This month we chat with John Weedon, director at Mitchell & Webber.
“Look after your staff and customers.”JOHN WEEDON
Please give your career history in 25 words or fewer.
Previously a commercial bank manager for 15 years with Lloyds and, in 2002, joined my family firm which was created by our grandfather and great grandfather in the late 1800s.
Describe yourself in 3 words
Forward thinking. Positive. Fair-minded.
What were your childhood / early ambitions?
To work in finance or banking.
Describe your dream job (if you weren’t doing this?)
Travel photojournalist.
What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?
People buy from people.
Share your top tips for business success.
Look after your staff and customers.
What’s your most recent business achievement of note?
Supporting UKIFDA and OFTEC by helping to create Europe’s first HVO village.
Tell us your greatest fear
That civil servants won’t listen to consumers or industry.
Which is most important – ambition or talent?
Ambition, to give you the drive to achieve.
What’s the best thing about your job?
Dealing with customers.
Which is the quality that you most admire?
Doing what you say you will do!
What are you most likely to say?
Anybody got some chocolate?
What are you least likely to say?
No thank you, I don’t want any chocolate!
Describe your perfect day
On a day off, a swim, walk and a roast lunch at a local Cornish pub.
Do you have a favourite sports team?
No, but I like most sports.
What’s the biggest challenge of our time?
Wars and climate change.
Cheese or chocolate?
Chocolate!
Share your greatest personal achievement
Recently, it would be supporting the drive to renewable fuels.
What’s your pet hate or biggest irritant?
People not listening.
If you were on ‘Mastermind’ what would your specialist subject be?
D-Day.
If your 20-year-old self saw you now what would they think?
Still got it!!!!
If you were elected to government what would be the first law you’d press for?
Removal of fuel duty on HVO for any purpose.
What is number 1 on your bucket list?
Rocky Mountains / British Columbia
What 3 things would you take to a desert island?
My wife, a lifetime supply of wine and a BBQ.
Tell us something about you that people would be very surprised by
I’m not so keen on dark chocolate.
Who would you most like to ask these questions of?
Winston Churchill.
