In a new feature from Aycliffe Business, we get to know different personalities from around Aycliffe Business Park with 20 personal questions.
In the latest issue, we feature Emma Booth, head of operations at ITEC NE.
1: What was your favourite subject at school?
A: PE, always loved a team game especially netball and hockey – couldn’t run distance back then which is very different to now! Could chuck a discus and shotput, though!
2: Who was your childhood hero, and why?
A: I loved Wonder Woman, still do. In a day when to be fair it didn’t matter who was who, you just liked people, characters or you didn’t. Was less complicated then, I thought she was amazing and what she represented for young girls.
3: How did you get to where you are now?
A: I worked abroad for a few years when I had trained in the fitness industry but returned and fell into training staff in the workplace. The induction of my first UK job was so poor I feed this back and they said to redo it then, so I did! This resulted in getting a feel for helping people, improving individuals and education followed. I took a punt at management at 24 which was very daunting, but have since gone on to be in leadership and management roles for 20 years this year (scary!).
4: Which is your favourite organisation on Aycliffe Business Park and why (excluding your own)?
A: I have two – 3M is one, having worked with them in the past and seeing how their manufacturing operations work and speed in terms of response to demand amazes me. The second is May Green Marketing – Sarah’s (MD) support for apprentices and knowledge around marketing is second to none.
6: What’s the best business decision you ever made?
A: Moving organisations when the time was right for me. I have never made a bad move yet, and every organisation on my CV has been a pleasure to work for, enabling me to develop new skills and gain experience from a wealth of knowledgeable people some who will be friends for life.
7: What’s the worst decision you’ve ever made?
A: Tolerating behaviours from individuals when I was learning in management early on and not saying anything when I knew I was right. Speak up!
8: If you could change one thing about your organisation, what would it be?
A: I’d like to shout a little bit louder about what we do and the scale of what has been achieved over the last 40 years, but that’s not our style. We are understated and quietly confident in how we operate, which is not a bad thing.
9: Are you an early riser or a night owl?
A: Definitely a night owl – 5 o’clock on my watch only shows up once a day in my house!
10: What is your business mantra?
A: “If you don’t ask you don’t get”.
11: What advice would you give to a small startup?
A: Take a ‘no’ as a delayed ‘yes’.
12: What does the future look like for you?
A: The futures now, so many things to explore and adventures to be had as an individual and with my boys and their dreams. Living life in the moment!
13: What does the future look like for your organisation?
A: Exciting! We are led by local employers and individuals who need support so flex in the business to respond and navigate these tough times is something we have in droves. Our achievements are excellent, our staff, learners and employers are happy and we work in a fabulous new building that’s like a home from home.
14: What would you say to the Prime Minister if you saw him on Aycliffe Business Park?
A: We’re off to Roseberry Topping for a chat… how you get down will depend on your answers.
15: Which is your favourite local charity?
A: The Teesside Family Foundation. I’m running a double ultra marathon in June, 70 miles followed by 110km across the country and decided to generate funds for their specialist equipment unit. They buy bespoke wheelchairs, car seats and such like for families where quality of life will suffer as a result of not having the right kit for their disabled kids to get out and about.
16: Which is your favourite local restaurant?
A: There is a small local Italian where the owner and his family have been or over 30 years, Carusso’s in Stockton. Homely, well cooked food and as far removed from pretention as you can get, perfect.
17: What would be your ideal evening meal?
A: A beach BBQ in the summer on a warm evening in lovely company – simple.
18: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: I like to get up in the hills and on an odd mountain when I can, training and enjoying priceless peace. Then silly, fun things with my two sons, Evan and Eddie.
19: What is your favourite film, and who is your favourite actor?
A: I am very loyal – Top Gun since 1986, has to be so Tom Cruise.
20: What would you like to see more of?
A: People just being themselves without inflicting who they are on everyone else.
