Last updated at 13:57, Tuesday, 19 June 2012

TRACY Irwin, owner of TI Payroll, a Barrow accountancy firm.

IN CHARGE: Tracy Irwin, owner of TI Payroll and Accounting

What was your first job?

My first job was working for my father in a public house collecting glasses on busy nights.

How did you get your current job?

I started TI Payroll and Accounting in 2002 while working at an electrical contracting company, I left there in 2007 to concentrate on my company full-time.

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

TI Payroll and Accounting is the largest company in the Furness area dedicated to helping growing companies with their bookkeeping and payroll requirements.

How many hours do you work a week?

Too many!

How many people are you responsible for?

Four.

What’s your greatest achievement?

My biggest achievement in business is the two awards I have won in the past year, I am very proud of this recognition and it has helped my business move forward.

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

I asked them – they said hardworking, customer-focused, friendly.

What gives you the biggest work buzz?

Running a business can be very stressful for some people, the biggest buzz I get at work is when a client thanks me for relieving them of some of their worries and I know they are leaving my office happy knowing that we can take care of some of the tasks necessary to run a business.

What’s your motto at work?

To always put the customer first and to lead by example.

What’s the best thing about being a boss?

The best thing about being a boss is being able to provide employment and opportunities for my staff to training.

What’s the worst thing about being a boss?

The worst thing about being a boss is having the responsibility and worry of other people’s wellbeing in their working environment.

What’s your favourite website?

My favourite website is Twitter, I love this platform for both business and personal information.

Your first car?

A little yellow Metro.

How do you relax?

I enjoy walking the dogs, watching films and spending time with my family and friends.

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

The best thing about doing business in Cumbria is the diversity of the different business we get to work with, of course being so close to the Lakes the scenery when I’m driving to networking events and clients is superb.

If we arrived at your office today, what item might we be surprised to find on your desk?

Although it’s not actually on my desk I think the thing most people would be surprised to see in the office is a life-sized cut out of Jenson Button that keeps us company.

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

As my management type is friendly and open I think my staff probably already know way too much about me as it is.

First published at 13:34, Tuesday, 19 June 2012
Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk