Watching the detective

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

My first full time job after leaving school was on a local dairy farm, helping with milking, feeding, calving, etc.

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

It was about £62.50 a week which I am sure I spent on clothes.

Describe how you career developed to the present day.

After being made redundant from my farming job I took several temping positions — ranging from kitchen hand to warehouse manager — but I was keen to get a more permanent job.

At the age of 21 I became an owner-driver, delivering concrete throughout Oxfordshire. I was a self-employed haulage contractor for seven years and while I enjoyed doing this, it was not what I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

So, in 2002 I took a massive gamble and set up a detective agency with the help of a franchise, selling my home to help finance the business.

This was something I had already been interested in, having completed a home study course two years earlier. I remained a franchisee until 2009 before setting up North Court Investigations.

What are the key responsibilities in your position?

In the early years I used to get involved in a lot of the field-work but now my role is more office based. I secure clients’ instructions, organise and plan the agents’ diaries and manage the assignments.

Describe a typical day Taking calls, responding to e-mails, attending meetings with clients, planning future assignments, briefing agents and liaising with clients about their case. But there are plenty of days which are not typical.

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

I do not think anyone in particular has influenced me, I just like to work hard and do the best that I can for my business and family.

What has been your best decision?

Taking the risk to become a private investigator. It was a huge financial commitment to set up the company but I love it and not many people can say that about their jobs.

And your worst?

Not leaving the franchise earlier. Becoming a franchisee is a great way for someone to start a business but it does put a lot of restrictions on what you do with your own business.

Do you run an apprenticeship scheme and, if so, why?

No, it is not something we would get involved in.

What is the secret of good management?

Having a passion for what you do. If you are passionate about your business you have got a head-start to success.

Do you have a good work/life balance?

Yes — being self-employed does give you more flexibility, for instance if you need time off with your family. I am usually in the office 9-5 and spend the evenings checking e-mails as we have a number of US clients, but it does not impact too much on my home life.

What are the biggest challenges facing your business today?

The proposed licensing and regulation of private investigators. As a company we welcome any form of regulation, so long as it’s in the interests of the industry and not just a money-making scheme for the Government. Licensing has been discussed for the past 20 years but it’s only after the News of The World phone hacking scandal that it has gained more urgency. We expect it to be implemented within the next two years.

Is there anything in business that really irritates you?

VAT at 20 per cent irritates me and our clients a lot and I hope someone reviews this soon.

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

We are considering franchising to help other budding private investigators start up in business. We have already been looking at how this might work and think it would be an excellent way to expand our offices throughout the UK.

What has been your most satisfying moment?

Reaching ten years in business and having a company that has flourished.

How much do you use social media and how effective is it?

We have a Twitter page and update the website with relevant news stories regularly. We try to keep on top of the game with our website and I think social media helps with this.

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

We have an ongoing relationship with Witney-based carbon offsetting company, OxTreeGen, which helps us reduce our carbon footprint by planting trees. We are always looking for other ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

What do you do to motivate your workforce?

Communication is the key to a happy workforce. It helps make a happier environment for all of us.

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

I think I would have liked to have been a radio DJ. I love radio personalities such as Chris Evans and have always thought what a cracking job it would be.

What would you like to do when you retire?

Own my own smallholding with a few sheep, cows and chickens. Oh, and have at least two luxury holidays a year!

Name: Matt Thomas
Age: 38
Job: Private Invesitgator
Time in job: Ten years

Contact: 01865 389941
Web: wwwprivateinvestigatoruk.com