THE head of a family-run building firm has a couple of well-chosen words to sum up talk of recovery in the regional housing market: "hype and spin."

Graham Howard is ideally placed to comment on the challenges facing
small traders as they steer a course out of the downturn.

In 1982, Graham took over the running of RA Howard and Sons of Brotton near Saltburn from his father Ron. The builder is now in its third generation, being run by Ron Howard's grandsons, Keith and Richard, assisted by Graham who also owns the popular Stokesley bistro, Howards.

Construction and hospitality are two sectors which took a battering during the recession, but they are also widely regarded as bellwethers of any  recovery.

As confidence returns to the economy, the logic goes, more of us think about moving house and treating ourselves to a some nice grub.

Graham, a former teacher who spent 15 years in the classroom before he joined the family business, is a robust character who says he has "seen most things, recessions and boom times."    

He is sceptical about politicians who talk up the recovery to boost their election chances. 

"The reality is that most people are watching what they are spending," he says. "There may be green shoots but they are not very far out of the ground. They are poking their way out like spring bulbs do, but if a frost comes along they risk getting nipped.

"We have got to be careful we don't get carried away by what is happening in London and the South East with house prices," warns Graham, the president of the Northern Counties Builders' Federation, who hopes to see a big improvement in the sector by this time next year, despite access to both affordable finance and local authority contracts being an ongoing problem for smaller firms.

"It's ok for the big nationals who can tap into things like the Help To Buy scheme, but a builder like us who does under 50 houses a year doesn't have the staff to be pushing it," he says. 

"Banks are not lending money to fly-by-night schemes any more, which is sensible, but they are also reluctant to lend to long established companies.
"Some people who got involved in developing during the boom hadn't a clue what they were doing. Sadly, they caused problems for the rest of us."

He points to last month's collapse of Hartlepool housebuilder Yuill Homes as an example of the industry's fragility.

"The news about Yuill came as a shock," admits Graham. "It was probably the largest private house builder in the area, pretty much everyone else has gone or been bought out by the big boys," said Graham, who expects RA Howard will retain its independence. 

"Frankly, we have no other option. We've no land bank - what we had we've built on. It's now about looking for opportunities at a sensible price."
With his restaurateur's hat on, Graham says business is "steady."

"This is still a difficult market to fathom right now. There is no pattern. You have an excellent fortnight then it goes to pot.

"People aren't doing impulse nights out like they were two or three years ago."

Howards was the only restaurant on Teesside to be recommended by Harden's UK Restaurant Survey 2013, the biggest annual survey of restaurant-goers in the UK.

The respected guide, which also includes names such as The Ritz, Claridge's and  The Ivy, recommended Howards for being 'value for money' and a 'smart village diner' with 'unusual dishes'. It also commends its takeaway dishes.

Despite the plaudits the eatery recently introduced a few recession-busting deals, such as two courses for 10.95 and three courses for 14.95 on weekdays and Saturday evenings before 6.45pm.

"It's all about keeping up with the competition," notes Graham, as he concludes on an upbeat note.

"It may sound a bit doom and gloom, but I still get up and look forward to the day ahead. If you don't for a few consecutive days then its time to start thinking about doing something else."

Five minutes with Graham Howard.
Favourite local building and why?

York Minster, it's an iconic example of master craftsmanship.

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

Part-time garage assistant for half a crown per hour, thats about 12p.

What is the worst job you've had?
I've been so fortunate. From the age of 17, there's not been one I didn't enjoy. Actually, when I started out with the family building company I had to empty waste into sewers, that wasn't so nice.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner?
Rib-eye steak with grilled tomatoes. I've been getting tips from Howards' head chef. I'm getting there at perfecting it.

What would your superpower be?
To be able to remove evil.

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

Marilyn Monroe, Omar Sharif, Clint Eastwood, Julie Walters, a real mix of conversation.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much?

Jewellery for my wife, Julie.

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

Personally, I don't use it. But we do use it for Howards and I love seeing what's happening amongst local businesses and organisations.

Favourite book?
My Friends and Other Animals by Gerald Durrell.

What is your greatest achievement? Living to my current age.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given?
Be true to yourself and don't forget your roots, especially your friends.

Favourite animal and why.
Hare- so majestic and proud.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.
Lots of well known local business people, but no one really famous.

What was the last band you saw live?
Snake Davis Band at Stokesley Town Hall in January this year. The Town Hall gets some great people playing there.

Describe your perfect night in.
I'd surprise my wife- I'd have my slippers on, relaxing, having cooked her the perfect steak with a glass or 2 of red wine.

In another life I would be...
A philanthropist, I just need sufficient time and money.

Who would play you in a film of your life
Martin Shaw, he seems a good, down-to-earth actor.

What irritates you? 
Deceit, indecision, not accepting responsibilities for your actions, a major problem in today's society

What's your secret talent?
I'm told I don't realise how good I am at multi-tasking.