The Great North Air Ambulance Service has its headquarters at Eaglescliffe on Teesside and a base at Langwathby, near Penrith. As a charity it rescues hundreds of severely injured or ill patients every year - flying to the scene to deliver pre-hospital care.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)?
It was a weekend role with a shoe shop in Newcastle while I was a student - £1.41 per hour.
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business?
So much good advice over the years. It is the acts which you perform when no-one is looking that you will be judged on, and which give you your integrity. That we are all human and need a great support network around us. We will all have setbacks and disappointments, it is inevitable – our resilience, support and response are what make us what we are. None of us are immune from mental health pressures – be open and talk about it – and be kind.
What are the main changes you’ve seen in your business/sector, and what are the challenges you’re facing?
Operationally, it would be improvements in techniques and equipment which improve outcomes for our patients. Organisationally, it is changes to people’s ability to support and fund what we do. Relying on charitable donations, whenever there are other areas of charitable giving, or if people’s individual financial circumstances change, then we have a funding gap.
How has the pandemic changed the way you work?
We have evolved on the same technology journey as many other companies – reducing travel and costs by using Teams to bring us closer to our suppliers without the travel. Operationally, we have been busier than ever, with extra demand for our services.
Who is your role model in business?
I don’t think I have any one role model but have certainly been inspired by so many colleagues on my journey, and I am constantly motivated by our teams to be currently part of an amazing organisation.
What would your dream job be?
It sounds like a cliché, but the one which I have.
What advice would you give to someone starting out a career in your sector?
Be kind – understand others perspective and embrace differences and diversity.
What makes the North East a good place to do business?
Not only is it a beautiful area, with incredible scenery, but it is filled with creative, talented individuals who make opportunities possible.
How important is it for business to play a role in society?
I think that society needs all of us to play a part, and to bring our talents to help us all to thrive and survive.
Outside of work, what are you really good at?
I am not sure that I am ‘really good’, but I strive to be a great husband and Dad and put a lot of effort and time into my family. I believe that I can have a go at driving ‘anything and everything’, from rally cars, quads, tractors, diggers, and boats…. Not sure I am great at any of them though!
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