Where to start? Working for BT in the 80's made me understand the frustration of having little control of your own career path. I decided that I could be an asset in my mother's commercial cleaning company and joined in 1989 with ideas and energy to move the business to another level. That went surprisingly well, although she ensured that I started with the cleaning staff. I worked on many sites, all with a variety of challenges. Working on my own, within a team and on big industrial cleans, I quickly learned to understand what hard work it was and appreciate our cleaning teams situations. Our greatest asset is still our people, and their ability to deliver a high quality cleaning service is down to our processes, born from those early experiences.After buying out the company when my mom wanted to retire, I took on the role of MD and took the company into Birmingham, widening it’s portfolio to encompass a wider variety of businesses. The challenge as MD has had it’s ups and downs – through various credit crisis and a pandemic. Our team supported our clients which includes many surgeries and schools all through Covid and thankfully they came out safely and with swathes of new experience in dealing with unknown situations. Fellow directors and I were all included in the cleans – stepping up when needed so I can honestly say I would not ask my staff to do anything I would not do myself.Now in 2023 celebrating our 40th anniversary it feels right to complete part one of our succession plan to install my son Alex in the role of MD. My support of him to continue to drive the business forward with his passion and energy is complete. It gives me an opportunity to step back and a chance to take a little more time to enjoy my golf and visit France to continue my house restoration in Brittany. Life is never boring, and I still enjoy the business world immensely. Combined with various hobbies and coaching my grandchildren in golf will keep me active for many years to come.