Last updated at 13:39, Tuesday, 12 June 2012

MUSTAQ Ahmed, 40, owns the Taste of India – an Indian and Bangladeshi restaurant and takeaway in Duke Street, Askam. The father-of-three has recently moved to Furness from Keighley in West Yorkshire.

TAKES LIFE AS IT COMES: Taste of India owner Mustaq Ahmed. REF: 50033995B000

What was your first job?

My first proper job was as a waiter in a friend’s Indian restaurant.

How did you get your current job?

I had a link to the area, because my uncle Danny Miah owns the Naaz in Queen Street, Ulverston. He actually brought me and showed me around, but we have had businesses together in the past.

My first business was with Danny in 1993 in Mansfield.

Describe the company you work for/own in one sentence.

The one thing we particularly pride ourselves on is the quality. It’s all about providing the right quality, not the quantity.

How many hours do you work a week?

I work seven days a week, night and day.

How many people are you responsible for?

At this branch in Askam I have eight people, and at the Naaz we have seven or eight.

What’s your greatest achievement?

I take life as it comes, but it’s having a family and a business both together. It’s getting that balance right between family and work.

How do you think your employees would describe you in three words?

I think I’m firm but fair. I’m quite eager when it comes to business.

What gives you the biggest work buzz?

You’ve got to enjoy your work, enjoy what you do. With working at a restaurant, it’s getting to meet new people and getting to know people.

What’s your motto at work?

It’s being professional, keeping the standards up. More than anything else, it’s about being professional.

What’s the best thing about being a boss?

I don’t really class myself as a boss, but as one of the employees. I’m always at work and part of the group.

What’s the worst thing about being a boss?

The tough decisions, when you have no choice but to sack somebody.

What’s your favourite website/s?

I have set up a Taste of India page on Facebook. I also like to look at www.naazrestaurant.co.uk and we’re getting a website set up for the Taste of India.

How do you relax?

Just sitting in front of the telly with my family. My perfect day is going to a restaurant and enjoying a meal with my family.

What’s the best thing about doing business in Cumbria?

I think the people here are nice. The area itself is quite relaxed and chilled. For me, it’s a different environment, coming from a city to a village. The setting of being in a village is totally different.

Something your employees would be surprised to find out about you...

A lot of them do know me quite well because they have been with me for some time. But let’s say I can be surprising.

First published at 13:06, Tuesday, 12 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk