FROM a foray in the armed forces to a successful career in financial services, Phil Morris has never been afraid to tackle a challenge.

His life now may be a far cry from the six and a half years he served in the Royal Navy, where he was attached to the Royal Marines, but Phil, 47, is now relishing the opportunity to grow his businesses following a recent merger deal.

North-East financial advice firm Easby Gale & Phillipson last month joined forces with jonathanfry plc to create Gale and Phillipson, which expects to have doubled in size by the end of the decade through organic growth and acquisitions.

The deal has created a multi-skilled 50-strong firm, with North Yorkshire offices in Richmond and Northallerton as well as sites in Newcastle and London, that offer independent advice and wealth management, discretionary investment management, and Dynamic Cash Management.

“We are unique in offering that range of services,” says Sheffield-born Phil, who is now based in South Shields. “There is no one in the country doing that, so it places us is a very strong position and gives us the confidence to predict that we will see strong growth over the next four to five years."

After leaving school two days after his sixteenth birthday, Phil joined the senior service, before switching to a more sedate life with the Halifax where he climbed his way up the management ladder.

He later worked for a number of national companies before the offer to take on the investment, mortgage and pensions division of Gale & Phillipson in July 2005 gave Phil the chance to lead a small firm that has built its client base steadily ever since.

“Being the size that we are allows to react quickly when banks put attractive products onto the market that would appeal to our customers,” he explains.

"The merger deal means that we are now part of a larger concern, but we will continue to focus on our specialist areas, so the things that made both businesses successful will continue to be our core strengths going forward."

Five minutes with.. Phil Morris, chief executive of Gale and Phillipson.

Favourite North-East building and why?

The Sage Gateshead - it demonstrates the progress made in the North East in terms of dynamic buildings that complement the fantastic architecture of the likes of Grey Street, the bridges and the Angel of the North. It is also a clear sign that there is significant culture outside of London!

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

1983, aged 16 in the armed forces – £45 per week.

What is the worst job you've had?

Paper boy.

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

I’m not the best cook and only do desserts so ‘Baked Alaska’ would be my speciality. According to my wife, I’ve been living off the reputation of that dessert for years, so need to some up with another one soon.

What would your superpower be?

Mind reader - so I could tell what people are really thinking and feeling.

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

Winston Churchill, John. F. Kennedy, Marilyn Monroe and David Beckham.

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

Holiday/wedding in the Bahamas - £lots but my wife is definitely worth it.

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

Guy Martin – motorbike racer and TV presenter. He is absolutely mad and carefree and I wish I could have that same attitude.

Favourite book?

Any Jack Reacher book by Lee Child.

When did you last cry?

Last Children in Need – children’s resilience always amazes me.

What is your greatest achievement?

Having three fantastic children.

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

“Always put yourself in the shoes of the person you are talking to when trying to present the reasons why they should do business with you.”

Favourite animal and why.

Jake my son’s goldfish - he has been alive for five years now after being won at South Shields fair, has seen off every other fish we’ve had and has survived jumping out of his ‘tank’ and falling three feet onto the kitchen floor. He is the Royal Marine of all fish!

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

Friends of my wife and mine who are professional ice Dancers in Dancing on Ice.

What was the last band you saw live?

Jamiroquai.

Describe your perfect night in.

My wife’s seafood chowder, bottle of wine and a chat with my wife about what life used to be like when we were young!

In another life I would be...

A grand prix motorbike racer.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

Young me – Brad Pitt. Old me – Telly Savalas.

What irritates you?

Why traffic lights always turn ‘red’ when I am running late for a meeting.

What's your secret talent?

Avoiding cooking at home.