What have you learnt about yourself?
That sometimes I need to push people to get them to do what's right. Early on, I think I was a bit too careful not to offend anyone and I had this optimistic belief that the kids would all be all right in the end. I probably needed to be harder on them. I am harder on them now!

What have your learnt about working with builders?
It's OK as long as they're good builders. That's probably all I should say.

How has this experience changed you?
It's made me grow up. I've had to take on the role of mentor to a group of young people, some of whom have problems that I could never imagine. That and becoming a father – twice – it's really been quite a couple of years!

What would you have done differently in setting up Fifteen and Cheeky Chops?
I'd have given myself more time, because it was all a bit of a mad rush especially with all the other commitments on my time. And I would have tried to get more support from big business. The charity Cheeky Chops really relies on donations so I think it would have been much easier with a bit of support. WE ARE STILL LOOKING FOR DONATIONS AND SPONSORSHIP!

What lessons did you learn about dealing with young workers?
I'm not that far away from being a trainee myself – only 10 years or so – so I applied a lot of my training to the whole thing. The biggest lesson, I suppose, was that each individual needs a different approach. Some learn quickly and others need a bit more time to grasp things. Some will take to one role happily while others might have to be given a little nudge. Spending time to nurture each trainee's talent was always important. The mentoring theme works here because of the size of the groups.

Have you picked up any cooking tips from the trainees?
Not so much cooking tips, but they do come up with some interesting ideas on different flavour combinations that work well together.

Any tips for other people who want to set up a restaurant?
Have much more money than you are first told that you need and make sure you have an understanding accountant and a very understanding wife or husband!

Some wise words on fatherhood?
Best thing in the world. I'm not an expert. I'm just muddling through like everyone else. But I do love it.

Camping tips?
Don't pitch your tent downwind from a sewage farm.

Have you learnt anything new from the trainees?
Mostly some very rude jokes which they text me regularly.

How many cooks spoil the broth?
You only need one good cook who knows what they're doing to make a good broth but an extra pair of hands is always useful for prepping, so I'd say three.