4 minute read
Interview: Andy Fittes
We spoke to ANDY FITTES, a former police officer who is now director of bespoke company Century Tours.
What was your former job and how long did you spend in the role?
I was in the Metropolitan Police as an officer from 1987 until 2018 when I retired.
Can you tell us about a highlight of your previous job?
I helped plan a small bit of the Olympic Games with my team and we looked after the Live Site in Victoria Park (the one that Boris Johnson got stuck on the zip line in … I came up with the suggestion that got him down!) That was the high point of my planning role in the police which I loved.
After that I became a Federation Official and in 2014 became the General Secretary of the Police Federation of England and Wales. This meant I negotiated with Government (Theresa May to begin with) on pay and conditions for officers. That was a major challenge but I’m proud of the opportunity I had to do it. I also led a change programme for the Federation which was the first time it had changed in any major way since 1919.
Why did you leave your former job?
I had reached retirement age and after my last two roles in the Police (see below) I thought I had achieved all I wanted to do in the service and was ready for a new challenge.
Is there anything you miss about your former job?
The camaraderie is always great in public sector jobs like policing, and I miss the people.
Anything you really don’t miss?
The workload and pressure were intensive, and it is nice to work at a more relaxed pace. Also, I don’t miss shift work!
Would you go back if they asked you tomorrow?
No, I am happy that I did my bit and it’s time for others to have a go.
What is your new job title, and how long have you been in that role?
Katie and I formed Century Tours in the beginning of 2019. I am a Director of the company.
Was running a tour company or working in travel something you had always wanted to do?
No, it was totally different from what I thought I would be doing. But I’ve always loved travelling and history so wanted to be able to combine that with work. Katie and I also wanted to do something that we could work at together, so this was perfect for us.
Are there any downsides?
After 31 years in the Police, you do get used to the structure that it provides to your working day. It has been an adjustment to get used to being responsible for everything yourself. Also, you don’t get any paid holiday!
What is the best thing about having made that move?
Working together is brilliant and being our own bosses means we can arrange our days to suit our lives. Travelling on tours with people has been fantastic and creating our corporate team days has been really exciting.
What have been the biggest challenges?
We set up a new company during the pandemic and then had to deal with the cost-of-living crisis. It wasn’t the best bit of timing to join the travel industry but nevertheless we have enjoyed it all.
What has been a highlight of your new role so far?
Taking people on trips and to events has been the best bit about our company and working with Katie is never dull.
What is one piece of advice you can offer someone thinking of switching career?
There will be doubts, but if you want to be happy, follow your dream.
To find out more about Century Tours’ range of themed and bespoke tours for groups of all kinds, visit the company’s website here.
