Russell Brown

Russell is managing director of McMillan York Ltd, which owns bpm (beats per minute), in Rougier Street, and Nexus, in Tanner Row.

He also enthused all 70 of his staff with FISH, a business philosophy which stemmed from Pike Place Fish Market in Seattle, US.

FISH has its own chant: Play! Make their day! Choose Your Attitude! Be there!

Play means that work should be fun. Make their day means keep customers and colleagues enthused and happy. Choose your attitude means cast aside your gloom and smile. Be there...to listen to people and customers.

And if anyone is orchestrating that joyous mood it is Russell, whose staff describe him as "a born and bred business leader who is not only a teaching boss, but a listening one too".

Because of his people focussed attitude, he has been nominated for the Business Personality Of The Year and the company is seeking the Progress Through People title for the group in The Press Business Awards 2007.

Business manager Becci Delittle says Russell has the kind of personality which inspired the staff at a moment's notice to raise in just eight hours as much as £16,000 in pledges for The Press Guardian Angels Appeal. She said: "He has built up a very successful business by leading in an inclusive style which encourages, supports and nurtures individuals to take ownership and responsibility for their own actions.

"The result of this approach is borne out by his list of achievements over the past 12 months, including a record-breaking year in terms of increased turnover, the awarding of Investor In People status and triple success in the York Best Bar None awards."

The emphasis on people training is expressed by Russell himself.

He said: "Success is not just about pulling pints - you need to have first-rate business planning and people-management skills as well. We are York people and really care about what we do."

Staff turnover figures speak louder than his words. The average length of time that key managers have stayed with the company is 11 years.