In this edition, we meet Nick Garthwaite of Christeyns.
Nick Garthwaite joined Bradford based chemical manufacturers Christeyns in August 2010 as Managing Director. During the last eight years Nick has been heavily involved in acquiring seven other companies in the UK, for the Christeyns group.
Nick is very strong advocate of “Process thinking” and what might be described as an “Empowered Culture” and applying this to all aspects of the work place. These principles are clear to see within Christeyns Bradford, and they have brought positive benefits to the business and the people within the business.
Tell us about the day to day life of your job?
Everyone probably says this – no day is ever the same, meetings, factory discussions, travel to our other factories in the UK, Chamber of Commerce activity, strategic development of the company, looking at acquisition opportunities (probably the most exciting aspect of the job).
What excites you about your job?
Working with great people, who are passionate and committed to their job – makes you want to work harder for them.
What is the proudest moment of your career?
The success of Bradford Manufacturing Week last year and again this year, bringing the schools and manufacturers of Bradford together to demonstrate to young students in the city district of Bradford the great career opportunities there are in the manufacturing sector
If you knew someone was wanting to get into your industry what advice would you give them?
Do it – how can I help you?
What makes a good boss?
First and foremost an excellent listener, someone who loves seeing success and growth in others, able to put yourselves in “their shoes and thus see the other persons point of view” and adjusts appropriately.
What is it you love about Bradford?
Its modesty, its heritage, its generous people and more and more I love the renewed optimism that is being expressed in so many activities, when we win “City of Culture 2025”, that will be one special moment
If someone had never been to Bradford where and what would you recommend they do?
Just take a walk around the city and its surrounds, take in the wonderful architecture that is here, admire the craftmanship in the buildings built all those years ago.
What was the highlight of your term as the Chamber president?
Has to be the launch of Bradford Manufacturing week, after a lot of preparation work by a lot of people, the event in October last year was a great success than I could have imagined, nearly 3000 young people were introduced to the wonderful world of manufacturing.
What was the first job you had and how much did you get paid?
First full time job was as a salesman in a photography shop in Huddersfield in 1975, I got a weekly wage of £20.00. Loved the job, loved selling, it taught me a lot and in particular making sure that the customer got what they really wanted, not what I wanted to sell them.
What did you want to be when you were 5?
Who is your idol and why?
An interesting question, I don’t think I have “idols” as such, certainly people I admire immensely, probably Barack Obama is top of my list
Has to be a train driver but of course in those days, a steam train.
Name 4 people dead or alive you would like to go to dinner with?
- Dougal Haston – mountaineer, climbed Everest by the South West Face
- Colonel John Frost – famous for exploits at Arnhem
- Norman Wisdom – comedian
- My Dad
What would you cook them?
Corned beef hash with tinned potatoes and tinned peas
Who is the best person to follow on twitter and why?
Has to be Suzanne Watson – President of Bradford Chamber of Commerce, because she is just ACE
Favourite book
I have loads of “favourite” books, I really enjoy reading, so picking one is very hard, I have always enjoyed reading “Lord of the Rings” – probably read it 5 or 6 times over the last few decades.
Best holiday you have ever been on and why
Letterfearn near the Isle of Skye (although have been on some great holidays / trips all over the world), it was 2016, weather was great, relatively midge free and so quiet, peaceful with beautiful countryside and wildlife on land and in the sea.
The one place on earth you have always wanted to visit and why?
The Himalayas, trek to Everest Base Camp – been on my “Bucket list” since I was 19 years old (I am now 63!)
What do you do to unwind after a long day in the office?
We are very lucky to live in the middle of fields (which I don’t own I hasten to add) but coming along the rough track to the house, the track opens up to great views of Wharfdale, just wonderfully relaxing
What one thing could you not live without?
I can live without most things but however I do like wearing a rather old gilet with umpteen pockets into which I can put all sorts of tools and stuff at weekends for various attempts at DIY!
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Chevy Chase
In another life I would be ..?
A plumber or plasterer. Both have skills I admire.
What would your super power be?
Super levels of hearing – my wife says I don’t listen!!
What is your happy song?
Are you ready for this? “Special Brew by Bad Manners”
If you were stranded on a desert island and you could have a luxury item what would it be?
The gilet mentioned above with the tools that are normally in it!
If you could retire tomorrow what would be the first thing, you’d do?
Well actually not long to go before I put this one to the test – going to walk the “Coast to Coast” at whatever pace I feel like
What is the craziest thing you have every done for charity?
Abseiled off the Leeds Met university building last year – 160 feet of pure pleasure!
If we gave you cheque for £1,000 which charity would you donate it to?
As a trustee of the Bradford charity – “Canterbury Imagine”, it’s all going to them, providing a reading book every month for the under 5’s of some of our cities estates
Tell us a joke
Parallel lines have so much in common – it’s a shame they will never meet!
