What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
The opportunity to meet lots of different people from a vast array of businesses, seeing what they do and how they do it and seeing how this has evolved over the 25 years I’ve been in the logistics business
Who’s inspired you most in your career?
It would be unfair to single out any one individual as the list is long and distinguished but obviously starts with my parents. I feel an Oscar moment coming on so I’d better stop now.
If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?
I’d have to be the WMS, controlling the activities of the operation. Honestly, I don’t have control issues!!
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?
I can’t say I’d do much different. I’ve been fortunate to work for the companies and CEOs that I have. I think the biggest challenge if I was to do something different is the juggling act between the home/work life balance.
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
Walking into one of our European company conferences about 2 hours late and being noticed by one of the Group CEOs after a rather tough previous night entertaining some European colleagues. It was about 20 years ago at this stage.
Who or what makes you laugh?
A night out with good friends reminiscing about what we got up to 20-30 years previously.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I can drink a bottle of beer/cider in about 2 seconds. Not sure if that counts as a talent or potentially a problem though!!
Who would be your favourite party guest?
I’d have to invite George Best from the early 1970s and book a fortnight off work but I’d say it would be one hell of an experience, if a little foggy.
What is the greatest luxury in your life?
My health. It’s not something you can take for granted and so much of my life revolves around being fit and healthy.
What is your favourite guilty pleasure?
Good food and fine wine. My wife is always complaining about the amount of money I spend on these.
Do you have any secret ambitions?
Now that would be telling… But living to a ripe old age might be one.
What’s your dream holiday destination?
I’d love to make a trip away to somewhere remote in the world for an extended outdoor adventure type of holiday. New Zealand, the Andes or Alaska all appeal.
What are your three favourite movies of all time?
Crocodile Dundee, any James Bond film, Pale Rider
What is your favourite book of all time?
I’m not sure if I have a favourite book but the last book I read was Rogue Warrior of the SAS which is about the life of Blair Mayne, the most decorated soldier of the Second World War and one of the original members of the SAS.
What’s your favourite pastime?
Anything outdoors and adventure orientated so canoeing or mountaineering would be top of my list followed by coaching and watching my kids play rugby.
If you won the Lottery, what would you do?
I think it depends on the sum won. I’d love to own a bolt-hole in The Lake District and maybe enough to retire early.
What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?
The logistics sector is vast and there is without doubt something for everyone within it. The industry has positions for all skill sets and personal aspirations and can provide fantastic opportunities for personal professional growth and travel. Gone are the days of it being perceived as being a rough and dirty industry. It is now increasingly at the forefront of significant and leading edge progress both environmentally and technologically. It has become an exciting place to be with change taking place constantly.
SmartFreight
For companies in the business of designing, making, producing or selling, shipping is a crucial link in the supply chain and is often the difference between a great customer experience and a bad one. It’s a vital part of your service offering, but is an operation you rarely have full control over. Historically, once a shipment leaves your warehouse, store or supplier it’s out of your hands. Not any more. SmartFreight’s shipping solutions are now used worldwide and address traditional bricks and mortar, B2C and B2B customers across all industries including blue-chip organisations such as 3M, Mazda, Hyundai, Seiko, Epson and Pandora Jewellery, as well as transport and logistics providers such as DHL, Parcelforce, TNT, FedEx Aramex and Royal Mail.
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