Quote Unquote – James Thorpe, International Business Development Manager, Core Management Logistics

Core Managment Logistics specialises in international freight and warehouse and distribution services. Over the last two decades CML has grown its reputation in the retail warehousing and distribution sector providing bespoke solutions for many distinguished brands and retailers.

These include among others, Blacks Leisure, M&S, Hush Puppies and Caterpillar.

CML’s ethos is about providing flexible and tailored solutions coupled with high levels of service. We at CML often describe our service approach as ‘small enough to care, large enough to serve.’

WLN – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

Continual change. No two days are the same and knowing every day will be different and will bring in tough, new challenges to overcome keeps me on my game.

WLN – Who inspired you most in your career?

Bruce Lee who said “If you always put limits on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them.” This allows me to continually learn and grow without the fear of self doubt, which has allowed me to progress throughout my career.

WLN – If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?

The CCTV cameras watching the big picture from afar to find the faults and the excellence.

WLN – If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?

I wouldn’t change a thing. John Lennon said “life is what happens when you are making plans,” and I have enjoyed every minute.

WLN – What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?

I was in fancy dress for a charity day, and unbeknownst to me a famous footballer who was an idol of mine was attending. I had to meet them dressed as a French maid.

WLN – Who or what makes you laugh?

The Office by Ricky Gervais.

WLN – Do you have any hidden talents?

I can juggle!!

WLN – Who would be your favourite party guest?

Stephen Fry.

WLN – What is the greatest luxury in your life?

Solitude.

WLN – What is your favourite guilty pleasure?

I do lots of exercise to keep fit but I do love custard creams.

WLN – Do you have any secret ambitions?

World domination. Only joking. None really.

WLN – What’s your dream holiday destination?

The Maldives or Richard Branson’s Island.

WLN – What are your favourite movies of all time?

Shawshank Redemption, Usual Suspects, Almost Famous, Life of Brian.

WLN – What is your favourite book of all time?

“The Yes Man” by Danny Wallace. Still makes me laugh.

WLN – What’s your favourite pastime?

Fishing.

WLN – If you won the Lottery, what would you do?

Put it all on the Euro Millions.. Not really. I’d retire… to the Maldives.

WLN – What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?

Do it!!! It’s never boring, it can never be learnt fully because it evolves so fast and the routes you can take are vast to say the least. If you are going to do it there are many opportunities that will come your way so take them with both hands and be the best you can be.