda.

She’s affectionate and very loyal. And she does what I say.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Justin Bieber.

Not really, I don’t know anyone famous.

What was the last band you saw live? I honestly don’t remember.

Music is quite personal to me and I usually listen alone.

Describe your perfect night in. Kids in bed.

Some very good wine, maybe Puligny Montrachet, with fish and chips.

And then a great movie, like The Bourne Identity.

In another life I would be... I secretly and briefly wanted to be a priest when I was about 12.

At 16 I wanted to be a deep sea diver.

But I can’t imagine doing anything different to what I do now.

I work hard but on my own terms.

Who would play you in a film of your life? Tom Cruise is too small and Daniel Craig’s not macho enough, so I honestly don’t know.

Truthfully, probably someone quite dull.

What irritates you? Snobbery.

I especially dislike it when average people look down on others.

I also have a problem when people who’ve inherited aristocratic titles insist on using them, usually to gain status and favours.

What's your secret talent? I’ve run ten marathons and hope to do more. I’ve also got a high IQ and am good with numbers in my head.