John McCabe was appointed chief executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce in 2021 having run his own business, Fusion PR. Before that held communications and corporate affairs roles at Transco, Newcastle Building Society and Alcan. He was an independent candidate in the 2019 North of Tyne mayoral election.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? While still at school I had a weekend job stocking shelves in a cash and carry. I was paid £5 for Saturday and £5.50 for Sunday plus all the crisps I could eat from any damaged boxes. My first proper job was as a clerical trainee at Northumbrian Water. I started there in 1989 on a salary of £4k.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? I’ve never been one for collecting inspirational quotes but somebody once told me plans are important and can be changed but good values are essential and should be fixed.
