10 | Tees Business
TEES UP!
NAME: HELEN GILL AGE: 46 BORN: NORTON LIVES: THORNTON COMPANY & JOB TITLE: CO-OWNER, CHADWICKS INN MALTBY
When I was at school, I wanted to be … an interpreter for the Foreign Office. Languages were my favourite thing at school and I had this glamorous vision of travelling the word.
The best business decision I ever made was … definitely setting up the business and becoming my own boss. I’ d worked in an office as a PA for 20 years, so it was a big change. It was a major decision for us back in 2009. My husband Gary and I we were very enthusiastic foodies and we struggled to find places that we liked locally. It happened quite quickly and this place came up, and we wanted to create the kind of place that we would want to go to.
The worst business decision I ever made was … I could say the same as above! Because at the time of starting the business we had a three-year-old and a one-year-old, and we were also renovating a house. In hindsight, it was utter madness to take it all on at the same time – it was a crazy, chaotic time. But now we can be really proud of how it has all worked out. It’ s also developed me personally as well as professionally.
The best part of my job is … getting positive feedback from customers, which recognises all the hard work that we put in. It’ s really encouraging and nice to hear.
The biggest downside of my working life is … missing out on family time. It’ s the weekends and holidays, Christmas time etcetera, the times when most families get together are our busiest times.
If I could change one thing to help my business it would be … I think SMEs could get more help from the government and local authorities. They don’ t seem to get any breaks, and I think there could be more help for start-ups.
Four words to describe me are … loyal, stubborn, resilient and sensitive.
My business mantra is … a mistake is only a mistake if you make it twice. You have to learn from your mistakes, because if you make it again then you haven’ t learned anything.
My greatest achievement is … it’ s got to be creating a successful business while juggling a hectic family life. Within a year of opening, we had achieved the 2 AA Rosettes and we are now the most awarded restaurant in the