As a boy, I learnt two very important lessons while watching my late father work long hours, seven days a week to make a success of his textile business. Firstly, nothing is achieved without dedication and effort. Secondly, there is little point in hard work if you can’t take time to enjoy the rewards and, if you are lucky enough to be able to, give something back.

My passion is building businesses - but I back people rather than just their ideas. I relish seeing them grow and achieve their ambitions. It's a huge buzz to join them on their journey to success and see them fulfill their potential.

I love my work, but not at the expense of spending time with my wife and daughters. To me, there has to be life outside of business. I travel regularly to the south of France where I have a home. I enjoy skiing, tennis and snooker and vintage cars are another of my loves. I gave myself a year off when I turned forty and learnt to fly airplanes and helicopters. I also took up sailing in between my studies at Harvard Business School.

I’m not a fan of chequebook philanthropy – I believe in getting out of my comfort zone and going to see what needs to be done, I think this kind of work makes the greatest difference all round. Please click here to read more about The James Caan Foundation which I set up in 2006, as well as my other charity work in the UK and abroad.