AS the world's finest winter Olympians showcase their wares in Russia's snowcapped surroundings, the sporting stage also belonged to another North-East performer.

Pamela Petty, however, by her own admission, hasn't followed in the ski tracks of Sochi's more illustrious stars.

As managing director of expanding dehumidifier maker Ebac, she's used to the fast pace of change, though perhaps not the speeds enjoyed by downhill gold medallists Dominique Gisin and Tina Maze, or even Great Britain's poster girl Chemmy Alcott.

On the Austrian slopes, however, a slower tempo is most welcome.

She said: “I've been a few times, but there are still moments when I'm going up in one of the lifts that I think to myself 'why am I doing this?'

“I don't push myself very hard and potter around the bottom runs while the others go off-piste.

“But it's great and I really enjoy it.”

A steady approach then. But get Mrs Petty off the mountain and that ethos changes completely.

The driving force behind Newton Aycliffe-based Ebac's growth, she's getting ready to oversee its move into the white goods sector.

The family-run company, which employs about 200 workers, is readying itself to become a force in the washing machine market.

The company expects to start making the household staple later this year, with production line equipment due to be installed in the summer.

It's a £7m venture that Ebac hopes will yield more than 100,000 machines and allow it to double its workforce.

The move comes after the company carried out a previous deal to buy the brands and products of Icetech Freezers.

She said: “When we started doing our research on costs and what we could sell them for, it was astounding that there wasn't any made here.

“We are confident we can do well, but we also know the washing machine market is very competitive.

“It's a technological shift for us, we are the leader in two niche markets, but we are moving into a totally opposite area.

“But we are driven to be the best out there.

"Our machines will be different and we are working on the details that make all the difference for the consumer.

“There are hurdles to overcome, such as the time for all the standards and efficiency tests.

“We've not been through it before, so you it leaves you feeling a little bit like how long is a piece of string?

"The other thing is getting them on the retailers' shelves.

“We started highlighting our dehumidifiers in magazines and then the retailers came in for their piece of the cake.

“We've got to find a way of squeezing our way in there, but I'm confident we will.”

Five minutes with...Pamela Petty

Favourite North-East building and why? My house.

My husband Richard renovated a 1920s semi into pretty much our dream family home and I love it.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? My uncle got me a Saturday job in a local barber shop and I think I got a few quid for the day.

I soaked a poor guy at the back wash and never went back.

What is the worst job you've had? See above.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Something quick and easy from my freezer, so I can spend my time chatting to you and not cooking.

What would your superpower be? To be able to stare the creases out of clothes.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Elvis Presley, Nelson Mandela, Albert Einstein and granny Doris.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? It must be holidays. Any holiday is expensive with a family of five.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? I don’t have the time. I’d rather spend my time with real people.

Favourite book? You Choose, a great children’s book that I read with my five-year-old twins almost every night before bed.

The book asks you to choose things like a place you’d like to go, where you’d like to live, clothes you’d wear and much more.

You then choose from wonderful illustrations.

When did you last cry? At a family funeral, just before Christmas.

What is your greatest achievement? Answering these questions, it’s trickier than you think.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Understand what your customers value and deliver it.

Favourite animal and why? It’s difficult to single one out.

As a pet it would have to be a Labrador.

Horses are wonderful working animals and at the zoo I love the frivolity of the penguins.

Most famous person on your mobile phone? I couldn’t possibly say.

What was the last band you saw live? Stereophonics at Newcastle Arena.

Describe your perfect night in? A movie, some chocolate and wine with my husband and boys.

In another life I would be... braver Who would play you in a film of your life? Halle Berry.

My husband has a sweet spot for her so she must be exactly like me, mustn’t she?

What irritates you? Drivers that don’t indicate properly on roundabouts.

What's your secret talent? It’s so secret I haven’t found it yet. If I had any kind of talent everybody would know about it.