1: WHAT WAS YOUR FAVOURITE SUBJECT AT SCHOOL?
A: My favourite subject was PE, primarily swimming, but I also liked maths and science.
2: WHO WAS YOUR CHILDHOOD HERO, AND WHY?
A: I had many, none of them real and came from TV programmes. Colt Seavers( The Fall Guy), Michael Knight( Knight Rider), the A-Team, Lion-O( Thundercats), He-man, Action Man, Stringfellow Hawk( Airwolf). You can really tell my age now. leveller. We are currently on the right path to being a great place to work – that culture shift takes time and the journey is important. I’ m not sure I’ d change much in reality.
DO THE RIGHT THING AND YOU’ LL GET THE RIGHT RESULT( EVENTUALLY)
15: WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL CHARITY?
A: Again, too many to choose from. All of the charities on the business park and in Newton Aycliffe do a great job and they all need a shout out.
3: HOW DID YOU GET TO WHERE YOU ARE NOW?
A: There are a lot of ways to answer this. But I got here by always having an idea of what I wanted longer term, understanding my obstacles and limitations, and working hard on them to move closer to that vision.
4: WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE ORGANISATION ON AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK AND WHY( EXCLUDING YOUR OWN)?
A: Be Inspired Gym, because it feels like I’ m always there. There are so many great businesses on the business park, which was shown by the impressive turnout of nominations in this year’ s Make Your Mark Awards.
5: WHICH AYCLIFFE BUSINESS OR INDIVIDUAL DO YOU TIP FOR FUTURE SUCCESS?
A: I liked what Contego Environmental Response showcased at the MYM awards this year. Their use of technology and innovation, new ways of working and focus on people development were all excellent and out of the box for their industry.
6: WHAT’ S THE BEST BUSINESS DECISION YOU EVER MADE?
A: Holding true to my personal values regardless of the short-term consequences. Fighting for what I believe in and constantly taking opportunities to learn.
7: WHAT’ S THE WORST DECISION YOU’ VE EVER MADE?
A: Moving jobs without understanding the culture of the business I was entering. I believed the automotive sector was something totally different to the reality. A great learning opportunity, but never again.
8: IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOUR ORGANISATION, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
A: As with any business, I’ d love more customer demand. Volume is a great
9: ARE YOU AN EARLY RISER OR A NIGHT OWL?
A: Early riser. I’ m normally at the gym for it opening at 6am each day – which means I need to be up at 4.30!
10: WHAT IS YOUR BUSINESS MANTRA?
A: Do the right thing and you’ ll get the right result( eventually). Lead by example, treat everyone with respect, while holding them accountable, and continuously improve.
11: WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO A SMALL STARTUP?
A: Focus on what you do well and leverage the hell out of that. Get support in the areas that you are weaker in. Have a vision, a mission and dedicate time to your values and what type of organisation you want to be.
12: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR YOU?
A: I am very happy at Senstronics. I could easily see myself retiring here in a few years after we have made it one of the best places to work on the business park, the North-East, the country, the world!
13: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR YOUR ORGANISATION?
A: Senstronics going from strength to strength. Good product demand, roadmaps in place for product innovation and improvements, a healthy bank balance and plans for more capital spend. A focus on people will always be at the forefront of what we do.
14: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THE PRIME MINISTER IF YOU SAW HIM ON AYCLIFFE BUSINESS PARK?
A: Are you lost? I’ m not a particularly political person, because of the division it causes – which seems to be a lot worse now than ever before. I have my own views, but in my lifetime I feel that, no matter who has been in power, we have all been negatively impacted in some way.
16: WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE LOCAL RESTAURANT?
A: I like the County in Aycliffe. We normally take visitors there for lunch. That is where I was invited when I signed up for Senstronics and I first met my team and the board of directors, so it holds a sentimental place for me.
17: WHAT WOULD BE YOUR IDEAL EVENING MEAL?
A: I love eating in general so anything does me. I do love a Chinese banquet though – big table with lots to choose from and a big group of people with lots of beer and / or red wine.
18: WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR SPARE TIME?
A: I enjoy weightlifting, but I’ m getting old now, so injuries are starting to take root. I love watching films, going to the cinema and binge-watching a Netflix series. Spending time with my wife and family takes up a large portion of my time. I also try to get away a few times a year – either abroad( hot and sunny) or weekend city breaks in the UK.
19: WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE FILM, AND WHO IS YOUR FAVOURITE ACTOR?
A: I have lots of favourites – the original Point Break is one of my favourites. I also love the John Wick films. I suppose that makes Keanu Reeves my favourite actor – despite the fact I don’ t think he’ s a very good actor – but his films are usually good to watch and switch off to.
20: WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE MORE OF?
A: I’ d like to see more local locations for social activities. The places we can hold a summer event or Christmas party are extremely limited locally. A few more pubs would also be great for after work socialising opportunities.
The magazine for Aycliffe Business Park | 19