Bob aims to instil passion for region into next generation

A massive Sunderland fan and a keen market gardener nurturing home-grown produce, his heart is very much in the North-East.

But it runs deeper than that.

Mr Paton, managing director of IT firm Accenture’s North-East delivery centre, is a fervent champion of youth employment, with a keen interest in attracting more workers to the industry.

The Sunderland season ticket holder heads Accenture’s Newcastle-based site, which employs about 300 people and is the only one of its type in the UK, developing and supporting IT systems.

He is also vice chairman of Dynamo, an IT initiative aimed at expanding the North-East’s IT economy and improving its skills strategy, and he worked on a pilot scheme with The Prince’s Trust to help youngsters who were out of education, employment or training.

He said: “The fact Accenture’s services are in this region makes me extremely proud.

“We have got a great IT industry in the region, from Middlesbrough to Sunderland, to Newcastle and all of the towns in between, and the sector is very much growing in the North-East.

“People often talk about the education system and complain about how they cannot get the right people with the right skills.

“But the region has got some great people and what we need to do to make sure we increase the amounts that are ready to work in IT.

“We have got to work with education, right from primary schools, through the secondary schools and on to colleges, universities and apprenticeships.

“It starts off with the primary schools and we need to see a computer coding club in every primary school in the region.

“They already have such a system in Estonia, so if they can do it, so can we.

“This is a very positive area, and we can put our arms around the whole region.

“We can reach out to everyone, to the IT companies and universities, to the schools and colleges, and to the support organisations, MPs and local enterprise partnerships.

“We have a massive advantage with that.

“The country has a curriculum that has to be adhered to, but why can’t we add to it?

“We’ve seen the plans for an engineering university technical college in Newton Aycliffe, but we should have an IT specific one.

“We also need to get more women into IT, have a better gender balance, and make the industry more exciting.”

Mr Paton, a former civil servant who didn’t go to university, said it was important people understood there are more routes into work.

He said: “I left school and didn’t go to sixth form or university, and it makes me very proud that I’m now a managing director.

“Often people think the university route is the right route.

“It is for some, but not for others.”

Mr Paton’s devotion seems like a full-time passion, but he manages to share it with another mainstay – his gardening.

He runs Hexhamshire Organics, and couldn’t be happier fulfilling what is a lifelong dream.

He added: “I’ve got a six-acre organic site for fruit and vegetables and I’ve always wanted to be a market gardener.

“We’re getting ready to go to market and will go more often next year.

“Some of my best thinking has come when I’ve been working on the site, it’s takes you away from everything.”

Five minutes with...Bob Paton

Favourite North-East building and why?

Sunderland's Stadium of Light. It always gives me a great buzz every time I go there.

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

My first job was as a clerical assistant at the DHSS in 1972. I was paid £8 a week.

What is the worst job you've had?

I once had a role where I travelled round Europe and South Africa for 12 months, visiting different cities every two weeks. It sounded great, but my life was a continuous series of airports, taxis and hotels. An awful experience.

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

Cooking is not my forte, I only have one dish I can cook without looking at a recipe – a cheese curry. It actually tastes a lot better than it sounds.

What would your superpower be?

Time travel, ideally to go back to a time when Sunderland were successful.

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

Paul Weller, Joe Strummer, Billy Bragg and Tony Benn.

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

A few years ago, I bought a 1955 Wurlitzer Juke Box, it cost £8,000. It is full of 7” singles from my musical era; The Jam, The Clash, The Ramones and classic Tamla Motown songs.

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

Ian Watmore, who used to be the chief executive at the Football Association, and prior to that was UK managing partner for Accenture. Always has an interesting view on football, general sport, music and politics.

Favourite book?

Sunderland AFC, The Complete Record.

When did you last cry?

Myself and my wife were lucky to be in the Olympic Stadium on Super Saturday when Jessica Ennis, Mo Farah, and Greg Rutherford won gold medals. It was an unbelievably emotional night, culminating with the playing of the national anthem for Jessica. At that moment everyone in the stadium, including myself, seemed to be crying.

What is your greatest achievement?

Winning the heart of my wife.

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

Check, check and check again.

Favourite animal and why?

A dog, for their loyalty.

Most famous person on your mobile phone?

Steve Cram.

What was the last band you saw live?

Paul Weller, and before that Paul Weller, and before that Paul Weller. I've seen Paul Weller play live more than 40 times, he is my all time musical hero.

Describe your perfect night in

A quiet night in with my wife.

In another life I would be...

Kevin Phillips. I would have loved to be in his shoes when he scored goals against Newcastle.

Who would play you in a film of your life?

I would like to think we could convince Daniel Craig to play the role.

What irritates you?

Inefficiency, lack of punctuality, “know it alls”.

What's your secret talent?

Surrounding myself with people who are much more talented than me.