~ Scott Wilcox

What are your main obligations as MD?

SW: My key responsibilities are to the employees of the company and ensuring the activities we undertake as a business are done in a safe and controlled manner. I also oversee the company’s business operations and financial performance; as well as ensuring our company policies and legal obligations are clearly communicated and adhered to.

From the brief overview of your KPIs, how do you manage your time throughout a typical day?

SW: One of the many things I enjoy about my job is that seldom are any two days the same. We are always reacting to changing situations and identifying new opportunities where a different approach or strategy may be required.

Describe an average day in office and if you are able to follow any semblance of a daily routine.

SW: Every day starts with a cup of tea, otherwise it is destined to fail! Following that, it depends on what appointments I have in my calendar. When I have free time, I try not to be a slave to my Inbox (not always successful)! I have to look ahead and keep track of my calendar as some work activities take more planning than others. One way or the other, most things I do end up scheduled in my calendar. Even my wife has figured out that she needs to make notes in there so I’m reminded of what’s happening at home!

What do you consider to be the most critical aspects of your role?

SW: I believe setting the tone of the business is often an important element that can be overlooked. People often follow the lead and I hope that if they see I approach a person, situation or challenge in a constructive, measured and often empathetic way, this may resonate around the business.

What do you enjoy the most about your job?

SW: The variety of work I am involved in, the support we have from a great Lifting Solutions’ management team and our parent company, Axel Johnson. We benefit from all the advantages of being part of a large group of over 170 companies, but we are given the freedom to run our business decentralised.

Can you mention one of the most challenging times in your role and why?

SW: I think the obvious one here is Covid. When approached with a situation that we have never experienced before, it can be difficult to know what judgment calls to make and when to make them. It was a particularly challenging period where a lot of difficult decisions needed to be made.

Can you recall a funny situation that’s happened during your tenure as MD?

SW: I have employed a wacky marketing woman!

How would you describe your style of management?

SW: I would say I have a semi-relaxed management style. I work hard, work a lot and enjoy what I do. I also expect our employees to work hard too, but that their efforts should bring opportunity through development and progression with it.

How do you stay updated with the latest developments and trends?

SW: Group communication enables us to pick up trends; not just in our own country, but abroad as well. Due to our large Group size, this is a great benefit we have available to us that many of our competitors don’t.

Thanks for your time Scott! Do you have an adage that you can leave us with?

SW: “Don’t regret what you did. Only regret what you didn’t do.”

The prestigious Lifting Equipment Engineers Association (LEEA) Awards are taking place in Liverpool this year on 21 November. We have submitted five nominations for awards and will be attending the ceremony with representatives from Lifting Gear, Certex and Lifting Gear & Safety.