Davies & Robson is a leading UK logistics consultancy specialising in all aspects of supply chain management, working with domestic and international businesses across a range of industry sectors.
The company provides a complete range of services including supply chain and logistics strategy, warehouse design and efficiency, transport strategy and optimisation, outsourcing and contractor management, benchmarking, process improvement and information technology application.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
The sheer variety of work we get. Working with different organizations from both the private and public sectors you see different cultures and capabilities in all areas.
Who inspired you most in your career?
Can’t say too much as they be embarrassed, but my first nine years at Tesco meant I worked with the likes of Paul Bateman, Jim Spittle, Frank Allen and I think they all played a major part in shaping my approach to my work.
If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?
The tea vending machine! Nothing better than the rest area for finding out what’s making the troops tick.
What brought you to this industry?
Chance! An anonymous ad in the Guardian for Distribution Graduate Trainees prompted an application. When I was invited for interview with Tesco I nearly bailed out (remember when some kids at school were called Tesco Rejects), but my uncle worked in the industry and told me to go for it as he could see Tesco were rising stars. When I walked into Winsford DC for my interview I knew it was the right environment for me.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?
I think I’d spend sometime in the third party sector. I think the value of developing true partnerships is under-estimated, but customers are as guilty of this as the service providers.
What’s your favourite pastime?
Summer: Dinghy racing in my Laser Vago. Winter: Shooting – This year I am actually running my own shoot on 2,500 acres of prime Northamptonshire. Any Chief Execs of major third party logistics providers out there who fancy doing some picking up with their superbly trained dogs – feel free to call.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you?
Recently, going to a business meeting on my motorbike and then finding out I’d left my suit trousers and shoes at home. Only one person knew as I remained seated for the whole meeting, even during the loo break.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I do a superb impression of the big headed spider.
Who would be your favourite party guest?
Jools Holland – as long as we had a piano at the party.
What is the greatest luxury in your life?
Friday evening: 7pm – beer and kettle chips (best enjoyed in the bath), followed by a G&T, then a meal with a nice bottle of wine.
If you won the Lottery, what would you do?
I’d move the whole business to the South Coast so that we could work in the mornings and get on the water in the afternoon, with a fleet of sail and speed boats, and I’d join the RNLI.
Do you have any secret ambitions?
To win the lottery.
Who or what makes you laugh?
Tommy Cooper, Lee Evans and Eddie Izzard.
What’s your favourite holiday destination?
I’d say Le Mans, and Andalucia for its off road biking. However, my partner would have a completely different point of view and she’d say Turkey. So it’s Turkey.
What’s your favourite music album?
Any of Peter Gabriel’s.
What’s your favourite movie?
Sexy Beast, but good slapstick comedies like Young Frankenstein or the Austin Powers movies can be watched time after time.
What’s your favourite book?
Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy. Visionary!!
Who or what do you detest the most?
People who never finish sen…
What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?
Be prepared to accept that logistics is there to provide a service and that your contribution to the overall well being of your organisation is likely to be grossly undervalued (and marketing will never ever understand the need for deadlines)
If you would like to take part in this feature call 01923 272960 we have spaces available, to get involved call today!
Comments are closed.