Best way to spend the weekend?
With my children, watching Sheffield United football team win, a lovely ice-cold glass of fizz in my hand and a bar of Galaxy chocolate.
Early bird or night owl?
Sometimes both, but mainly early bird.
What kind of music do you like?
Most music really. Everything from Drake and Coldplay to The Killers and Kings of Leon.
If you could have the answer to any question, what would you ask?
How can we stop world poverty?
If you could trade places with someone for a day, who would it be?
British entrepreneur Sir Richard Branson. He’s so inspiring and charismatic, and always looking for his next adventure. He also has a passion to help others.
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever had to do?
The Tough Mudder mud run and obstacle course that I undertook in 2016 with my team mate Katy Granter.
It was definitely hard, but we had such a laugh and the teamwork from beginning to end with total strangers was amazing.
Your favourite place to visit in the UK and why?
Cornwall. The beaches, Kelly’s of Cornwall ice cream, Cornish cream teas, coastal walks, surfing and spending hours in the rock pools with my kids and their fishing nets.
Oh, and of course Sheffield United’s Bramall Lane football ground, the home of my favourite football team.
What’s your most prized possession?
My children – Thomas (11) and Isabelle (7).
Your favourite gadget?
Apple TV.
Your pet hate?
People sending an email when they can get something resolved more quickly and effectively by just picking up the phone. It’s always good to talk.
What words do you use the most?
How and why.
What’s your favourite cuisine?
Probably Italian. I’m a vegetarian with a very sweet tooth, so I always select my dessert first!
What’s your life philosophy?
Live, love and laugh. Have no regrets as life is too short.
What would you be the patron saint of?
Friendship.
What’s your ‘specialist’ subject?
Sales & marketing. In other words, getting people to spend more money!
Career
Describe your current job.
As Sales Director at UK dealer group Office Friendly, my role is primarily providing sales and marketing support to our dealers to grow their business. The marketplace is changing very rapidly and it’s so important that we help our customers while developing their team members to achieve their own career goals.
The industry figure you most admire?
Brother UK Managing Director Phil Jones. I love his passion for the industry, the company and his team.
Your best piece of advice to someone who has just joined the OP industry?
Utilise the knowledge and expertise from others around you, push the boundaries and don’t just look at what’s happening in this marketplace. Change is happening all the time and everywhere – always try and maximise any opportunities to their full potential.
What do you like best about the OP industry?
The people, whether it’s suppliers, customers or colleagues. They all play a part in moving this industry forward. At the same time you create some great relationships and gain so much knowledge that helps to achieve your own personal goals.
