Welcome from Paul Waite

A life lived in fear is a life half lived

Adapting to the new normal

By Paul Waite FCA FCCA - Chief Executive, Aspen Waite Group

In March 2020, the Government announced we were in a Pandemic.

Here we are coming to the end of 2021 and the world, certainly our world, is finally waking up.

I am, by nature, a very positive character and I value my civil liberties, so I really struggled with the lockdowns.

I was not especially well in March, so the Pandemic did me a favour, breaking up the traditional work routine, allowing me to get plenty of sunshine.

I have probably visited as many people as anyone over the last 18 months or so, travelling the length and breadth of our land. I remember the first time I went across the Severn Bridge and expected the Welsh Archers to meet me on the other side. Governments across the world have scared their populations to death and, unfortunately, many people have lived their lives in fear and will probably never be the same again.

2021 has been a tough year with the full implications of the Pandemic finally working through, many of them being felt as negative.

Aspen Waite’s success has been based on our network and our willingness to collaborate. The network practically closed down, staff were often at home and face to face contact was practically eliminated.

On the positive side, I was convinced that there would be wholesale business failures with particular concerns over a few clients.

Here we are in the Autumn of 2021 and our customer base remains intact.

In fact, there are a few real success stories, notably my longstanding friend Steve Whettingsteel’s business, Krysteline Technology.

This company could have been a global sensation many years ago but finally the moment has come.

Steve was a guest of my live business interview show and I got to know him even better.

I have interviewed a whole succession of great people and there has been a common theme throughout the interviews in the empathy between myself and the interviewee and our shared experiences. My media career has really advanced and, whilst I am an accomplished radio presenter, for me my real achievements lie in my interview style which puts my guest at ease and my performance as lead presenter in the Thames Valley and Southwest Business Awards. The national awards now beckon.

Aspen Waite Radio is now in to its second year. “Madness or genius?” I’m still not sure myself.

We are definitely learning all the time and our biggest challenge is spreading the word.

It’s not long ago that I saw my future in being more like an Executive Chairman, but I have become a very hands on operational CEO.

It can be a pressurising and lonely role, but I am proud of how I am adapting and where I need to make those really difficult decisions that you would rather not.

I am often heard saying that what happened yesterday is not good enough today and what happens today is not good enough for tomorrow and so on. I am especially pleased that I have had the courage to invest in Aspen Waite’s future given the reduction in income from our core market (R&D) over the last year. This took courage and was not universally popular internally. Nonetheless along with the investments we have had to make some cost reductions.

Despite this Aspen Waite today though is a very different organisation:-

• New offices in Porthcawl, Talbot Green and

Tiverton • Growing the Corporate Finance capability • Radio station combining music and business in a highly relevant way • Amazing Marketing Team including industry leading designer • Successful development of our own Anaerobic

Digester in Aspen Waite Sustainable Energy • Launch of our new Environmental Consultancy product “Sustain” which we believe is the best and most relevant offering in the market

It takes courage to run a business; it is not always easy.

As AA Milne said:-

“You are braver than you believe, Stronger than you seem, Smarter than you think And loved more than you’ll ever know”

I am also now a proud co-owner of the Heritage Mint Company (coins) and this gives me a chance to work with my friend, best-selling author Kevin Ashman, and genius colleague, David Scheeres.

We have concentrated on British battles but also a wonderfully uplifting piece of work to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Rorke’s Drift: see our special feature inside.

Doing so much media work has undoubtedly helped my presentational and oratory skills and being interviewed every Friday has helped me to understand myself: perhaps more importantly to articulate my thoughts better to colleagues and clients alike.

As we come to the end of the year, thoughts go to loved ones and people that have made their mark.

I feel privileged to know Johno Harris and he has borne adverse health with incredible courage and an undiminished positive attitude.

Likewise, Glynn Ford, CEO of R&M Utilities, the client I probably deal with the most, who despite a chronic medical condition is a whirlwind and an inspiration.

Glynn introduced me to Louise and Lee, founders of Next Steps Charity, and I think this will be life changing, hopefully for all of us. Again, see the feature inside.

The star of the year has to be my granddaughter, Evelyn. She is quite a character and loved by all.

Finally, we have once again the Aspen Waite Christmas Songs. Be sure to watch on our Aspen Waite YouTube channel and social media platforms which are updated every day with relevant and engaging content from our group.

And don’t forget to tune into Aspen Waite Radio.