Clearview National April 2018 - Issue 197 | Page 24
DIRECTOROFTHEMONTH
Early Bird catches
the Worm
Adrian Barraclough of Quickslide chats about
early starts, identifying needs, efficiency and
those in the industry he admires the most.
WHAT IS YOUR WORKSPACE
LIKE? (TIDY/ORGANISED ETC)
Although I’m not naturally a tidy person,
I strive for it because it’s absolutely key to an
efficient and safe working operation. I also instil
the need for organisation into my businesses
and surround myself with organised people.
What my workspace always has though are
tons of initiatives written down everywhere.
I’m always looking for new ideas and things
that impress me.
NAME/JOB TITLE:
Adrian Barraclough, Chairman, Quickslide
WHEN DID YOU JOIN
THE COMPANY?
In about 2002, when Quickslide was still
pretty small, I had a chance meeting with the
then company owner. He was keen to pursue
other interests, so I bought it as majority
shareholder along with another Director.
DESCRIBE YOUR WORKING DAY
Well firstly there are no two similar days but
each has some consistency.
I wake early, maybe 5:45, and take my
2 gorgeous labs for a walk (when Matthew
Glover – co founder of the FIT Show – and
wife Jane haven’t got them because they often
holiday at theirs, a mile or so away).
The walk allows me to get into the day,
I’ll receive (bang on 6am) a summary of the
previous days financial report from early riser
and Group Commercial Director Clare Weber,
then when back and having breakfast I’ll
contact various key people in the company in
order to set objectives for the day.
At the end of the day I’ll again catch up
with staff to see what they’ve achieved. Again,
to re-enforce that every day needs focus and
purpose.
24 » A PR 2018 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
FIRST THING YOU DO WHEN
YOU GET TO YOUR DESK?
Set objectives for the day. Too many
people say, “read my 1,327 emails” and if
that’s happening you’re doing something
significantly wrong.
I’ll ensure all health and safety checks are
in order, all staff are in and have purpose, pre-
empt any issues, no vehicles held up, stock in
order, machines running well etc.
I’ve always been focused on preventing
issues rather than using excuses which don’t
help anyone.
WHAT WEBSITES HELP YOU?
I don’t use them much, I prefer not to
be too influenced by anything else. I will
periodically check raw materials prices,
property building statistics and such like to
ensure I’m up to date with key information.
MOST USEFUL BUSINESS
TOOL? (SAT NAV/APPS ETC)
Apps are invaluable these days. Our smart
IT guys have built some amazing software that
allows us to process key data internally.
BEST BUSINESS DECISION IN
YOUR CURRENT ROLE?
I guess it’s a strange one but it’s to not
pursue clients that are not right for us.
Salesmen typically visit clients with the purpose
of getting them to order. I don’t do this.
Too often the fit isn’t right and they are
better suited to another supplier. We now
focus on identifying what the client needs
then if we’re the right fit great, if not advise
them who we think may be.
That way we all end up with the right
balance and the industry as a whole can push
forwards.
FAVOURITE ROLE
MODELS AND WHY?
How tough is this? I am hesitant to leave
anyone out, but unlike many some of my role
models are my drivers, fabricators and others
that are in at 5:50 every morning through all
weathers; without these grafters we wouldn’t
have the executives.
Of course on an Executive level Gary
Morton [chairman of Boing Boing Group
and founder of GM Fundraising] and
Matthew Glover are people I look up to
because they use the industry as a platform
to contribute so much for many outside the
Industry.
Clare O’Hara [Managing Director of
Epwin Window Systems] has demonstrated
that the right attitude and determination can
conquer all and it was great to see her rise
and give Epwin some strong direction while
driving a £100k+ initiative for Hope House.
Now that’s impressive.
On a personal side, David Leng [Group
CEO of Customade Group] is a great
strategist who gets things done and drives
the industry forward with purpose. In fact
every day and every action with him has a
purpose.
HOW DO YOU UNWIND?
I’m fortunate that my work is my hobby so
it’s never really work.
Outside of business though I do have
a 2 year old son, who obviously keeps me
very busy and is an absolute bundle of
fun.