Katy Parkinson, founder director of Sound Training for Reading

AS you read this, Katy Parkinson is enjoying a Vietnamese adventure.

But when she's not taking time to relax, Katy is also adept at handing youngsters their own passports to an enjoyable time, supporting them through individual journeys to improve literacy skills.

Katy founded Sound Training for Reading, which aims to help pupils increase reading ages.

Based in Middlesbrough's Boho One, it now operates across the UK, working with supply teachers to help thousands of pupils.

It is also now setting US foundations with a move to New York.

A rapid expansion for a venture born when a child's frustrations became too much to bear.

She said: “It started when after a boy in Ormesby had troubles with the word patient.

“It made me think to myself, 'there's something here', and I had a decision to make.

“Did I stay with Middlesbrough Council or see if I could turn the idea into a business?

“It was now or never.

“We work with children who are above average in their learning, but who are struggling with literacy.

“We look at decoding words and developing vocabularies, and I have my flash cards and timer so it becomes more of a fun game.

“That resonates with them, particularly the boys, and it helps them to get quicker and quicker.

“They don't see it as a challenge, it becomes a game.

“They put a lot of effort in and I remember one girl asking me after a session when the hard work starts.

“She had got so used to putting the effort in that it became natural.” Katy says supporting youngsters with literacy delivers wider benefits across the learning spectrum.

She said: “A child might be a great mathematician, but if they cannot read the question, how are they going to get to the maths bit?

“I remember teaching one pupil who said they feel like an inspector finding out about the words and the way they are made up.

“Once you show them how to decipher the words, they really enjoy it and like working out the answers for themselves.”

So what plans does Katy have to continue the business' expansion?

“We worked with Middlesbrough College academy students, which went really well, and we are going into the college itself.

“We can also provide an important service to overseas students who are sometimes hampered by English and would like to get into prisons too.

“There are a high proportion of prisoners who have low level literature skills and we would be able to help them.”

Ten minutes with... Katy Parkinson

Favourite North-East building and why? The Sage. It's a real statement and looks great. The acoustics are fantastic too.

What was your first job and how much did you get paid? Apart from working on my dad’s farm for nothing, I was a waitress in small village café and I got £8 a week.

It was so long ago cant really remember, but my second job was as a cook in small hotel.

I got £12 per week but then was given £15 week week in tips at the end of that summer, which I didn’t expect.

I thought I was a millionaire.

What is the worst job you've had? Sales rep for a sweet company.

It really wasn’t for me.

What would you cook for me if I came around for dinner? Chicken and ham pie, herbie roast potatoes, peas and home-pickled beetroot.

What would your superpower be? To be able to fly. I would visit my sister more often.

Name four people, dead or alive, who would be at your perfect dinner party: Nelson Mandela, my mum and dad and Princess Diana.

Most expensive thing you've bought - other than car or house - and how much? A sewing machine. £700.

Who is the best person to follow on Twitter and why? Really not into twitter, sorry.

Favourite book? Difficult to say, but I've just been recommended Gone Girl, by Gillian Flynn. It is in my suitcase ready to start my holiday read.

When did you last cry? When my dad died three years ago.

What is your greatest achievement? Watching Sound Training for Reading develop from an idea after a teaching day at Ormesby comprehensive school in 1999 to a successful business.

What's the best piece of advice in business you've ever been given? Believe in your self and your product.

Favourite animal and why? Dogs. They are forever loyal and loving

Most famous person on your mobile phone? Nobody I would call famous.

What was the last band you saw live? Teddy Thomson (not a band, but brilliant) son of Richard and Linda Thomson. Also Thea Gilmore. Amazing.

Describe your perfect night in: A lovely meal, with chilled glass of Sauvignon, shared with friends.

In another life I would be... A Restaurant owner

Who would play you in a film of your life? No idea.

What irritates you? Laziness.

What's your secret talent? Whistling in tune.