Job Title: Owner
Company: Cucumber PR
Tell us a bit about yourself. This can include telling us what fires you up about the job you do, your professional achievements, your career highlights. What inspires you? What attracted you to pursue a career in manufacturing? Is there anything else you’d like to say about either your job or UK manufacturing?
I think I have the best job in the world. I get to work with lots of exciting manufacturers who are changing the way the world operates, and, importantly, I get to tell their story. My clients span more than 20 different engineering disciplines and sectors, and I have to understand their businesses and the industry nuances – meaning each day is completely different.
It is then my role to promote UK manufacturing to the media, ensuring that our collective voice is heard and some of the world’s best innovations have a far bigger audience than they would normally have. My message is to the UK government. You have some of the best engineering minds in the world – it’s about time you support them, give them a fair playing field and let them work their magic.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be scared to take a risk. I was very cautious growing up and only really started to come out of my comfort zone when I met my wife, who gave me the confidence to trust my gut feeling more. It has proved to be one of the best decisions I’ve made and, even when things haven’t worked out as planned, there’s lots of important life lessons I’ve taken from those experiences.
What is your favourite engineered/manufactured product?
I’m a little bit biased here, but I love Auto-Cargo by Aurrigo International in Coventry – one of Cucumber PR’s longest-serving clients. The company has been at the forefront of developing autonomous vehicles for nearly ten years and, unlike a lot of riva
Please give one interesting fact about yourself that not many people know.
I once scored two goals at Stamford Bridge, the home of Chelsea football club. It was part of a fan’s five-a-side tournament hosted by Lucozade and I managed to get on the scoresheet against West Ham and Sandwell Town (West Brom).
If you weren’t in manufacturing what would be your dream job?
My first love was always to be a professional footballer, but that dream ended at 18 when I was deemed too small. These days I’d love to run my own craft brewery, developing lots of great beer and sharing it with fellow enthusiasts.
