Q & A with Geoff Jackson

Q & A

with Geoff Jackson

How long have you been working for the iKBBI?

Though I have been employed by the iKBBI for only two years, I have been associated with the iKBBI for many years and have watched with great interest as what was basically a concept 10 years ago, has become the strong and respected organisation it is today.

What were your first impressions?

My first impressions of the iKBBI was one of getting a better understanding of how the institute was genuinely fulfilling several needs within the KBB industry, especially when it came to education and standards. Geoff Jackson is the iKBBI’s Inspector Coordinator and is responsible for liaison between the institute's national network of field inspectorate and our clients. A former Metropolitan Police officer of 32 years, Geoff has a wealth of experience in the provision of professional witness statements and court preparation.

What interests you most about your roll as an inspector?

My role is particularly interesting and extremely important as it ensures that both consumer and installer’s rights are met. Its makes my role very varied as no two cases are the same, however, I’m proud to say that each situation is dealt with promptly, fairly and openly and transparently.

You spent many years in the police service, does this help you in your role with the iKBBI in any way?

I spent just over 33 years with the Metropolitan Police during which time I carried out a whole variety of duties and gained many useful skills that stand me in good stead as an iKBBI Inspector.

For over 27 years I was a traffic officer as a motorcyclist and later a driver. I was also a Vehicle Examiner and a Fatal Accident Examiner/ Investigator.

My previous police service helps me greatly within my role with the iKBBI, especially when it comes to people skills, communications and investigation. My vast experience also means that I am able to share the skills I accumulated with the Met in report writing with other inspectors.

On the lighter side, who makes you laugh?

Many of our old comedians made me laugh and still do; one of my favourites was Norman Wisdom, 

although Tommy Cooper always made me laugh without having to even say a word!

And cry?

I have been known to get emotional and possibly the thing that affects me most is the annual Service of Remembrance that takes place at the Cenotaph.

Name 3 people you’d most like to share a few beers with?

I would like to have the opportunity to have a couple of pints with my dad, who passed away when I wasn’t even on lemonade! Sadly, there are several other family members that I would also love to share a pint with but can’t for the same reason.

For non-family, it would be Henry Cooper, our greatest ever boxer who, despite all of his fame, came over as a normal likeable man. I would also like to share some beers with Bradley Walsh. I’d like to find out if he is as really funny as he comes across on TV.

Name the 3 people you’d least like to share a beer with?

I would least like to share a pint with Donald Trump, Ken Livingstone and Vladimir Putin!

Book or Kindle?

I’d definitely opt for a book. I’m currently reading ‘Inferno’ by Dan Brown.

Rachel Riley or Old Mother Riley?

I can remember the Old Mother Riley character but I’ll go with Rachel Riley.

Posh & Becks or Nosh & Becks (beer)?

Nosh & Becks! Becks if I’m not driving and Becks Blue if I am. A nice Steak ’N’ Kidney pie is always good, especially for cold nights.

Name one possession you could never do without?

Like many people, I have a several objects that are ‘special’ to me, but there is no one thing that I could never do without.

INCREASING BRAND AWARENESS AT KBB 2016

Once again the team at the iKBBI were pleased to support KBB2016 in Birmingham last month (March 2016) and were delighted with the positive response to the stand displays and the institute in general from visitors. It proved a useful tool for increasing awareness of the organisation and its initiatives.

For the first time, two stands were dedicated to the iKBBI, with the second being home to this very magazine. In all, the institute had around thirty square metres of exhibition space. The main stand focused on the iKBBI and the release of its latest prospectus, including the launch of its ‘Core Pillars’, see: www.ikbbi.org.uk/images/iKBBI%20 Prospectus%2016-17.pdf. The second and slightly smaller stand, showcased the iKBBI’s member magazine, The Installer Magazine (us), inviting visitors to subscribe for free, see: www.ikbbi.org.uk/ index.php/news/installer-magazine The general consensus from the iKBBI team who attended the show was one of success with hundreds of visitors to the two stands over the four days. The team gathered some great contact information and is currently working its way through the details, identifying any opportunities.

The vast majority of those who visited the stand are from the retail and manufacturing areas of the industry but they all showed great interest. There were fewer installers in attendance but those who did expressed that they found the visit worthwhile. Importantly, it gave the iKBBI team a rare opportunity to meet many members face-to-face from around the UK.

Damian Walters, iKBBI CEO said “KBB Birmingham only takes place every two years but it’s the leading KBB show in the UK. As we are the industry's only institute dedicated to KBB installation, we simply have to be there to share our objectives with prospective members, partners and corporates, networking with industry media and meeting and connecting with existing members.”