The Keswick Enterprises Group
The Keswick Enterprises Group is a UK-based privately owned group of companies specialising in logistics and related supply chain activities. Subsidiaries provide transport, distribution, freight forwarding, co-packing, mail, fulfilment and courier services.
Mike Wallis has a degree in Law and joined Keswick as a main board director in 2006. Today he is Chairman of both Link Logistics and Spatial Global, and head of the Keswick Management Services logistics consultancy.
Keswick was formed in 2004 by the well-known logistics entrepreneur John Harvey CBE.
What brought you to this industry?
My Law Professor said that I would not make it in the Law, as I was too honest and wouldn’t be able to sleep at night if asked to argue the wrong side of a case! I had worked in warehouses during school holidays since the age of 12, as well as in a year break following graduation, and my first job application was to Tibbett & Britten. I was offered a graduate trainee position at my local depot in Hackney, and the rest, as they say, is history.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
After 32 years in the industry I still do not have one job! New challenges and opportunities both at home and abroad are what excite me. Every day is different.
Who inspired you most in your career?
John Harvey.
If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?
The WMS; sometimes I can be a tad too complex.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?
I might be a bit friendlier towards accountants.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
I was General Manager of a large multi-temperature distribution centre, and having made a number of changes I was in the warehouse to pick a test order. The guys were watching, and after about 10 minutes one piped up: “Boss you’re in the wrong aisle”. Not my proudest moment.
Who or what makes you laugh?
I like the ’60s stuff… Tony Hancock, The Navy Lark, etc. -but best of all Ronnie Barker.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I’m a bit of a ‘masterchef’.
Who would be your favourite party guest?
Nelson Mandela.
What is the greatest luxury in your life?
My music collection.
What is your favourite guilty pleasure?
Fast food.
Do you have any secret ambitions?
To be a sports journalist.
What’s your dream holiday destination?
The Serengeti, game viewing.
What are your three favourite movies of all time?
Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner, The Shawshank Redemption and 12 Angry Men.
What is your favourite book of all time?
Travels with Charley by John Steinbeck.
What’s your favourite pastime?
Playing golf.
If you won the Lottery, what would you do?
Go to the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, make a plan to be retired in 12 months, buy a house in Cape Town and split my time between South Africa and Europe.
What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?
Learn the trade. That means spending serious time in each aspect of the business – warehousing, transport, freight, solutions… Don’t be in a rush to the top.
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