Clearview National November 2019 - Issue 216 | Page 26

DIRECTOROFTHEMONTH
‘T’ for two
November’s Director of
the Month, Leigh Titchener,
talks working with his
wife, football – and fancy
footwork – with the family,
investment and the internet,
and, why it’s nearly time for
his annual office tidy up…
Name/job title:
Leigh Titchener – Managing Director
Titan Trade Windows
When did you join (or
start) the company?
2004
Describe your working day...
Some days I leave at 7.00am and go straight
to the gym; on others I leave a 8.00am and
go straight to the office. My working day is
broken up into meetings with suppliers and
staff as well as speaking with customers on
more demanding projects to assist in delivering
their vision. I also like to get out of the office
from time to time to meet some of the long-
standing customers who trade with us.
What is your workspace like?
Haha! I would say tidy but my wife Lisa
who is the Accounts Director would disagree.
I must admit I do allow things to build up
around my desk and then occasionally (just
before Christmas) I have a good clear up.
First thing you do when
you get to your desk?
We have quite an open plan office so normally
I’ll have a chat with the staff about whatever was
happening the night before - for example if there
was a football match on we’ll talk about that and
agree to disagree depending who they support.
The first actually work I do is open my emails.
What websites help you?
Suppliers’ website can be a big help if they
are easy to navigate and have all of the relevant
information available. That is what we try to
achieve with our website as they can be a really
useful tool if they are done right.
26 » N OV 2019 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
Most useful business tool?
The internet. There is so much
information available out there regarding the
products and services suppliers offer as well
as information on potential customers and
the products they offer, for example if we
have a company looking to come on board
with us I always look at their website to get
a feel for the company and the products
they offer so they get the most from us as a
supplier.
Best business decision in
your current role?
Investment into the business, whether it
be new machinery or the recruitment of key
members of staff. In the beginning it can be
difficult to invest but as the business grows
it’s vital, having the right machinery improves
the efficiently of production and quality of
product, having good motivated staff improves
organisation and service which benefits the
customer but just as importantly it helps me
as the business owner because if I have staff
who can take responsibility for the day to
day running of the business it gives me the
freedom to drive the business forwards at a
faster pace.
Favourite role models and why?
In business probably Lord Sugar, I’ve read
his autobiography which is an inspiration to
any businessman. I’m sure most readers know
his story starting out as a market trader in
London and we all know how well it turned
out. Throughout that journey he expected
a lot from himself and just as much from
the people that worked for him, his drive
and determination took him to places most
wouldn’t go. I know he’s not everyone’s cup of
tea but to me although he has achieved great
success and gets the benefits of this he still has
a connection with his roots for example he’s
never forgotten the people who he grew up
with and who helped make him the success he
has become.
How do you unwind?
At home with my wife and children, we like
to get out in the garden and play football or
take the dogs for a walk in the woods. My son
loves football, so I often take him to games
or watch him play in games and my daughter
loves dancing and performing, we enjoy
watching her in shows which makes us very
proud parents. We also like our holidays and
try to get away as often as possible.