I began my career in 1997 straight out of school on a modern apprenticeship at a local manufacturing company, throughout my career I have had various roles from shop floor through to office based.
What are some of your driving values?
My current employer has 6 core values that we are encouraged to live by. My personal driving values are Servant leadership, Citizenship and Respect these are strong values that can be used in every aspect of my business and personal life.
You’ve always been great at giving back, why is it important to you?
I am not from an affluent background but at the same time I have never struggled. Through my career my job has taken me to some far-off places, where the struggles are real, and it has always empowered me to do what I can when I can to help those that need.
Which causes are closest to your heart / one thing about society in the UK that you wish you could change?
Homelessness, and neglect are two aspects that are unfortunately apart of 21st century Britain and they have no right to be. The cost-of-living crisis is only emphasising how much work is still to be done, working to ensure that local businesses and governments have accountability to everyone is paramount.
How did you get involved in the CEO Sleepout?
I was asked to take part through a business partnership my company has with the Leicester Tiger foundation, one of their many great initiatives is to support people from disadvantaged backgrounds – we aligned to take on one of their student for a work placement and that was the start of what has been a phenomenal relationship which eventually bought CEO Sleepout and I together.
What other ways do you "give back" or work to strengthen communities you work within?
I regularly give to my local foodbank which collects donations at a local supermarket, and I often purchase gift cards to local stores (Greggs, Costa etc.) that I pass out to People I see on the streets of places I go.
Name one thing you'd like people to know about your life and work:
As I mentioned I have been fortunate to live in many places due to my work career and I lived abroad from 2009 – 2022. I have come full circle, and my current place of employment is where I started as an apprentice in 1997. In my personal time I am an avid football fan and I follow my team home and away. I enjoy exercising at a Hyrox gym to keep myself active as well as spending time with my family and taking in nature walks in the local area to decompress.
How might you see business playing a part in creating a fairer society here in the UK?
Businesses are an integral part of modern society, everyone that works for a company regardless of size, is a member of that same society. When a person is working for their company, they’re not only supporting the company but funding their personal lives. Companies can support by providing a diverse and inclusive culture that fosters and nurtures growth and developments opportunities that will allow people to feel empowered to drive change in society.
Why is it important that those in business lead with purpose?
As leaders of businesses, change and culture starts at the top, it is important that people are empowered to feel included and given the opportunities to learn, grow and be the best of themselves. Strong core values and inclusive environments will be a catalyst to change and driving real society and personal improvements.
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