Biz Extra

Husband Richard and Terre d’Hermes, Abba, Vietnam and, especially, Dad and Grandad...

By Staff Reporter [email protected]

Published: July 16, 2020 | Updated: 19th July 2020

Each week we shine the spotlight on a member of Dorset’s business community and ask him, or her, for answers to our part fun/part serious questionnaire. This time…

She loves the smell of Terre d’Hermes and peonies, gets angry at either animals, or people, being abused as well as litter; lists Vietnam as her favourite holiday location and would like to be remembered as a woman who always tried her best, helped others, is loved and is an asset to have on your side.

Jackie Phillipson, Co-Founder, ROUTEpr and Events Ltd, BHStar Awards & SOStar Awards, takes the 20 Questions’ hotseat.

Question: What is your favourite TV show?

Answer: I’m partial to a good drama, you can forget it when it comes to soaps as I think they’re far too depressing and take up too much of my time. I recently enjoyed White Lines, and otherwise it’s got to be The Good Wife, Homeland and Spooks. I can’t choose one of them as they’re all utterly classic and had me hooked.

Q: Who would you like to share a car with?

A: I would have chosen someone very famous. Now, post lockdown, my mind has completely changed. The car has to be full of people I miss the most, those who’ve made a huge impact on my life. Brian (my Dad); George ‘Geordie’ Phillipson (my Grandad); Robert Braithwaite, my old boss and mentor, and Henry Taylor, an ex-racing driver and the first Sunseeker dealer. He was very kind to me and become an adopted uncle. When I take in the scene I know that the car will be filled with love, humour and sound advice!

Q: The best bit of my job is…?

A: The people, coming up with solutions to their challenges and the creativity. We’re a diverse team from all walks of life. Over the years, since we started the business the landscape has changed, the world has become smaller, customers are from all walks of life and nationalities, they are all unique, they have different requirements, but they all want to achieve and succeed, as do we (and we love helping them get there). We can be working for clients from tech, innovation, construction, food, drink, health, tourism or charity sectors. Each day is different, the job is varied and we’re allowed to be creative, helpful, and challenged (in a good way) whilst at the same time feeling fulfilled and taking pride in being chosen to help and support clients. Businesses come in all shapes, sizes and types and that’s what we love about our job and the various awards we run are created specifically for core sectors so we can help them shine. It’s all about growth, development, profile and to support communities.

Q: And the worst…?

A: During the past few months, we faced many challenging times. Not meeting in person, no hugging and not shaking hands, it’s all been so different and really strange. We’ve adapted and made the most of Zoom meetings, FaceTime and phone calls.

Q: Who was your childhood hero?

A: Can I have two please? My Dad and Grandfather. Sadly they’re no longer here but they both made such an impression on my life, taught me so much and were both amazing people.

Q: What’s your favourite smell?

A: Terre d’Hermes – my husband Richard wears it  – and peonies because they’re my favourite flower.

Q: Where’s your favourite place in Dorset?

A: Our garden and the beaches off season or in the evening.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone starting out on a career?

A: Decide what you want out of life and be honest about your strengths and abilities. When I was given career advice at school, I was told what I should become; teacher, nurse, or a chef, and I went to a good school. Now we have extended education, apprentices, work experience and you can volunteer. These are much better ways to find what you want to do.

Q: What was your first record/CD?

A: I remember I had two records which I got from a record token, Terry Jacks’ ‘Seasons in the Sun’ and Abba ‘Waterloo’. I remember you could stack a couple of 45s on top of one another and balancing a penny on the turntable arm to keep it in the groove!

Q: What gets you angry?

A: Seeing an animal, or person abused, and also littering. Take your rubbish home or put it into a bin. #keepbritaintidy

Q: Do you have a favourite piece of music?

A: We made a CD for our wedding and we still play it on a regular basis. My ‘go to’ song to motivate and make me smile is Chumbawamba ‘Tubthumping’ (I get knocked down but I get up again).

Q: What are the qualities you look for in a new employee?

A: Common sense and practical skills as well as a ‘can-do’ attitude, enthusiasm, positivity and a willingness to learn and share their knowledge.

Q: What’s your favourite food or dish?

A: I love colour and fresh flavours, with layers of taste like Thai noodle dishes. When someone else cooks I’m happy with most things as long as they don’t contain tuna or oysters as I’m allergic to them both.

Q: Steamed sponge pudding and custard or a plate of melon?

A: Ginger and chocolate steamed pudding – it’s a decadent mix!

Q: Name the best thing about living/working in Dorset?

A: The community and our passion for where we live, work, relax and play.

Q: If you were Prime Minister for the day what would be the first thing you do?

A: I love this question! I’d ensure that myself and our ministers spent a solid day with small business owners from across the UK. These owner-operators are investing in this country and in local communities, they take risks by opening a business. The government needs to give them a stronger and more direct voice and greater understanding and NOT hear their comments or frustrations via surveys as they’re diluted. Business owners are innovators and, in the main, motivators. They have knowledge, ideas, and skills. They need to be listened to more, not regarded as a statistic to hit targets, but as a proper voice.

Q: What’s your biggest frustration?

A: A lack of respect for our environment. If you go out for a walk or on a trip take your litter back home with you, don’t drop it on the floor or at a beauty spot – both here and abroad.

Q:  Where’s your favourite holiday location?

A: Vietnam – it’s bliss. I’d suggest you go before it gets too commercialised.

Q: Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?

A: During Covid I’ve become more creative and practical, as I’ve had extra time. Richard and I have worked extensively on our garden and I’ve up-cycled so many things. We now have a whole new look to our dining chairs, two outdoor tables and chairs, and we’ve landscaped a large part of the garden, so I’d say I’ll be looking towards more ‘me’ time and a few special projects!

Q: What would you like to be remembered for?

A: As a woman whose always tried her best, helped others, is loved and is an asset to have on your side.

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