Believe in what you do

Age: 39

Job: Managing director, Seeneys Stores, Oxfordshire

Time in job: Nine years

Contact: 01869 350816

Web: www.seeneyspetsupplies.co.uk

What was your first job and what did your responsibilities include?

My first job was a farm hand when I was 16. I was never very academic and wanted to leave school as soon as I could. I was accepted on a National Diploma Course at Writtle Agricultural College in Chelmsford, Essex, but needed a year’s experience on a working farm. I did everything from tractor driving, feeding livestock, including cattle and sheep, as well as milking cows. It was a very happy time and I loved every minute of it.

How much was in your first pay packet and what did you spend it on?

I honestly can’t remember. The only thing I do remember is that it seemed a lot at the time!

Describe how your career developed to the present day.

Following three years at agricultural college, and always having a passion for horses, I found myself working in a showing yard. While there I met Tony Seeney, the previous owner of Seeneys, who offered me a job as a van driver. This position soon developed into store manager and I learnt a huge amount at this time about the retail industry. After about three years I got itchy feet and sought a new challenge. I became area manager for feed manufacturers Allen & Page. This job gave me a far greater understanding of the wider business world and it provided very good experience. Following three years in this role, Tony Seeney approached me about selling his business, as he wished to retire, and asked if I would be interested in taking on the two shops. I jumped at the chance and here I am nine years later with three shops, having doubled the turnover.

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

With a very good team behind me running the shops day-to-day, my main responsibilities are with business development and strategy. This, along with marketing and day-to-day administration, keeps me very busy.

Describe a typical day

The thing I love most about what I do is that there is no such thing as a typical day. But I do try to visit each store most days and get to the office by lunchtime to deal with e-mails, post, etc, and any meetings that may be scheduled. I attempt to leave the office by about 8pm.

Who/what have been the biggest influences on your career?

Without doubt it would have to be Tony Seeney. Had he not had the faith in me to take the business forward, who knows where I would be now?

What has been your best decision?

Buying the business. It was a massive decision but it has paid off.

And your worst?

I try not to make bad decisions!

What is the best advice you can give to someone starting out in your business?

Believe in what you do, whether it be a product or service.

What is the secret of good management?

I like to think I have a very relaxed approach to management but also have very high standards. Giving staff the freedom to make decisions for themselves and learning from those decisions is also very important.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

No — I work too much and don’t have a life. I am trying very hard to improve the balance.

What hobbies/interests do you enjoy in your spare time?

Horses are my main interest. I have three and ride whenever possible and find it a great way to relax.

Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

Incompetent suppliers who promise things they cannot deliver.

How do you see your company developing over the next five years?

Having gone through five years of major change and development, I would like to consolidate what I have and continue to grow the business over the three sites that I currently run.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

There have been many but turning over £1m for the first time was very satisfying.

Do you believe there is enough help and support from government and agencies for growing businesses?

No. I believe that there is very little help. My main gripe is business rates — I get very cross about paying a lot of money and getting nothing for it.

What is your attitude to the environment and do you have any green policies in place?

I believe everybody should do their bit and our latest policy is the installation of a waste baler that crushes and bales all waste plastic and cardboard, which is then sent for recycling. Our waste to landfill is virtually zero now.

What is the secret of a happy workforce?

Giving staff the opportunity to make decisions, particularly on new products, gives them a real involvement in the workings of the business.

Is there any other job you would like to have done and why?

I couldn’t imagine doing anything else now but I did want to be a professional jockey when I was younger.

What would you like to do when you retire?

I'm not sure that I will ever retire but I would love to own a racehorse one day and follow jump racing more.