Nick Thomson, Sales Engineer for Gee-Force Northern Limited.

• Describe your company in fewer than 10 words

Supply of hydraulic bolting and flange alignment/spreading tools.

• What is the biggest/most exciting project that your company is currently focused on?

We are currently working with the UK-based hydraulic torque wrench manufacturer to develop a bespoke wrench specifically for use on offshore wind turbine Transition Pieces. The potential is immense but the challenge - to produce a split mechanism tool that doesn't require re-setting after every advance - is one that has evaded the industry for over 40 years so there remains a lot of work to be done if we are to be successful.

• What is your company's biggest/most notable success story?

I guess this would have to be the teaming-up with the UKmanufacturer and their entrusting us with the launch of their tools into the UKwind energy market. In many ways this marked a culmination of our efforts to position the company as a recognised leading supplier of equipment in the UK, not just into the wind energy market but also the oil and gas and power sectors where the manufacturer's product is already well established.

• What is the burning issue of today in your industry?

There are probably two. The most important one is the safety and competence of those undertaking bolting work where appropriate training remains the key. The oil and gas industry has established criteria for determining and evidencing bolting competency and these should, in my opinion, become a code of practice for other industries where regular bolting work takes place. The second issue is the development of new generation tooling to upgrade what has traditionally been maintenance equipment to meet the more production-type environment of offshore wind turbine installation. I'm pleased that we will shortly have UK-designed and made tooling ready to meet and accommodate this challenge.

• How did you get into the industry?

After leaving school and spending three months working and travelling in the United States, I wasn't enamoured with the prospect of an office-based nine-to-five routine. My dad has a long background in sales and the opportunity to work for Gee-Force gave me the chance to do similar - I always liked the concept of performance-related reward.

• If you weren't  Regional Sales Manager for Gee-Force Northern Limited, what would be your dream job?

Growing up I had my heart set on being a fireman. I did apply a couple of times, ahead of leaving school, but was unsuccessful.

• Who is your biggest inspiration?

I'd have to say any one of the Dragons in the TV programme Dragons' Den. They all have very different but fascinating stories of how they made their fortunes but the common factors seem to be complete belief in their abilities and a single-mindedness that they weren't wrong!

• What is the highlight of your career to date?

My biggest sale! Seriously, I like meeting people and this role gets me to all corners of theUK. Life is one big learning experience and I feel like I've done a lot of growing up fast, both personally and professionally, in my three years with Gee-Force.

• Do you have one outstanding ambition?

Well, it may sound a bit corny but my ambition is to build genuinely strong relationships with my customers and be seen as someone who is there to help, someone who will go the extra mile for them and someone they feel they can trust. If I can crack all of this then hopefully I should be well on my way to making a success of the role.

• What car do you drive/or what would be your dream car?

I've never been a big car fan but I do have a soft spot for Audis. Any model will do!

• How do you relax in your spare time?

I like my peace and quiet when I'm at home - maybe I'm a couple of generations beyond my time! I follow my football team around theUKwhen I can but my real passion is travelling. I've already travelled to many different places around the world, on my own, with my girlfriend and also with friends. I enjoy experiencing different cultures and living how the locals do.

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