Simon Ford, managing director of Allstone and Speedy Skips, was adamant his name should not be on the list, but the panel and Punchline thought otherwise. He had this insight into
the bank, but a great idea in their brain and to see them then bring that idea to market and go on to become extremely successful is very exciting. “They must have been an inspiration to many others to start their own businesses, even when there may have been people close to them telling them that it won’t work, they can’t afford it or, maybe, that they are ever so slightly barking mad... .” Mr Holliday said: “What we also knew as judges, is that even with this fantastically strong list, we were merely scratching the surface. “We could’ve added so many more names to the roll call from those we discussed – and we were acutely aware that there are probably plenty more that we didn’t even get the chance to consider. But I think we all felt we have ended up with a fine collection of individuals that reflect extremely well on themselves, their business and the county that either inspired them to start their business or has become that permanent business home.” We here at Punchline think this is a robust list, and we hope it helps celebrate the rich and diverse talent here in Gloucestershire across a broad range of sectors.What we also hope, is that it provokes a reaction, causes debate, champions business in the county – and brings forward even more names for us to refresh it and do it all over again. Just don’t tell the judges yet l
Simon Ford
running a business in a highly competitive sector. “I met Sir John Harvey Jones when I was 19, 20 and asked him for some advice to run and grow business. He said ‘change or die’. In other words you have to be continuously changing – or go out of business. You have to see what people want, what is lacking in a market. “In our industry - quarrying and waste and property development – you have to lead rather than follow. You have to create. We have invested in recycling machines, plants and lorries. “They are all trying to push the boundaries of what we do. You see opportunities all the way. All the time. People come to you with them. You have to wheedle the good from the bad.” As for any advice he may have himself: “There are two snippets I live by. Always treat people as you want to be treated. “The second thing is really that you never stop learning. Every single day is a learning day. You gather that knowledge throughout your day, until you die. Always be humble, never be big headed and always be prepared to learn.” He added: “I have heard it a lot, where people get asked that question – ‘what advice would you give?’. It is a difficult one. My mother taught me just to work your socks off, follow your heart. The old man used to say, ‘buy something for a pound, sell it for two, just to cover your costs’. “Always buy the best things. If your business is selling something – you have to believe in that product. Have the best product you can. It does not matter if it costs a little bit more. Believe in yourself. It is a lonely business. “There is no one patting me on the back and there is not going to be. It can be a lonely place” l
September 2019 | www. punchline-gloucester .com | 19
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator