John Dunnill, chief technology officer and co-founder at Workprove, is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat as we give him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.

1. What does a typical working day for you involve?

Coffee first, always. Then more coffee.

I usually listen to audiobooks on the drive in. I’ve just finished a biography of Tim Cook, which was a great insight into Apple’s leadership.

I like to start the day by reviewing emails and setting a rough structure for what needs to be achieved. I prioritise the most important tasks early, whether that’s product decisions, customer needs or supporting the team.

At our stage of growth, the day rarely goes exactly to plan. There’s always a level of firefighting, often around unexpected or non-technical challenges, so a big part of my role is staying flexible and solving problems as they arise while still keeping the wider priorities on track.

And, if it’s Monday, Gordon, my co-founder and I, usually head out for a chip butty. It’s basically a standing meeting at this point.

2. What makes your company special?

We’ve built everything ourselves from the ground up. That includes the product, the company and the culture.

Because of that, there’s a strong alignment between what we believe in and what we deliver. We’re not just selling software, we’re solving real problems, we understand deeply.

3. Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

Solve problems.

Everyone in the business needs to have a problem-solving mindset. “I can’t”, isn’t part of our vocabulary. If you don’t know something, find out. There’s always a way forward.

4. Do you dress up or down for work?

Mostly down. Jeans, a sweatshirt and my trusty baseball cap.

I feel more confident when I’m comfortable. That said, I’ll switch to smart casual or a suit when needed, but it’s not my default.

5. What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Start a business as soon as possible, ideally, while still at university.

Working for other people taught me a lot, but I love being a business owner and would have started much earlier if I’d had the confidence. It took being made redundant to push me into it and, in hindsight, I’d have done it 8 or 9 years sooner.

6. How do you prefer to travel for business?

I don’t travel that often, but I love the train.

The internet is patchy, so I don’t get much work done, but it’s quick, comfortable and usually means I’m heading to London.

7. What’s your favourite place in the North East to relax?

Hadrian’s Wall.

I love the history, the views and the Northumberland air. It’s a proper reset.

8. Where is your favourite place to eat in the North East, and what dish do you recommend?

I love Zapatista in Newcastle. If I’m in the city centre, I’ll always go there.

For evenings or takeaway, it has to be My Delhi. Both the Sunderland and Newcastle restaurants are excellent.

9. What’s your favourite North East venue for an event or team away day?

We haven’t managed an away day yet as the team is still quite new, but I really like places like the Toffee Factory and The Helix.

10. What do you miss most about the North East when you’re away?

The beer, the countryside, city walks and the people.



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