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December’s North East spotlight series: Rob Charlton

With Christmas fast approaching and the region’s business people looking forward to a well deserved rest, we’re bringing you a December interview series with a holiday twist.

Here at Bdaily we love to bring our readers closer to the stories we write. So this month, we’re asking the questions we don’t usually get a chance to ask - giving you the chance to learn more about the business people you so often read about.

Next up is Rob Charlton, CEO of Space Group.

Enjoy!

Your Business

What were the highlights for your business in 2015?

We celebrated ‘Ten Years in the Making’ of Space Group’s work on the Stephenson Quarter at the Crowne Plaza hotel when it first opened. It was a long time coming but without a doubt, worth the wait. I really enjoyed the event and getting to share the achievement with colleagues, friends and business associates.

Looking back, is there anything you would have done differently this year?

I’m sure there are lots of things I would have done differently with hindsight. However I believe in learning from these and looking forward.

Is there anything we should watch out for your company doing next year?

As part of Space Architects, we will continue to promote our eco-home concept Spacehus across the UK. We are also planning more software launches across the company which is a new development for us in 2015.

Your favourites

Have any other North East companies impressed you this year, if so - why?

Regional businesses have had some really successful moments this year but as a foodie at heart, I think it is fantastic that House of Tides achieved a Michelin star. It is such a great thing for the North East.

When business life gets on top of you, what do you do to destress?

Leave the country… Ideally go to Italy and do as the Italians do! I also find downtime critical for thinking so take a break to write a blog post or a quick opinion every now and again.

Have any social media accounts caught your eye this year, any favourite pages or people to follow? (*cough* Bdaily *cough* *cough*)

I’m actually trying to wean myself off social media a little if I’m honest, but I’ve always found the North East business news hubs useful to keep on top of discussion and current affairs.

The what ifs

If you could do any job in the world what would it be?

This is not a cop-out but I would do the job I’m doing. I love it and I love the people I work with. We are challenged every day.

If you could go back in time, which piece of advice would you give your younger self?

Be tenacious and integrity is everything.

What would be the perfect Christmas gift for you?

All of my family around the table on Christmas Day. What more could anyone want?

Thanks Rob. All the best from the Bdaily team.

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