Partner Article

Getting to know... Tom Solly

We know you as a director at RBC Brewin Dolphin, and a partner of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…
I think those who know me would say I’m a people person. I get energised being around people and enjoy meeting new people.

Everyone has a story to tell and I like to hear it.

I like connecting people too and get a lot from seeing two people I’ve introduced form a relationship of some form.

Did you always want to work in your industry?
No, my dream job is to be a cricket commentator. Getting to travel the world talking about cricket sounds pretty great to me… and it’s always summer time!

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?
It’s cliché but the best bit is the people.

I mainly work with business owners and entrepreneurs and most of them are enthusiastic, innovative and driven people and tend to have lots of good stories to tell.

For the worst bit, I’m going to give a diplomatic answer and say ever-changing legislation.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?
Does riding an ostrich count?

How do you relax outside of work?
What does relax mean? I have a four-year-old and six-year-old… they don’t let me relax!

When I have a chance, I like to cook and eat.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?
We all know why it’s so good to live here but for me, the reason it’s so good to work here has so much to do with the thriving SME scene.

The region isn’t dominated by large corporations and local businesses are what drives the economy forward.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…
I think I did that with the ostrich answer!

But if you want another then there’s a few other animal stories - kissing a seal, being bitten by a penguin and one with a crocodile and a walking stick!

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .