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 Phil Atkinson, managing director of BTS Facades and Fabrications.
1: What was your favourite subject at school?
A: PE and geography – to this day I still love keeping fit and learning about the planet.
2: Who was your childhood hero, and why?
A: Steve Gibson, Middlesbrough Football Club’s chairman – he brought our club to life, a true hero.
3: How did you get to where you are now?
A: When I worked at C&A Group when I was younger, I was taught to have a strong work ethic, but also how to enjoy work, too. Everything I learned there has helped me be who I am today.
4: Which is your favourite organisation on Aycliffe Business Park and why (excluding your own)?
A: Stiller Warehousing and Distribution. I applaud the team’s drive and love the way they lead, they always looking to grow and be better.
5: Which Aycliffe business or individual do you tip for future success?
A: Again, that would be Matthew Stiller.
6: What’s the best business decision you ever made?
A: Employing Nigel Freeman, our production director. He’s transformed the way we do things and is fantastic at keeping our team engaged.
7: What’s the worst decision you’ve ever made?
A: Not testing our rainscreen products sooner. We started testing in 2012, it now plays a massive part in our manufacturing process.
8: If you could change one thing about your organisation, what would it be?
A: I wish we had the resources to immediately get wind and solar power, we’re waiting for the market to pick up before we go ahead.
9: Are you an early riser or a night owl?
A: Night owl, you’ll catch me responding to emails at an ungodly hour.
10: What is your business mantra?
A: Work hard, play hard.
11: What advice would you give to a small startup?
A: Invest in automation and engagement, it’s so important to make sure your team are happy – ensure everyone is on board with the direction you want to take your company.
12: What does the future look like for you?
A: Carry on, I have no intentions of retiring – I love what I do, so I’ll be driving this ship forwards for as long as I can.
13: What does the future look like for your organisation?
A: Growth, engagement and continuing to try to make the team happy, with benefits like the four-day week. I would also love to be the best façade and rainscreen supplier in the country.
14: What would you say to the Prime Minister if you saw him on Aycliffe Business Park?
A: Get more cameras up to help prevent the ongoing theft issue. I’d ask him to have a word with the Crown Prosecution Service to ensure justice is done to prosecute the thieves who have stolen from local businesses.
15: Which is your favourite local charity?
A: The Great North Air Ambulance Service. GNAAS is our chosen charity and we love to raise vital funds to help support their life-saving mission.
16: Which is your favourite local restaurant?
A: Near work, it’s got to be The County. But closer to where I live, it’s got to be the Bay Horse in Hurworth.
17: What would be your ideal evening meal?
A: Chicken salad, with a few chips from my son’s plate I like to steal when he’s not looking.
18: What do you like to do in your spare time?
A: Go to the gym, then go to the pub! A nice holiday never goes amiss, too!
19: What is your favourite film, and who is your favourite actor?
A: It’s got to be Layer Cake. My favourite actor is Daniel Craig.
20: What would you like to see more of?
A: Security cameras on the business park.
