AT least Duncan Morrison can now boast that the firm he started three months ago in the thick of the recession rests on a sturdy pair of shoulders.

Duncan is the rugged 33-year-old managing director of Mosaic Fulfilment Solutions, Long Marston. He employs 15 people to store and dispatch goods using a contact centre and warehouse in Wetherby Road.

And if his shoulders are sturdy it is only because he has just recovered from a painful shoulder reconstruction operation to prevent dislocations which have plagued him.

The operation has put him out of play this season as full back for Moortown RUFC in Yorkshire division two, but he is getting ready to resume his other love, golf – he has a handicap of five.

Duncan, who holds a sports science diploma from Thomas Danby College in Leeds, was distracted from sport when he suddenly found himself as a pub licensee in Rugby aged just 22 – possibly the youngest in the UK.

“It’s a great way of life, but very unhealthy,” he says by way of explaining why he left to go into sales – working for Too-Ten Communications which is part of the Press Association. It was a contact centre and internet-based fulfilment solutions organisation.

After being headhunted by competitors and returning, he decided to break out on his own and start Mosaic. Now it’s flying, with both Unicef and Marie Curie charities using the company to store their fund-raising catalogue goods and despatch them, while other major contracts are in the pipeline.

Wasn’t it a risk starting up just lately? “I’m a very enthusiastic and driven person. I hate losing at anything and I don’t intend to lose in this recession,” he says.

Which job (other than your own) would you like to have and why?

I would have liked to teach golf. Sport has always been a big part of my life, but injury prevented me from achieving what I would have hoped to.

Greatest achievement?

Starting a business. I’ve wanted to set my own business up for a number years, but actually taking the step and doing it was something I had to think long and hard about.

Biggest mistake?

Probably yet to make it

What makes you most angry?

People who look for excuses.

What makes you laugh?

Good stand-up. Michael McIntyre is very funny and the staff in the office, some of who should do stand-up!

What fools do you suffer least?

The ones who look for excuses rather than solutions.

Whom do you most admire and why?

The whole of the England team that won the Rugby World Cup and especially Clive Woodward for the pursuit of perfection and attention to detail.

What do you need to make life complete?

I’m not sure life is ever complete. There is always the next milestone to reach or goal to achieve.

How do you relax?

Sky Sports, socialising with friends and the odd drink.

Why do you make a difference?

I hope I come across as a very enthusiastic person, and I hope that enthusiasm rubs off on others.

Name the organisation (apart from your own!) that you see as closest to perfection and why.

A company called Eaga. Despite being a very large Plc with thousands of employees, they adopt a real people focused approach to managing their business. People should be more than just a number on a spread sheet.

Favourite record?

Killers, Hot Fuss.

Favourite holiday destination?

My wife and I have been to Paphos, Cyprus, for the last couple of years, which is a great place to relax; but you can’t beat a golfing weekend away with the boys for laughs and banter!

Your epitaph

I’m 33 and not thought that far ahead.