NO LONGER does Russell Turner have the Peak District on his doorstep. It’s a stones throw from the village near Sheffield where he grew up and he still loves occasionally mountain biking there.

But living in Dunnington is pleasant enough for the 47-year-old managing director of one of York’s most prestigious chartered accountants practices and the rewards of creating peaks rather than troughs for businesses, makes it a price worth paying.

He also regards as a huge honour his election in July 2008 to his role as MD of this more than century-old company which includes accountants, business advisers and tax consultants among its 100 staff at two offices, in Monks Cross, Huntington and at Roundhay, Leeds Having gained his degree in accounting and financial control at Hallam University, Russell worked and qualified at Grant Thornton, Sheffield, for 13 years as a senior manager in charge of the business advisory department.

Then he joined Garbutt & Elliott LLP in 1999 and was appointed director of corporate advisory services in July 2001. His role then, as now, was to be a non-executive financial director equivalent, using his more than 20 years experience working with owner-managed and family-owned businesses. “They all have in common challenging objectives and the management team is pushing hard to succeed. My role is to offer advice, be a sounding board, create opportunities and to challenge board decisions if appropriate. But you can only do that if you care about your client’s business and strive to exceed their expectations.”

You can also only achieve if you’re tooled up to do the job, which is why he studied at Gloucester University between 2006-2008 for a post graduate diploma in family businesses.

It is one of the reasons that Garbutt & Elliott continues to sponsor the Family Business Of The Year in The Press Business Awards.

He also enjoys working with business owners generally. “Entrepreneurs have courage and faith in their gut instinct to risk setting up a business, they have determination to keep going through all the barriers and to avoid all the pitfalls and this is the character trait of a very passionate, dynamic and focused person. “People like that don’t fall off trees so to be able to work with a number of them on a daily basis is wonderful – my ideal vocation.”

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

I’ve been told that I would make a good diplomat and it would be very satisfying to resolve important issues on a global scale.

Greatest achievement?

On a personal level, abseiling a cliff to conquer my fear of heights. In business, MD of Garbutt & Elliott – a great honour to be elected by one’s peer group.

Biggest mistake?

Gosh, where to start! Probably, letting my son become a Chelsea fan when I should have insisted that he chose my team, Sheffield Wednesday.

What makes you most angry?

Bullies.

What makes you laugh?

Reminiscing with my friends – the funniest things in life are usually real stories. Also, I love The Office; A great parody on office life. I hate to say it, but I think there is a little bit of David Brent in all of us!

What fools do you suffer least?

Those that have a “don’t care” attitude.

Whom do you most admire and why?

Martin Luther King. I remember reading about his life and wondering how on earth he found the strength to pursue his convictions when the odds were overwhelmingly stacked against him – a very courageous man.

What do you need to make life complete?

My nine year old son William growing up happy, with a zest for life and eagerly pursuing his ambitions, whatever they may be at the time.

How do you relax?

Two extremes really: Listening to music or doing a sport that requires focus; squash, badminton, tennis or better still a skiing holiday.

Why do you make a difference?

Hopefully, it’s because I’m passionate about what I do and I genuinely care, in business and in life.

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

Lots of regional businesses that I admire but picking one we all know it would have to be Apple. It’s innovative, advocates change, continuously raises the benchmark, and completely focuses on customers’ needs.

Favourite record?

Losing My Religion by REM.

Favourite holiday destination?

The South of France, especially the French Riviera. Great food, great wine, good weather, lovely beaches and very stylish.

Your epitaph

“He wasn’t like a typical accountant!”