Wirral Life May 2017 | Page 20

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. • • • • 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