BY the time Bill Abbott starts to tell me about the night he was called out to fix Prince Abdullah's air conditioning unit it had become apparent that this was not going to be a run-of-the-mill business interview.

His career started on familiar North-East territory - inside a steel plant.

After leaving school Bill had applied to become a quality control technician at South Durham Steel and Iron Works but an administrative mix-up meant that he was interviewed for the position of trainee chemist. Bluffing his way through questions about water hardness secured him the position "and set me on course for an incredible career," he recalls, during a 20 minute telephone interview conducted while Bill waited for his wife in the reception area of a Darlington beauty salon. His colourful stories must have made the hair curl of anyone within earshot.

"I always wanted to join the RAF, but when I applied they deemed me medically unfit - an ear problem apparently - so I was heartbroken and hadn't a clue what to do next," says Bill, who decided to join his mates, and thousands of fellow northeasterners, in the steel industry.

"At school I had no interest in chemistry. Watching a piece of paper turn blue or red is hardly the most thrilling thing, but when I landed the job at the steelworks and saw it in a practical working environment I ended up idolising chemistry."

He stayed at the plant until it become subsumed into British Steel in the late 1960s and then crossed the road to join British Titan Products. A subsequent role at Philips Petroleum's Seal Sands site brought Bill into contact with ships docking at Teesside from around the world and broadened his horizons.

Applying for a job based in Libya, Bill's job interview skills again came to the fore. Asked why he wanted the position he replied: "for the money".

"The guy interviewing me said 'good, because if you had said anything else I would have known you were lying,' " recalls Bill, who was posted to an ammonia plant and was there when Colonel Gaddafi and his motorcade of 20 gleaming white Range Rovers pulled up outside to perform the official opening.

"They put all of the Libyans working at the plant up front to meet him because they wanted Gaddafi to think that they were doing it all themselves, whereas in truth foreigners like me were helping to lead things.

"I was there for three years and it all ran smoothly even though there was a strange regime in charge of the country."

Bill's main problem were the very strict conscription laws which meant members of his staff would suddenly be spirited away into the armed forces.

During a return visit to the UK he was met at Gatwick Airport by a representative of his employer Coppas International who said they had a new challenge for him.

Without returning to collect his belongings in Libya he was transferred to northern Russia where he led a project to develop optical brighteners - chemicals designed to help fabrics appear to be cleaner. Bill's role was part of a drive in the lead up to the 1980 Moscow Olympics to showcase the Soviet Union to the world as a modern, progressive state.

He returned to the UK for another overseas posting, this time in Saudi Arabia training Filipino technicians setting up a laboratory at a water treatment plant. His expertise with water systems led to a 2am call to attend the opulent home of Crown Prince Abdullah whose air con was on the blink.

Bill set up Hartlepool-based water treatment firm Hydrochem in 1987. It is now a profitable business looking after leisure centres, hotels, schools - basically anywhere with a heating or water system. It employs 22 people and includes Bannatyne’s, Bourne Leisure and Marriott Hotels on its client list.

Two years ago Bill received what he calls "the bombshell news" that he had bowel cancer

“Hearing something like that really puts things into perspective,” says Bill, 63, who is married to Terri and dad to Clare and Paul.

He is now happy to report that he has been given the "all clear".

He has a pilot’s licence, and a part-share in a light aircraft with some friends.

Bill adds: “I absolutely love it and there’s no better way to escape from the daily grind. You get to see our wonderful region in all its glory. I've seen a fair bit of the world but I am so proud to come from Hartlepool. It feels good to be home.”

FIVE minutes with Bill Abbott, managing director of Hydrochem.

Favourite North-East building and why?

Durham Cathedral, walking around it is special being so old and quite perfect you see how good the stonemasons were. Also flying over it you know you are nearly home back to Teesside.

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

I was a Trainee Chemist at South Durham Steel and Iron Works, Hartlepool. Wage paid weekly in a wage slip of 6 pounds 15 shillings.

What is the worst job you've had?

Don’t think I have ever had a worst job as I used every opportunity in each to learn and progress. I have never been without work. If I had to chose it would have to be British Titan at Greatham. Very hard, busy shifts with non stop process analysis to ensure the plant met its specification but great teamwork and camaraderie. It taught me a lot.

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

Stir fry, any one I do them all, simple, quick, healthy, taking no great preparation and able to chat whilst cooking.

What would your superpower be?

Something close to me - cure cancer.

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

Amy Johnson, Graham Hill, Dom and Steph from Gogglebox.

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

Share in Golf Juliet a very clean and tidy Piper Archer PA 28 based at DTVA. My passion after my family. £5000 but regular top ups for respray, upholstery and engine fund add another £1000 per year to the ongoing cost.

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

Don’t do Twitter as I find it a waste of time full of inane banter. Prefer real life.

Favourite book?

Catch 22, Joseph Heller.

When did you last cry?

August 17 this year, when I had to say goodbye to my friend Max my Weimaraner.

What is your greatest achievement?

Starting up my company and employing and keeping my great staff

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

Look for opportunities and don,t be afraid to trust your instinct. If you know your core business you capable to succeed.

Favourite animal and why.

A dog, they do not want anything but undivided love and they in turn will give back loyalty in volume.

Most famous person on your mobile phone.

All my persons on my phone list to me are famous as they are either friends or good clients.

What was the last band you saw live?

A few years ago, Pink Floyd.

Describe your perfect night in.

A cosy night, cook a meal, share a bottle of red with my wife.

In another life I would be...

A pilot.

Who would play you in a film of your life.

Mel Gibson.

What irritates you?

People who do not indicate in time before turning whilst driving.

What's your secret talent?

I love to cook.