JEFF Winn’s take-home pay may now enable him to enjoy a lifestyle that many Premier League footballers would envy, but the foundations of his business were built on prudence and restraint.

While the 49, year-old admits that in his younger days, away from his day job as a solicitor he was a bit of a party animal – a lifestyle he says is “pretty much” behind him – his attitude towards working life has always been more grounded.

He recalls: “I remember in our first year looking at the p&l and being delighted because we had made £100,000. But I then saw there was hardly anything in the bank. It was because my accountant had sensibly set aside money to pay the tax. That was a good lesson for me.

“For years I only drew a 20 grand salary when I could have been taking five times that amount. I was happy to leave money in the business to help it grow.”

The founder of Newcastle-based Winn Solicitors provides one of the region’s great entrepreneurial success stories. As one of only two students at his law school who came from a comprehensive school the Morpeth-born lad grafted hard for his success.

His decision in 2002 to set up his own business that specialised in road traffic accident claims drew puzzled looks from his colleagues. He had spotted a gap in the market where he could act for motorists and put them, and their vehicle, back in the state they would have been before the accident, as well as pursue any injury claim on their behalf.

The move to offer a dedicated no-win, no-fee, non-fault collision service proved a master stroke.

“Specialising in this area, and gradually building up our offering so we could deliver an end-to-end service, has been one of the keys to our success,” says the multi-millionaire, speaking to The Northern Echo by mobile phone. Ironically for someone in his line of work, the signal is a bit hit-and-miss. Despite sitting only a few feet away from a booster the line drops out a couple of times – perhaps explained by the fact that he is sitting in the basement study of his palatial home Jesmond Towers, the former La Sagesse Roman Catholic school he bought from former Newcastle United owner Freddy Shepherd. It’s like a mini Downton Abbey, but only three Metro stops away from the city centre.

He says: "It gives us the best of both worlds. A beautiful, historic property that wouldn’t look out of place in the countryside, but I like the fact that it's not too far from the bright lights.”

It sounds like that party-loving persona hasn’t retired completely.

Mr Winn and partner Danielle Dunn, are gradually converting the property, which was once the home of Tyneside shipbuilding magnate Charles Mitchell. Put more accurately, Mr Winn is funding the project. His main input thus far seems to have been to insist that the toilets were sufficiently capacious to let him read a newspaper in comfort.

“I showed the builders a picture of the toilets in the Savoy and said ‘I want something like that’. It would seem that even the smallest room in Jeff’s house is huge.

His impact on the Tyneside economy has been considerable too. The firm now employs about 300 people.

He adds: “Our business is based in Byker. It’s not the best-off area but we are providing employment for local people. By doing a lot of the work that insurance brokers didn’t want to do we easily took jobs away from London and brought them here to the North-East.

“This area needs all of the work it can get and I’m happy to play my part.”

 

FIVE minutes with Jeff Winn...

Favourite North-East building and why?

It has to be The Towers in Jesmond which is on the site of the former La Sagesse school. The iconic building was purchased last year to be our family home; it has lots of Grade II * features and I’m enjoying doing it up – slowly but surely we are getting there.

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

As a lorry driver’s mate at Waters & Robsons. I earned £60 per week.

What is the worst job you've had?

For a time I worked the late night shift in an Indian restaurant. The main perk of the job was that we were able to take home leftovers at the end of the night.

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

Something which sounds really simple but when it’s done well it can be fantastic; rib eye steak seasoned to perfection with plenty of butter and pepper.

What would your superpower be?

Super intelligence.

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

I have a real interest in history so I would love to sit down with Einstein, Wellington, Churchill and Napoleon. I could imagine a really lively debate would take place during that meal.

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

A safari holiday for family which cost several thousands of pounds – it was quite an extravagant purchase but it’s not something you do often and it was a once in a lifetime experience.

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

I don’t follow Twitter.

Favourite book?

I don’t really read a lot of fiction but I do like historical factual books.

When did you last cry?

I’ve only ever cried once and that was when became I became separated.

What is your greatest achievement?

Building up a successful business. I especially get a real sense of achievement when I see the pride that the staff and managers have for what they have helped to create.

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

As a business owner, you can’t get involved in minutiae – keep your eye on the overall strategy, turnover and profits and develop solutions to the big issues. Have great people working with you who you trust to make the right decisions.

Favourite animal and why.

Dogs – they are loveable and intelligent.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

Bill Gates – but I’m afraid I can’t tell you why he’s in there.

What was the last band you saw live?

Little Mix – thanks to my children my musical tastes are wide and varied.

Describe your perfect night in.

Beautiful rib eye steak washed down with a fantastic red wine in front of a roaring fire.

In another life I would be...

A pharaoh.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

If I had the choice I would like it to be George Clooney; he is a brilliant actor and in recent years he has shown how versatile he can be.

What irritates you?

Constant changes in government regulation and red tape. 99 per cent of regulation/changes and red tape are negative and have an adverse affect on businesses and by definition upon the population and the country’s success. The most successful government would be one that sits on their hands and does nothing for as long as possible.

What's your secret talent?

Being able to identify rare coins.