I have purchased my next business venture, British Bespoke
Workwear, which manufactures aprons, tabards, chef jackets
etc as well as embroidering or printing workwear for the likes
of Morrisons supermarket and local Councils. This is my latest
challenge.
We’ve only just scratched the surface on your fascinating
family history, what values have been passed down?
There are many values passed down from our parents, which
can be seen in us as individuals as well as in the business.
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Giving Something Back (GSB) – not only are all 5 children
directly involved in charitable activities but the family
business has run a GSB scheme for the last 10 years with
its staff, donating nearly £10m to charities. We have been
brought up to help those less fortunate than ourselves.
Integrity - we were brought up to act with integrity and
treat others as we would expect to be treated. The family
name and reputation is worth more than making ‘an extra
buck’ here and there and again this is part of the business
culture and values.
Value – we are known for not spending our money (my
VW car has done 275,000 miles and won’t be replaced
until it gives up) and I’m always looking for efficiencies and
improvements.
Loyalty and pride are also characteristics that I think are
undervalued, be it to your staff, company, local football
club or country – this attribute is invaluable but needs to
be two way.
As a 6th generation family business, we own the business
technically - but in reality we are just custodians of the business
and it is only ours to pass onto the next generation.
Are you still involved in the day to day running of Bibby Line
or do you have other business interests?
I don’t work for the family business directly as I have my own
businesses, but I do project work for Bibby Line Group, such
as running one of their smaller subsidiary companies, Garic,
which needed turning around and growing, and once put on
the right path (turnover was 30% up on previous year) we
recruited a full time MD, as I couldn’t do it full time due to my
other businesses. In truth, although we are all very proud of the
family business, it is so large it is very corporate and I am too
used to running my own business without a lot of corporate
rules and governance – I prefer to get on and do it, rather than
reporting and discussing it!
Your dad stepped in to save Birkenhead Boys Club from
closure because of his belief it could make a massive
difference to the local community in 1953 when he was 31
- earning respect from the local lads by teaching them Judo
and other real life unconventional self-defence moves, he’d
learned in WW2. Derek literally helped turn the corner for
the place as it struggled to survive after the war, by moving
them to a much bigger and better place. The club was aptly
renamed in 2004 “The Derek Bibby Centre” to commemorate
his time and generosity. Both you and your brother Geoffrey
are now responsible for the running of the club continuing
your dad’s legacy, tell us more…
20 wirrallife.com
The Youth Club is a great facility in central Birkenhead, with
lots of activities, 2 outdoor 5-a-side pitches and 2 indoor gyms
(one full of trampolines and free running). We have nearly 1,000
members with up to 100 per night in attendance, along with
12 football teams playing at the weekend. All thanks to private
donors and lots of volunteers, as we run on a small budget and
need to raise £20,000 a year. Most kids have limited experiences
as the following example at the weekly barbecues during the
summer holiday at our home revealed: When playing on the
manicured lawn, called “the back yard”, I was asked where we
buy all the birds in the trees from. Trying to explain that apples
grow on trees not trays and you can eat them off the tree was
also pretty tricky. We at least give them wider experiences and
opportunities to develop, which many of us take for granted.
With so many aspects to your businesses keeping you busy,
how do you relax?
I don’t do relaxing very well, as I don’t read books, watch TV/
films or sit around. My hobbies are activity and people based
– football, tennis, cricket, dancing and parties! Much to the
disbelief of the people I meet out partying - I don’t drink – I am
mad enough without it!
Do you and your siblings, Michael, Geoffrey, David and
Jennifer get together for family occasions often?
Yes, we all meet up for family occasions, which with 13 children
between us, are now rather large affairs