Interview - Rob Gutmann, Owner of the Korova Group

Who is he? Owner of the Korova Group, which operates six sites in Liverpool with another two to open by the end of 2007.

How did he get into the industry?

"Out of sheer necessity. I was entrepreneurial by nature and I'd been involved in a property company when there was a crash.

I was looking for something to do with eating out and drinking. I'm from London and thought, ‘why is there a better quality of offer in London than in Liverpool?'"

How did he get started? "I had a small amount of money tucked away from my property venture and my fi rst site was historic. We developed about 8,000 sq.ft for under £200K in 1993."

How much is he worth?

He owns own 75 per cent of the Korova Group whose projected turnover for the 12 months ahead is in excess of £10m.

Best piece of advice?

From his dad: "It's quite crude, ‘Never believe your own bullshit'."

Who does he admire in the industry?

"When I started out I admired the Conran stuff. It was innovative. I admire Starck and Schrager and the fantasy they create."

What's the most important thing that he's learnt?

"The Rudyard Kipling quote about triumph and disaster being impostors and treating them just the same is a good maxim. When you've got a bar that's done fantastically, don't get carried away because you're around the corner from another one you'll have to fi ght with."

Future plans? More bars and restaurants in Liverpool, and a project in Manchester. The group is also close to an agreement for its fi rst boutique hotel, which is also in Liverpool.

korova-liverpool.com