IF you are planning to build a bastion of North-East business success then you might as well model yourself on the best.

Andrew Richardson, deputy chief executive at Utilitywise, wants the Tyneside firm to become the Sage of energy advice.

He explains: “When people think of software, they think of Sage – an amazing North-East success story. I want Utilitywise to be the same – the first name that pops into people’s heads when they are looking for advice on getting more value from their energy and water.

“At this stage we are still a relatively small player in our industry, but I want us to become the big beast.”

The performance of Utilitywise, since it was founded in 2006 and floated on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) six years later, would suggest that it is poised to become the next North-East business to make a big noise nationally. It also has international aspirations.

Last year’s investment in Prague-based communication company ICON, which operates a call centre in the Czech Republic, is part of a bold bid to take the Utilitywise model of advising businesses on their energy and water usage, to clients in France, Germany, Belgium, Holland and beyond.

“There is a huge market there for us to take a bite out of. In the UK we want to double our 2 per cent market share in the next couple of years, and eventually secure a share over 10 per cent,” he adds.

For the time being, Mr Richardson, 46, who lives in Beamish, County Durham, is happy to help create hundreds of jobs in his native North-East.

After leaving Durham University with an MBA and BA in Economics, Mr Richardson learned his trade as an accountant with RMT in Newcastle. He then broadened his experience in roles with Dunlop owner BTR (British Tyre and Rubber) and as a finance director for Sage founder Tom Maxfield, whose empire includes Seaham Hall.

He first worked with Utilitywise chief executive Geoff Thompson when the pair joined what became outsourcing company Spark Response on the same day.

“Actually, our history goes back much further than that,” says Mr Richardson. “We both attended the same school, although I didn’t know him back then."

Mr Richardson then moved to South Yorkshire-based food firm the Crawshaw Group, while his fellow alumni of Jarrow Grammar school went into the world of energy advice.

“Were me and Geoff destined to work together again? I don’t know. We both share an ethos of hard work and had always kept in touch. When he talked about me joining him at Utilitywise I always joked that he couldn’t afford me," says Mr Richardson.

“But it has been a great move for me. It feels right to be back here in the North-East, creating jobs and helping to build the business.

"It is pretty full on but I like it like it to be fast paced. I'd get bored otherwise."

FIVE minutes with....Andrew Richardson, deputy chief executive of Utilitywise.

Favourite North-East building and why?

I know it is not a building, but I have to say the Tyne Bridge, I know I am home when I see it.

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

Working on a Saturday at Dolcis selling shoes whilst at sixth form for £10 a day.

It learnt the fundamentals of selling and adding value to the deal.

What is the worst job you've had?

Counting passengers on and off the Metro for a survey whilst a student. I was sat at the coldest station on the line, Bede.

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

Steak with peppercorn sauce, medium rare and I’d to deglaze the pan with brandy.

What would your superpower be?

I’d say time travel. I would like to experience the grand historic events first hand.

It would be pretty handy for the pub quiz as well.

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

Jim Telfer (ex Scottish rugby coach and player)

Bear Grylls

Julius Caesar

And my fiancé.

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

An engagement ring, but it would be impolite to quote a number.

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

Other than the Utilitywise Twitter feed, I have managed to avoid it day to day. I am on LinkedIn though, and use that as a useful online platform.

Favourite book?

Any of the books in the Flashman series by George MacDonald Fraser. They are great fun and really sharpen up your historical knowledge along the way.

When did you last cry?

Whenever Scotland get beaten at rugby...

What is your greatest achievement?

Successfully growing and listing two businesses. The first was Crawshaw Group, a food retailer and then of course Utilitywise.

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

Keep going no matter what is in front of you. I am an avid reader of management books and this advice seems to come through as a common thread.

Favourite animal and why.

My dog Murphy (a Rottweiler) he is always happy to see me in the morning and at the end of the day. I have had him for seven years.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

I don’t know any celebrities’ telephone numbers, but I do have a number of selfies of famous rugby players.

What was the last band you saw live?

Rudimental – I was dragged there by my son.

Describe your perfect night in.

A nice meal and a few drinks with my fiancé, an open fire and a good rugby game on the TV.

In another life I would be...

An international sportsman – I’d do anything that involved glamorous locations and travel, so perhaps not dart then.

Who would play you in a film of your life

Gerard Butler – he seems like a thoroughly nice chap.

What irritates you?

Lateness. We are fast and nimble at Utilitywise, which is how I like to work.

What's your secret talent?

Mind reading – oops it’s not secret anymore.