Entrepreneurs - Oli

Networking comes easy to Oli Norman who runs his own PR firm in Glasgow.

He originally trained to be a lawyer, but says he 'quickly came to his senses' and headed off to the Far East where he worked as a broker for multi-million dollar ships.

He returned to the UK in the late 90s and opened DADA, a PR and events company in 2002. He now employs over 80 people across his companies and has won several awards for business and marketing, including the Scottish Young Entrepreneur of the Year.

Growing up with two older brothers, Oli thinks he might have a bit of a power complex! He had a very positive upbringing and his business idols as a kid were his Dad and Rupert Murdoch, 'I'd love to consider myself a junior Murdoch in the making. It would be fantastic to emulate what he's done.'

He started his first money-making scheme when he was 10 when his neighbours went away on holiday. They paid him for looking after their houses and he calls it his 'wee mafia protection racket'!

Oli also owns Sloans, Glasgow's oldest bar and restaurant. He restored it to its former glory complete with a fully refurbished ball room.

Oli says putting on events and watching people enjoy themselves is the most satisfying thing in the world. For him, it was a choice between going into politics or events, as he feels they can both influence people in such a positive, powerful way.

Oli believes it's not just about coming up with a business idea, it's about having the balls to do it. 'Putting your life, your money and your house on the line and having the courage to see it through.'

His philosophy in life is 'regret what you do, not what you don't.' He says it can get him into trouble, but it's more fun that way! He also believes that you can't work in business without being a risk taker.

Oli says his plus points are that he's fun to be around, he gets things done, he's passionate, determined and visionary. His bad qualities are that he's impatient, he likes to get his own way and he's very demanding.

Oli needs his personal space and thinks he'll struggle being around people the whole time. But being in the party business he's used to 'sharing a bed with lots of people'!

He's excited about the challenge but expects that in an environment where people are under pressure, there will be tears and tantrums. His main fear is leaving his business for six weeks, although he's confident he'll be one of the first people to come home.

Oli says he won't miss anyone while he's away, and he's actually looking forward to being without his mobile and his Blackberry.