THIS week's High Flyer is Gemma Hamilton, an investor at BGF, who sits on the board of Bob & Berts.
What was your first job?
My first job was working as a pool attendant and in a pool bar in Spain. I worked from 10am to 6pm trying my best to learn Spanish, whilst tending the pool and making toasties and cocktails.
What qualifications do you have?
I have a Law degree with Honours and Diploma in Legal Practice from Edinburgh University.
What do you attribute your success to?
Any success is down to hard work, honesty and by treating people as one would want to be treated. At BGF, we’re a close-knit team and we’re always learning from each other and work together to reach a successful outcome.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
I would say that I’m friendly, pretty chatty, always smiling and sadly a bit competitive (especially on the golf course).
Who do you look up to in business?
It would have to be my dad. He left school at 14 with no qualifications and due to his hard work has shown true entrepreneurial skills along the way. He secretly loves work and is still running his own business at 75.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I would say businesses in Northern Ireland tend to shy away from discussing their successes, which is a shame when there’s such great businesses out there. I also believe that companies here can be hesitant to take the bigger business risks, which are sometimes essential for companies to reach their full potential.
What website or app could you not do without?
I couldn’t do without the BBC weather app. There is nothing worse than golfing in the rain. We are always on the road meeting companies so it’s also good to know whether to bring the flats or stick with the heels.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
Before embarking on a career in law and finance, my plan was to pursue a career in art (particularly design) and I attended the Glasgow School of Art when I was younger.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
Keeping fit, playing golf and going on holidays. I like to visit Portugal and you never know who you’ll bump into there!
