Full name: Derek Peter Franks

Position: Group director and co-owner of Stewarts & Lloyds

Main Activity of the Company: Stewarts and Lloyds has been a supplier of steel, tube, pipe, fittings, valves, pumps and irrigation products since 1903

Date and Place of Birth: March 12, 1956, England

Education: BCom, University of South Africa (Unisa); MBL (Unisa)

First Job: Internal sales

Career History Prior to Current Position: Clarkes Steel Stock (UK), Stewarts & Lloyds, Stockwell, and another stint at Stewarts & Lloyds

Size of First Pay Packet: £20 a month

First Job with Present Group: Same as present

Value of Assets under Your Control: Not stated

Number of People under Your Leadership: 800

Management Style: Open-door and hands-on

Personal Best Achievement: Summiting Kilimanjaro, participating in ten Argus cycle races, Mount Everest Base Camp, 24 handicap in golf

Professional Best Achievement: Transforming Stewarts & Lloyds back into the successful company it used to be

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Life: Linda Botha, my partner

Person Who Has Had the Biggest Influence on Your Career: Mike Bell, my first boss

Person You Would Most Like to Meet: Winston Churchill

Businessperson Who Has Impressed You Most: Adrian Gore, of Discovery

Philosophy of Life: Life is about choices and chances – you make a choice and take a chance

Biggest Ever Opportunity: Playing drums in a pro band

Biggest Ever Disappointment: Nothing of consequence

Hope for the Future: That our children inherit a better world

Favourite Reading: Anything nonfiction

Favourite TV Programme: None

Favourite Food/Drink: Everything

Favourite Music: Everything

Favourite Sport: Cycling, soccer and ice hockey

Favourite Website: Newcastle United

Hobbies: Cycling, squash and drums

Car: BMW

Pets: Two Great Danes and two miniature schnauzers

Miscellaneous Dislikes: Procrastination and dishonesty

Favourite other South African company: Discovery

Favourite Foreign Company: The Trump Organisation

Married: Not stated

Children: Chantel, Richard, Darryl and Alexa

Clubs: Country Club Johannesburg and the Cycle Lab