Clearview 230 - January 2021 | Page 23

DIRECTOROFTHEMONTH

What websites help you ?

For latest news and business headlines my go-to websites are the Irish Times ( irishtimes . com ) and Telegraph ( telegraph . co . uk ). Over the last couple of years , I ’ ve started to shop more online – and I ’ ve made more than a few purchases . That trend has increased as a result of Covid .

Most useful business tool ?

It ’ s hard to beat the iPhone for ease of use and for getting all the necessary information you need quickly . My Surface Pro is great for desktop work and for giving me flexibility to work at home , or on-the-go .

Best business decision in your current role ?

The best decision we made at Freefoam was committing to the UK market and investing in a modern , integrated manufacturing plant in Northampton to include extrusion , mixing and distribution . Our Northampton site now has 16 extrusion lines for foam and rigid product and employs 150 people .

Freefoam ’ s decision to put a greater emphasis on Western European markets over

10 years ago has also paid dividends for the company . We ’ ve developed a strong presence in France and continue to grow in Germany , Belgium and the Netherlands .

Favourite role models and why ?

I have great admiration for Bill Gates . He comes across as a modest person and he ’ s given away so much of his wealth to good causes . It can ’ t be ignored that he created the largest company in the world by market capitalisation , with Microsoft at the centre of everything we do as we go about our working lives .

How do you unwind ?

I ’ m passionate about sports . Hailing from Cork , I have a natural affinity with Gaelic Games which are part of our national identity . I also have a huge interest in Munster and Irish Rugby . I ’ m involved in coaching youngsters at my local GAA club and I get a great kick out of that , especially after a tough day at the office .

www . freefoam . com