Tony Mann, managing director of The Oceana Group

Apr 10 2010 The Journal

TONY Mann, 55, is an entrepreneur who for the past 25 years has built up his reputation with successes in both international trading and the property market.

Tony is the Managing Director of The Oceana Group, a portfolio of commercial properties on the Oceana Business Park in Wallsend on the banks of the Tyne.

The Group has invested almost £3m in breathing life back into the former Wallsend Research Station site.

The Oceana Group also owns around 200 residential properties on Tyneside, Easington, Country Durham and including a block of 40 apartments in Germany – through the company’s Westnew Management arm of the business.

Tony is married to Valerie and has three children Mark, 26, Paul, 24, and Daniel, 22.

He lives in Heaton, Newcastle, and London.

Where do you mainly live?

I’m lucky enough to call both London and Newcastle my home – I’ve commuted between the two great North and South cities for the past 13 years.

What’s your dream home?

My dream home is a penthouse apartment in New York overlooking the Hudson River.

How do you get around?

A Volkswagen Passat.

What are your favourite buildings in the region?

The Cafe Royal (Nelson Street, Newcastle), St James’ Park and Alnwick Castle.

What is the best holiday you’ve ever had?

Capetown, on a visit to the Table Mountain in South Africa.

What’s the favourite thing in your home?

My collection of books – finding solace in literature is a wonderful way to relax and transport your mind to another world.

If you could have one luxury what would it be?

Never to have to worry about money.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m currently developing and expanding the Group’s commercial and residential property portfolio here in the North East of England and in Europe. Alongside setting up the PAMETRADA Arts Centre – an exciting new charity studio venture to help showcase and nurture the region’s artistic talent – watch this space!