An interview with a businessman

Reporter: Good morning! Today we are talking to Mr. Somersby, the owner of a popular chain of supermarkets. Welcome to our program Mr. Somersby. Mr. Somersby: Thank you and good morning. Reporter: First I would like to ask you about the beginning of your career. How did you start? Mr. Somersby: As you probably know my grandfather opened the first Somersby's supermarket in 1946. It was not easy. After the war there weren't many products available. But he was very persistent. He bought food from local farmers and sold it for a good price. When my father was 18 he started helping his dad. I spent most of my childhood in different supermarkets. I watched my father at work and tried to help. When I was 18 I started working at our supermarket in Leeds. Reporter: Was it easy? Mr. Somersby: Not really. I was very young and I was responsible for many people. I was in charge of 55 people. Reporter: Were there any problems? Mr. Somersby: Yes. There were many problems. Suppliers were often late and it cost us much money. I had to look for another company. Few employees stole products from our shop and I had to fire them. Reporter: It must have been difficult. Mr. Somersby: It was. But discipline is very important, especially if you run a business. Reporter: How many supermarkets do you have? Mr. Somersby: At present I have over 100 in Ireland and about 15 in Scotland. I am thinking about opening few supermarkets in Wales. Reporter: Do you like your job? Mr. Somersby: I can't complain. It is a family business. My daughters are helping me so we spend much time together. Money is good. I can travel to exotic places and buy expensive gadgets. I don't want to change my job. Of course I am tired sometimes but we all are. Reporter: What would you advise young people who want to start a career? Mr. Somersby: Come to Somersby's supermarkets! We have a great program of summer practice. You can earn some money and learn much about this sector. Reporter: Thank you. It was an interesting interview. Mr. Somersby: I agree. Hope to visit your program again.