Loadhog Ltd
Loadhog Ltd is the world’s most innovative company within the returnable packaging industry. We have developed our product range by identifying customers’ needs and taking them through to design, manufacturing and implementation. Our products our now utilised effectively around the globe in various industries including glass, postal, retail and manufacturing.
What brought you to this industry?
For six years I was working with Loadhog’s sister company, Gripple Ltd and decided it was time for a change but wanted to remain part of the group because I don’t believe there are many better organisations to work for than Gripple/Loadhog/Incub. Loadhog is a major challenge every day but the potential is huge, which maintains my drive. We continue to grow all the time with huge emphasis on innovation, which distinguishes this business from other companies.
What’s the most exciting thing about your job?
Working with multinational organisations worldwide, seeing how they operate, what has made them successful and selling our products to them. Seeing how many things in those organisations could be done better, however, is a real eye opener!
Who inspired you most in your career?
To be honest it would be anyone who has taken an idea and made a successful business out of it. To be specific, it would be Richard Branson because he showed that you can compete in established markets, you just need to have the confidence in your ability to make it successful and, of course, know when to get out and not be greedy.
If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?
Probably the Loadhog Pally because it is multi-talented, bridging the gap between a retailer’s need for a wheeled dolly and a supplier’s for a stable pallet.
If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?
I would probably have taken ideas I had when I was younger and moved them forward because I have since seen three of my ideas now being sold in the marketplace… Gutted!!
What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
I used to enjoy work nights out more than most people, which I don’t remember (blame the drink) but I’m 100% sure if you ask my colleagues they will have paragraphs to write about me.
Who or what makes you laugh?
I laugh a lot and loudly, with both friends and family. But I like stand-up comedians, in particular Peter Kay and Michael McIntyre.
Do you have any hidden talents?
Not sure it’s a talent but I have an amazing photographic memory, which got me through a lot of exams.
Who would be your favourite party guest?
I have two. One would be Richard Branson, because I’m intrigued to listen and learn from all his knowledge and experience. The second would be Jessica Alba who I could massively flirt with all night and, hopefully, Richard Branson would not be competition.
What is the greatest luxury in your life?
Family and friends – I am extremely lucky to have a great selection of both.
Do you have any secret ambitions?
It is to set up my own business, whether in this country or abroad. If I can have another, it would be to be fluent in more languages other than Yorkshire!
What’s your dream holiday destination?
It would have to be Churchill in Canada to see the polar bears after hibernation when the babies come out, followed by Alaska to see the big and silly grizzly bears catching the salmon.
What are your three favourite movies of all time?
Anchorman, because it’s legendary – I don’t know anyone who doesn’t know a quote from it. Any of the James Bond films, but in particular the new one, Skyfall. Finally, and again another new one which has come from zero to top dog, is Ted because it’s incredible and silly.
What is your favourite book of all time?
I’m not the biggest reader of books because my mind doesn’t stop going even when reading. So to me the best book was ‘50 ideas which became successful businesses’ (sad I know).
What’s your favourite pastime?
I love playing and watching sport, in particular, football. I also love travelling and my holidays consist of going to the most random places possible, ideally where there are limited tourists.
If you won the Lottery, what would you do?
Firstly I would travel the world, living for a year in each continent. Then I would come back and set up a company which helps new businesses to develop from ideas to full production or service. Oh, and I would buy a pub in which my friends could drink and relax – almost like a glorified lounge.
What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?
The more you put in, the more you get out!! However, make sure you have fun along the way!
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