Read Alex’s story below.
Alex Iles
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your business
Hello, I am Alex, owner of Iles Tours, and I lead guided tours of the North East of England. I have a huge passion for the outdoors and history, people and cultures, which all came together when I started my business. I love my job and sharing the history and heritage of the North East region with visitors and locals, helping show off what a fantastic place this is to live and work!
How did The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) North East help you?
The BIPC helped me last year by providing access to mentoring, which was very helpful to just have someone I could speak to during lockdown who understood where I was in business and create a vision for what to do next.
What is the best piece of business advice you’ve ever been given?
The best business advice I have ever been given is to ‘just keep going’. Another businessperson once said that I was the most tenacious person in business that they knew, and I use that to encourage myself when things are quiet!
What do you like to do in your spare time?
When I am not working, you’ll likely find me walking! I joke that I walk for a living and walk for pleasure – I love the land of the North East and I get out walking in the wild whenever I get the opportunity!
Has there been a book that has had a positive impact on you?
Growing up, the books that have most shaped my thinking was the Terry Pratchett ‘Discworld’ series, he saw the world differently from other people and found humour in everything while making you think at the same time – I think that’s helped me a lot over the years!
Alex Iles Tours worked with Performance & Turnaround Expert Scott Rowland
