*What is your proudest achievement in business?
Buying our own premises. We moved from Ardwick to new premises on the Broadstone industrial estate in Stockport last year. The move has facilitated business growth but also helped us become a more eco-friendly company.
*Do you prefer to dress up or dress down for business?
I generally dress up, especially in meetings; it’s respectful to do so. If I have a day in the office, I occasionally dress more casually.
*Give us a tip which you think is invaluable to anyone in life or business.
Be passionate. Passion gives you the drive and determination to succeed in everything you do. I’m as passionate about the business today as I was when we first started. We’re continually on the look-out for new ingredients and exciting flavours to meet the ever-evolving tastes of the British market.
*Do you have a motto that guides the way you do business?
Perseverance is my motto. Of course, natural ability is important but when I think about businessmen and women who I admire, the qualities they all have in common are dedication and persistence.
*Which individual has inspired you in your business life and why?
My mum, dad and brother have all inspired me by never giving up even during times of adversity. When we first set up the business, money was so tight and it was really disheartening. But we stuck at it and got through.
*Which phone do you use?
iPhone 3, although I have no idea why. I don’t do anything special with it; I just send texts and make phone calls!
*How do you make contacts that are useful for business?
I attend trade exhibitions a few times a year. The last one I went to was the International Food & Drink Event in London and a colleague visited Anuga in Germany in October. Depending on the supplier and customer, I find they can materialise into business very quickly.
*What's the most inspirational book you've ever read?
I read Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach on the recommendation of a friend. It’s a novella about bettering yourself through the acquisition of knowledge.
*What item do you always have with you?
My phone, I’d be lost without it!
**Tasneem Backhouse is sales director at EHL Ingredients, an importer, blender and supplier of natural and organic food ingredients from around the world.
Working through its international supply chain, it supplies over 300 herbs, spices and seasonings to all areas of the UK food industry. Established in 1994, EHL Ingredients is a family-run business with 25 staff and a turnover of £3.9m in 2010.
