Name: Lara Morgan

Age: 43 

Company: I started Pacific Direct as a sole trader back in 1991, and sold it for £20m in 2008. I launched Company Shortcuts this year, providing frameworks and templates to help businesses grow faster.  

First job: 7-Eleven convenience store.

Dream job: Prime Minister.

Car: Volkswagen golf diesel.

Economy, business or first class: Economy only. The Morgan children have not yet earned the privilege of flying first class.

Most extravagant purchase: A diamond ring (which I lost).

Most-played song on your iPod: I keep meaning to listen to music on my iPod but I haven’t yet bothered.

Best business book many to pick from: How to become a rainmaker by Jeffrey J Fox.

Worst business moment: 2003 redundancy round – cut once, cut deep but the scars are long lasting.  

Proudest business moment: Signing off the sale of Pacific Direct.

Your business mentor: I have too many valuable mentors to name. I never paid them formally but always imaginatively tried to pay back their brilliance.

Next big thing: Continual improvement of Company Shortcuts and ongoing active participation in supporting ambitious growth enterprises.

Lara Morgan is a speaker at the MADE Entrepreneur Festival and a judge at the Growing Business Awards.