In July’s edition we chat with Bruce Woodall, chairman of OTS Group Ltd, Storage Tank Services Ltd, Tankcare Ltd, Meadmanor Ltd, Farmlane Ltd and also technical director of the Fuel Experts Association which supports UKIFDA, OFTEC, EIC, BSI and all FEA members.
“IT IS WHAT IT IS, BUT LET’S GET ON WITH IT.”Bruce Woodall
Please give your career history in 25 words or fewer
Farmer’s son, started at OTS in 1971 (now OTS Group) and developed into filling stations, fuel depots, waste management and fuelling services for end users.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Fun. Sincere. Ethical.
What were your childhood / early ambitions?
Probably to be a farmer, but definitely to work for myself – probably unemployable!
Describe your dream job (if you weren’t doing this?)
Running the country, but with far less bureaucracy and more rare sense.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
Always make notes and don’t be afraid to speak out if you think something is wrong.
Share your top tips for business success.
Integrity, professionalism, and duty of care to the client.
What’s your most recent business achievement of note?
Working with the Chairman of the FEA, OFTEC and UKIFDA to get an exemption from the HSE on the storage of derv and gas oil up to 150,000lts when the ‘flammable liquid’ temperature was increased by the EU from 55C to 60C. If we had not achieved this the cost to UK Plc would have been circa £11 billion to meet the ATEX standards but for virtually no saving of lives.
Tell us your greatest fear
Probably not waking up.
Which is most important – ambition or talent?
Definitely ambition as without that you will not achieve very much.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety and the people I work with and meet.
Which is the quality that you most admire?
Integrity.
What are you most likely to say?
“It is what it is, but let’s get on with it.”
What are you least likely to say?
“Cannot do that.”
Describe your perfect day
Good night’s sleep followed by day with family and/or friends with some good wine.
Do you have a favourite sports team?
Not really but rugger is my game and so I support the 5 Nations.
What’s the biggest challenge of our time?
Global warming and cyber security.
Cheese or chocolate?
Definitely chocolate, as I descend from a chocolate family.
Share your greatest personal achievement
Gosh – helping to produce three lovely children.
What’s your pet hate or biggest irritant?
Bureaucracy.
If you were on ‘Mastermind’ what would your specialist subject be?
Low carbon liquid fuels.
If you were elected to government what would be the first law you’d press for?
The support and care of the disabled and mentally ill.
If your 20-year-old self saw you now what would they think?
Still bags of energy but a lot less hair!
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
A healthy, happy old age.
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
Fishing rod, solar panel, and compass.
Tell us something about you that people would be very surprised by
I was brought up a Quaker.
Who would you most like to ask these questions of?
The Pope, not that I am a Catholic or even religious, but I would be interested to know how he would deal with the forgiveness of sin and some of the above questions!
