How did you get to where you are today?
By working harder and smarter than the next guy.
What was the best or worst decision you have made in your career and why?
The best and worst was moving from my beloved Scotland, down south to progress my career. As a result, more opportunities have come my way.
Who do you most admire in the grocery industry?
People who don&'t just give up and accept the norm.
Do you have a mentor and how have they helped you in your career?
Mike Hutchinson at J&J Tranfield, who gave me a chance to try something new in the commercial side of our site; and Steve Heslop, my former boss at Grampian Country Food Group, who pulled together a team where previously there was no collaboration between departments on a very large site.
What is the most important piece of information you have ever been told?
Always read e-mails again before you hit the send button!
If you could change one thing in the grocery industry what would it be?
Price deflation. As we are all seeing increases in fuel, the cost of living etc, more and more retailers are putting pressure on reducing costs. There are too many suppliers who will accept &'no&' from the retailers without exploring all the options - thereby slowing down the process even further for everyone else.
What is the most rewarding part of your job?
Going home on a Friday knowing that you are making the difference and involved in something new and exciting.
What is the one thing that you could not do your job without?
A sense of humour.
If you could start your career again, what would you do differently and why?
I would not have stopped playing football at 14 and started again at 19. I would have played at a higher level of professional football.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry today?
Don&'t accept &"this is how we always do it&" from people who just don&'t want to change.
What do you like doing outside of work?
Playing football.
Where do you hope to be in five years&' time?
Sailing around the Mediterranean on my own boat.