On the spot - Name: Gary Lovatt.

Born: Bolton, 1979.

Company: Moorish Idol Marketing.

Position: Owner.

Where did you start?
From my parents' bedroom, using it as an office while they were at work. I did this for a while before moving to an office.

What got you interested?
I've always had a fascination with unique products and services and the people behind them. Being part of a business that starts with a concept and grows into a profitable enterprise for one or more people is extremely satisfying. Working for yourself is also extremely rewarding, if you can handle the pressures that come with it.

What is the secret of your success?
Hard work, persistence, thinking and acting differently to your competitors.

What was your best decision?
Employing a team around me. I put it off for a long time but building a team turned out to be the best thing I ever did.

And the worst?
I employed freelancers for a period of time with mixed results.

Freelancers are great for getting jobs done quickly and professionally but ultimately they will have their own agenda and loyalty levels tend to be low.

Who has been your biggest influence?

I was fortunate enough to meet a guy called Chris Moon a couple of years ago, a man who lost an arm and a leg to a landmine in Cambodia. Twelve months later, he ran four marathons back to back, including one across the Sahara Desert with artificial limbs and still raises thousands for charity. Great courage, wonderful guy.

What is your biggest concern?
Businesses like mine in Bolton have traditionally been entitled to some level of start-up or consultancy support, which Moorish Idol and many of its clients simply wouldn't have survived without. As a result, Bolton Business Support Unit has a proud 91 per cent survival rate, which is unrivalled in most parts of the UK.

However, from this month it seems that people wishing to start a business will only be provided with a core service designed in line with the NWDA guidelines, which is basically a website. In my opinion, a new business start-up requires a more hands-on service, receiving help and advice from experienced business advisers. Basically, what Bolton has provided over numerous years, a service that does meet the needs of the client and assist the local economy.

Favourite film?
Recently enjoyed The Pursuit of Happyness, motivational and even more moving because of it being a true story.

Favourite activity?
Enjoy my Saturdays playing football and also like to travel when I get the opportunity.

l To take part in On the Spot, call Nigel McFarlane on 01204 537 203 or email nmcfarlane@theboltonnews.

co.uk