The Old Pocklingtonian Old Pocklingtonian 2017-18 | Page 7

CAREERS AND AWARDS
(L to R: Julie Good, Sheena McNamee, Martin St Quinton)
(83-88) and Lucy Holroyd (99-05), who all work
at the law firm.
Following an introductory speech highlighting the
unique characteristics of a family business and the
value they deliver to the UK economy, Christopher
shared with guests his insights into the many aspects
of working in a family business. This included the
importance of earning and retaining staff loyalty,
attracting new, non-family members to the business,
how and why family businesses take long-term
strategic decisions and an innovative approach to
succession planning.
The London event followed in April at the University
Women’s Club in Mayfair, this time focusing on
entrepreneurship and business leadership with
guest speaker James Sweeting (81-88), director of
award winning coffee roasting company Lincoln &
York Ltd and the UK’s acclaimed ‘best snack brand’
Pipers Crisps.
Both companies appeared in The Grocer’s annual
‘Fast 50’ list for 2017, which names the fastest
growing food and drink businesses in the UK. James
has also been named in the Sunday Times/Maserati
MBE FOR POCKLINGTON
SCHOOL GOVERNOR DARRELL
BUTTERY
Pocklington School Governor and former teacher
Darrell Buttery (01-06) received an MBE in this
year’s New Year Honours, for his services to heritage
in York.
Darrell came out of retirement to teach English at
Pocklington School and now serves as a Governor.
He was Chairman of York Civic Trust for five years,
when his achievements included establishing and
running Young York Civic Trust for sixth formers in
and around York, including Pocklington School. He
has been Governor of York’s Merchant Adventurers,
Chairman of York Georgian Society and has
authored several books on the city’s history.
Darrell said he became involved with Pocklington
(L to R: Sheena McNamee, Mark Ronan, Christopher Oughtred, Trevor Loten)
top 100 entrepreneurs list, which recognises
innovators in the business world. More recently,
Lincoln and York was recognised for its international
growth with a coveted spot in The Sunday Times
HSBC International Fast Track 200.
James left Pocklington School to become a trainee
coffee buyer at Lyons Tetley Ltd, learning the trade
and travelling widely. After five years, along with
a business partner, James started Lincoln & York
Ltd. 24 years later, the company supplies almost
19,000 coffee shop outlets and are experts in
sourcing, roasting, packing and delivering completely
customised coffee products.
In 2003, James and his partner entered the speciality
crisp market, with Pipers Crisps, producing gourmet
hand cooked crisps to supply independent retailers.
The crisps are now available throughout the UK, in
Europe and the USA, and Pipers Crips has been
identified as one of London Stock Exchange Group’s
‘1000 Companies to Inspire Britain.’
More recently, James and his partner diversified
into machinery production and purchased Sumo
(UK) Ltd, a manufacturer of agricultural cultivation
School by “pure chance,” adding: “I was attending
our Merchant Adventurers’ monthly lunch – 12 of
us at a round table – and when the call came to
take our places by incredible good fortune I
found myself sitting next to a new member called
Richard Haynes. I mentioned I’d just retired from
teaching English and he told me he was Chairman
of Governors at Pocklington. We then talked about
other things.
“Two days later I received a phone message from
the Headmaster, Nicholas Clements (00-07),
asking if I could provide teaching cover in the English
Department for the last ten days of the Michaelmas
term. I went to see him, thinking I would have to
turn the offer down as I was too busy, but I liked
everything I saw about the school so found myself
saying ‘yes’. The rest, as they say, is history. Ten days
turned into nearly five years. I had never been in
such a wonderful school and if I started to give the
reasons why, this article would be far, far too long.”
and seeding machinery. The business is being
restructured to enable it to supply farm machinery
to dealers around the World.
James shared with guests his insights into being
an entrepreneur and how his belief in persistency,
consistency and strong and focussed leadership has
enabled him to successfully grow his businesses.
This included understanding the importance of
the break-even point, always looking out for good
people even if you don’t have an immediate need
and grasping opportunities as they arise.
The next networking event will be at Pocklington
School on Wednesday 12 November 2018
with guest speaker, Nick Pollard (69-76), who
has a distinguished career in civil engineering and is
currently group CEO at Cory Riverside Energy. The
theme for his talk will be civil engineering, sustainable
and renewable energy and working in the corporate
environment. Drinks and canapés will be served
and the event is open to OPs, current and former
parents and staff. If you would like to attend, please
contact Rachel in the OP office.
Mr Buttery was invited to join the Board of
Governors on his (second) retirement. He says:
“The prospect of losing touch with school was
unthinkable. I came to everything I could – rugby,
cricket, plays, concerts... Then I was invited to
become a Governor so I felt I was back on board!
“In my previous schools we never saw the
Governors or even had much of an idea about
what they did. Joining the governing body at
Pocklington was therefore a revelation. Here was
a large team of experts dedicated to ensuring
the school’s continued success. There are many
committees assigned to different aspects of school
life. We are therefore often in school for these
as well as being invited to all events and having
several full days a year getting to know school
routine from boarders’ breakfast to late afternoon.
Support from the Head and Bursar couldn’t be
stronger or more appreciated. For Governors it is
all voluntary work, and rightly so, but I enjoy it so
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