The founder of the North Shields firm answers our questions
Lee Bishop set up White Knight Maintenance in 2011, offering property maintenance, building services and compliance solutions throughout the North East. The 20-strong business has a current turnover of £1.8m and is set for further growth as it expands its services into the renewables sector.
What was your first job, and how much did it pay? My first job was an apprentice scaffolder and it paid £27.50 a week.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? To be myself and treat everyone the same regardless of status or job title.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?We have a skills crisis across the sector which needs urgent attention. At present, we don’t face this challenge as our business has invested heavily into our workforce in the last five years to ensure that we have everyone up-skilled and trained to fit our business model.
What would your dream job be? Partly what I do now is my dream job, but if I could do this more, whilst travelling the world and mentoring up and coming entrepreneurs, that would be ideal.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Always be the hardest worker in the room. Being smart is great but hard work stands out.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? The people I work with and the abundance of opportunities.
How important is it for business to play a role in society? Businesses have both a responsibility and a strategic incentive to contribute positively to society. Doing good is no longer separate from doing well, it’s part of how you stay competitive, credible and sustainable.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? I’m a very good judge of character and a quick problem solver.
Who would play you in a film about your life? Tom Hardy, as I’m a big fan of the roles he has played.
Which three people would you invite to a dinner party, and why? Ricky Gervais because I love his sense of dry humour. Gerry Cinnamon, to liven up the atmosphere and get the party going. And Mike Tyson, a childhood hero and I love his positive comeback mentality.
