Digital Edge director – and all round good egg – Ian Proctor kicks off a brand new series of features…
Name: Ian Proctor
Position: Director
Company/organisation: Digital Edge Online Solutions
Age: 44
From: Newton Aycliffe
Lives: Newton Aycliffe – Gods Country
1: What was your favourite subject at school?
A: Geography and I got an E. I love sitting and looking at maps. It’s a weird thing of mine.
2: Who was your childhood hero, and why?
A: Chris Waddle, he was a footballer from the North-East that made everyone around him look amazing. He was funny and a genuinely nice guy. I loved drawing and I used to draw pictures of Waddle – and he was heavily involved in my GCSE art portfolio.
3: How did you get to where you are now?
A: Wow! Great question. I kept doing me. Doing is the most important part. Dreams and aspirations are great, but if you don’t do, nothing happens. Doing me is living authentically. Everyone that knows me, knows I don’t deviate from me.
4: Which is your favourite organisation on Aycliffe Business Park and why (excluding your own)?
A: Oh, please don’t do that to me. I have some incredible relationships with so many on the park. But since you ask, I’m gonna put my neck out and not going to sit with one. SCH Site Services, Ramseys Garage, JPS Procurement, Later Life Money, Pet Crematorium, Superpower Toys, Only Food & Sauces, Aviator Bar and Optimum Recruit are all great support and banter that I regularly meet up with.
5: Which Aycliffe business or individual do you tip for future success?
A: I meet so many incredible businesses across the park and every time, I am inspired by the stories and see the potential of success in them all. I love passionate North-Easterners and you will find them in abundance on the park. I’m going to say The Fish Tank. They have some incredible plans for growth.
6: What’s the best business decision you ever made?
A: It has to be start, doesn’t it? Nothing else happens unless you do that.
7: What’s the worst decision you’ve ever made?
A: A tricky one as I am quite philosophical with things like this. Without bad decisions, you can’t make good ones. The bad ones lead you to the good ones and the bad ones build resilience. I often look at becoming a teacher as being a bad decision. But it all led me to where I am today.
8: If you could change one thing about your organisation, what would it be?
A: I have a great team and I love watching them drive the business forward. What excites me most is seeing the team grow and thrive. I would love to see 20+ passionate staff members driving the digital industry forward. So I think the answer is people and time.
9: Are you an early riser or a night owl?
A: I procrastinate going to bed and procrastinate getting up, so I definitely sit in the owl bracket.
10: What is your business mantra?
A: Just Do It!
11: What advice would you give to a small startup?
A: Surround yourself with great people, maintain high energy and keep doing what you love.
12: What does the future look like for you?
A: I love helping people. I am going to grow great people by releasing them into their passion. The more of that I do, the more I will love what I do.
13: What does the future look like for your organisation?
A: We have made huge strides forward in the past year and influencing companies across the planet. We will grow in influence in the area of websites, marketing and software all through the Wix platform.
14: What would you say to the Prime Minister if you saw him on Aycliffe Business Park?
A: Ha! A question that I have an initial thought, but know that I would be in awe of meeting the Prime Minister. Maybe something along the lines of: Have you got any back handers on the go at the moment? Because I hear they are rife…
15: Which is your favourite local charity?
A: Rock Group, a charity we have been working with recently and have known for a long time. The heart in which they serve is just right.
16: Which is your favourite local restaurant?
A: Andy’s Gaff – AKA – Only Food & Sauces. Sorry, I’m Aycliffe to the core and Andy is Mr Aycliffe.
17: What would be your ideal evening meal?
A: Tomahawk Steak, rare.
18: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I love hanging out with family and friends. I’m a people person. I also love playing football, it’s my happy place.
19: What is your favourite film, and who is your favourite actor?
A: Ace Ventura and Jim Carey. “AaalllRighty Then” – Gold.
20: What would you like to see more of?
A: More people doing what they love. If you ever speak to me, I will probably ask you if you are doing what you love. Then I will tell you to do more of what you love and less of what you dislike.
