THE SABBATICAL

I thought I may be called on to say a few words. Unlike Paul the Master of public speaking and performance, I require time to think about what I want to say, and to put things down on paper. Hence my pre-prepared words.

 

I was humbled and moved when receiving your invitation to a ‘Retirement Celebration’ – to honour me. I’ve never been one to court personal recognition and the limelight – the power of Team rather than the Individual something I’ve subscribed to for many years. KI the great example – hence recognition by you extra special.

 

My involvement with Paul and Gerry dates back to C & J Brown days. We worked with others to help the unfortunate individuals who’d lost deposits or had incomplete kitchens. This demonstrated under taking what was right, and doing the honourable thing. So when the pair of them decided to set up in business at Stephenson Rd - we’d no hesitation in agreeing to work alongside them. With no concept KI would become the retailer others should emulate.

 

I could witter on for a long time about the past 27 years and our company's relationship and involvement with KI - but much of that’s in the public domain. Some experiences such as the Sticky Wicket, Lift excursions at the KSA AGM, memorable Awards Nights, the Buying Group and Crief Hydro events, Dealer Forums, KBB Exhibitions and countless others - possibly better glossed over. Many, many memorable nights, and subsequent hangovers.

 

So, what could I possibly talk about? I thought I should try and impart what little wisdom I’ve gained from 50 years of work – 40+ involving the kitchen industry. I should begin by explaining Paul takes great delight in telling me I’ve learnt everything from him. I should stress, I gleaned the odd thing in the 40 years prior to his tutelage.

 

Part of my education took place less than a mile from here, at one of Scotland’s prestigious Public Schools – almost 3 years from the age of 13. The less said about this the better, as my time at the institution came to a premature end.

 

I then went up market to Ashington Tec in Northumberland - the largest mining community in Europe at the time. Studying A levels - which I failed due to spending more time working in a garage in Newcastle, than attending College. One beneficial aspect relates to doing a Technical Drawing course – proved most useful later in my career.

 

One of the few positive aspects of my time in education took place just up the road from here, at Basil Patterson’s. An educational establishment for rejects. I spent 2 terms cramming for A level resits. A remarkable Lady taught me – Mrs McDowell. My 1st tutorial involved précising a piece and being duly informed I’d no possible chance of attaining an A level – “But she would teach me to appreciate English, marshal my thoughts and to put these down on paper”.

 

One of the most important lessons of my life – although a decade later before I got the tools to put this into practise. The Amstrad Word Processor came to market opening up a whole new world for those who couldn’t spell. I was most likely Dyslectic, not something recognised all those years ago. I should add I shocked everyone by passing my exam. Enabling me to enrol at Newcastle Poly to study business – which proved Dickensian, so left after 2 terms.

 

At 19 in the early 70’s I went to London to become a Management Trainee on Tottenham Court Rd, in Europe’s 1st Hi-Fi Department Store. An excellent grounding led by a Scot, who’d previously run the Pettigrew & Stephens Department Store in Glasgow, alongside some highflying M & S management. I had a ball, as well as loving my work.

 

Became store Manager for their Nottingham branch at 21. Subsequently poached to set up a new operation for a Northern Department Store. Naively went solo and set up my own business and lost everything at the age of 24. Hence became unemployable and no option other than to plough my own furrow.

 

You may well ask, what came about to turn me into the model upright citizen you see here before you. While having a quiet pint in a hostelry on the outskirts of Newcastle – I was picked up by a very fetching, young blonde Geordie nurse, later to become my wife. She’s worked extremely hard over the last 44 years - attempting to bring me to heal.

 

From a Property Development and Construction Company, set up in partnership with a friend – later morphing into M/H Manufacturing. I’ve hopefully provided an insight to my career prior to kitchens.

 

So what have I learnt over the last 50 years of my working life?

 

• Negativity the preserve of the masses – Originality & Positivity a rarer commodity.

• Everyone can tell you what you can’t do – be willing to stand by your Judgement & Dream.

• Health & Happiness inevitably out do Wealth & Status - in my experience.

• Develop a Work Life Balance incorporating Family & Friends - something I subscribe to.

• Learn to Listen, leave a meeting with a view opposite to that which you entered - uplifting.

• Simple Good Manners and an ability to say Sorry when duly required – a powerful tool.

• A Well Done or Thank You in appreciation of a job well done – of immeasurable value.

• There’s no I or Me in Team. The power of a Positive & Capable Team - immense.

• Without a focused Aim & Goal, + a subsequent Strategy & Action Plan – likelihood of failure increases.

• Drive & Passion, and an ability to impart these - critical ingredients for a successful business.

• Engagement with Education & Learning to eradicate issues in advance – pays major dividends.

• Communication Skills and the ability to develop Meaningful Relationships – vital in the World of Work.

• Building Trust & Partnerships – important ingredients throughout my career.

• Input & Effort without achieving a Result – tends to be a waste of resource.

• Identify your Strengths & Weaknesses – and work with others to mitigate your frailties.

• From a management perspective – Respect & Creditability more important than being liked.

• Humour & Humility – play their role in resolving issues and engendering a sense of fun.

• Ensure your Word is Meaningful, if you say you’re going to do something - make sure it happens.

• An imbedded positive can-do Ethos & Culture throughout an organisation – works wonders.

• The Development of Friendships with Industry Colleagues – has played an important role in my career.

 

I realise I’m Preaching to the Converted.

 

The vast majority of my ‘Words of Wisdom’ have been enacted within KI over many years. Hence I salute you all: - It has been a massive privilege, honour, pleasure, and education to have worked alongside the KI Team for so many years. Once more, thank you for this very special occasion – it means a great deal to me.

 

I’d like to finish by proposing a toast: - To KI and Your Ongoing Success.

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