Dave Townsley, owner

North East entrepreneur Dave Townsley is originally from Jarrow and has been running his own businesses since the age of 15. After selling his first business, a mobile shop, Dave bought a catering trailer which he developed into a chain. After selling this, Dave bought Yum Yums Pizza shop in North Shields which he ran for four years.

Two years ago, Dave launched development company Townsley Hook with business partner Andy Hook of Blackfriars Restaurant, and the company bought 36 Lime Street in the Ouseburn Valley. The Lime Street project was converted into office space in 2007 which has since been let out to local businesses.

Last year, Dave opened Tuscany Restaurant in Whitley Bay, to offer top quality classic Italian dishes with a funky British twist.

What you didn't know about Dave: He starred in a Bollywood movie playing a policeman