FOR Jonathan Abbott, an expert skier the only way is down, but when it comes to his York business, the movement is up and up and up.

Either way, “If you’re going to do something, do it well,” says 42-yearold Jonathan who founded Scarlettabbott in a spare bedroom in York in 1991 and turned it into a thriving design and communications consultancy.

It now employs seven designers and consultants at its offices at The Tannery off Lawrence Street with an impressive client list that includes Norwich Union, Northern Rail, Pinsent Masons, Mortgage Talk, PPG and Pace plc.

There does not appear to be a major slowdown in the 50 per cent year on year growth the business has experienced over the last three years.

Jonathan says: “As companies regroup and change direction, they need their people to do more, for less. Smart leaders realise it’s their employees they have to answer to and are asking them for help to ride out the storm and catch the wave when the economy turns.”

The business leaves Jonathan with little time to indulge his passion for the outdoors. “I spend far too much time at my desk, but doing this job well is almost as addictive as climbing a mountain or hurtling down one on skis or a bike.”

His determination to “do it well”

applied to kayaking. He found himself in the British Youth Slalom team at 19 before turning his hand to windsurfing, sailing and ultimately skiing.

Now he is a British Ski Club guide.

If he is not inspiring the team at scarlettabbott, you may bump into Jonathan leading “powder hounds”

through the Alps.

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

Probably a heli-ski guide – chasing powder across the globe with no crowds.

Greatest achievement?

Building scarlettabbott over 18 years from a one-man band in my spare bedroom to a thriving business, good employer and valued partner for scores of clients. And fathering my boys!

Biggest mistake?

I’ll probably look back and wish I hadn’t worked quite so much and had spent more time enjoying myself with my family and friends… but that’s what owning your own business does to you… makes you a workaholic!

What makes you most angry?

Poor service, indifference and rude ignorant people.

What makes you laugh?

My son Elliot’s jokes and our dog Oscar. The older I get though, the more I see what geniuses Morecambe and Wise really were.

What fools do you suffer least?

All of them. But I particularly dislike rude people. Manners cost nothing… and make such a difference.

Who do you most admire & why?

Professionally, Richard Branson – he’s such an inspiration for entrepreneurs and innovators. Steve Jobs at Apple has also made a real impression I love geeks that turn into style gurus – one in the eye for the cool elite.

Name the organisation you see as the perfect one (not your own) and why?

There’s no such thing as perfect, but Apple is a brand and an organisational culture I admire.

Why do you make a difference?

Our clients tell us we make their lives easier, help their businesses prosper and are fun to work with – a great compliment and it doesn’t get better than that!

How do you relax?

I rarely do, but it’s generally walking up a mountain or something else outdoorsy.

What do you need to make life complete?

My work, my family, physical exercise and waist deep powder. Oh – and the odd Guinness at the end of a hard day!

Favourite record?

Back In Black, AC/DC Favourite holiday destination Chamonix, France – deep in fresh, off-piste powder and no one else there!

Your epitaph “Haven’t you got work to do?”