Steve Rawlingson is the founder and group CEO of Samuel Knight, a specialist renewable energy and sustainable transportation recruitment business.
What was your first job (and what did it pay)? My first job was as an apprentice office fitter working for Choice Office Furniture in Stoke on Trent as a 15 year-old. I was paid £5 per hour to fit out large corporate offices across the º£½ÇÊÓƵ with office furniture.
What is the best advice or support you've been given in business? The best advice I've been given is that your leadership skills are only ever tested in tough times; the hardest decisions to make are usually the right ones. The best support I've had is from Paul Beeke (mentor and world-class entrepreneur). Over 10 years, Paul has helped me develop into the CEO I am today, always giving me sound advice.
Read more: Head of British Business Bank hopes new fund will help firms in his native North East
What are the main changes that you've seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you're facing? One notable change is the growing emphasis on integrating new technology systems, such as AI, to enhance business processes and drive efficiencies. A current challenge is hiring good individuals whose values and motivations align with Samuel Knight International.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work? Since the pandemic, I've embraced and encouraged working from home within the business, leading to a better work-life balance for my team and myself as it allows us to manage our time more efficiently.
Who is your role model in business? I don't have one as such. There are lots of successful people in my network who all inspire me to be and do better as a CEO.
What would your dream job be? Good question! Probably a teacher/professor. I have a passion for further education and developing others. Guiding, inspiring and facilitating students' learning would be pretty rewarding.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector? Keep developing and honing your skills. Push yourself that extra 10% each month. Don't overthink it; just stay open to listening, learning, and making continuous progress.
What makes the North East a good place to do business? There is an abundance of talent in the North East; the people are loyal, hardworking and committed to making a difference. It also has an amazing business network. I've made lots of connections and been mentored by others on the mechanics of growing a business. Finally, the associated costs of growing a business are significantly lower in the North compared to the South.
How important do you think it is for business to play a role in society? Hugely important, we have a solid corporate social responsibility programme and give back to the local economy where we can. This includes my roles as STEM ambassador for STEMNET, ambassador for The Prince’s Trust, and North East ambassador for CEO Sleepout. At Samuel Knight, we’re also working with our global community to build a greener, more environmentally friendly world to move towards our goal of achieving zero carbon emissions by 2050.
Outside of work, what are you really good at? Being a dad to my son and daughter, giving them sound advice and trying my best to inspire them to push themselves every day. I'm also a mint cook and a dab hand at gardening.
