Richard Pepler, is chief executive of HH Cashflow Finance Limited, a factoring and invoice discounting company, based at Langstone

1. How did you get into your current job?

I decided that SMEs were not getting the funding they require and/or the quality of service and attention they desire from their current funders so, I started this business from scratch in October 2014 to make a difference and disrupt the SME funding market, with the backing of Henry Howard Finance plc, Cabot Square Capital LLP (£25m of private equity) and funding from RBS Group.

2. What’s the best bit?

Watching so many clients grow more quickly with the aid of our funding, and then the thanks that go with it.

3. What was your first Saturday job?

Shop assistant in a fishing tackle shop, which was odd really as I hated fishing!

4. Describe your ideal job?

One that is entrepreneurial, stimulating, inspiring and fast paced. So, I’m probably in it! Not as one member of staff said to me once in their appraisal, “Wow, well I'm pretty sure it wouldn't be in this field! I just do this work to pay the bills. My ideal job would be one where I wouldn't have to work very hard, but get paid a lot of money. Where I could set my own hours so that I could do my own thing when and where I wanted. I think most people are working stiffs. My father worked for 45 years for the same company, then retired and died a year later. That's not what I want to do with my life. I would love to travel for a living, yeah, I guess that would be my ideal job”.

5. What motivates you?

Building a workplace environment where the staff are highly dedicated, extremely happy and treat the company as if it were their own.

6. And what irritates you?

People that find the tiniest of reasons to let off fireworks all year round.

7. Who do you most admire in business and why?

James Dyson. He just wouldn’t give up. 1,300 prototypes, self-funded and nearly made bankrupt. He reinvents things that no one else will tackle. He can make water go uphill thus deserves his £3bn.

8. What was the last book you read and what did you think?

Riding the Storm by Duncan Ballantyne. Not a bad book but he didn’t come across as that likeable. He seems quite an irascible man but with an admirable generosity to his charities and a completely doting father and grandfather. It didn't offer me any new insight as to what gets you through tough times other than a good team, which isn't a new or exciting theory.

9. What do you do to relax?

Stop work at 5pm (there’s no need to work any later if you’re organised), go home, have a glass of wine and go out for dinner with my fiancé and have plenty of light-hearted conversation about nothing in particular.

10. What dreams are you still to fulfil?

To retire in Tuscany.

11. What was the last film you saw at the cinema and what did you think?

Gravity. The imaginary engulfs you and the visual effects are superlative.

12. Favourite food and place to eat it?

Italian. The Poltu Quatu in Sardinia.

13. What car do you drive?

BMW 640d M Sport.

14. What’s in your car’s CD player at the moment?

Big Love by Simply Red.

15. What’s your favourite TV programme past or present?

Masterchef.

16. Do you tweet? If so, how can we follow you? If not, why?

No I don’t. I’m just learning how to do it!

17. If you were an animal, what would you be?

Ant – hard working and team player.

18. Proudest moment?

Watching my daughter’s graduation ceremony.

19. And most embarrassing?

Dancing as a Morris Dancer with clothes bought for £1 from a Red Cross shop, for a staff team building weekend!

20. What advice would you give to someone wanting to be successful in your line of work?

Have a ‘can do’ attitude. Strive to be the best and don’t stop until you are. Always ‘under promise and over deliver’. And remember, things don’t always go in straight lines.