Tell us about your career path to Baltex.
I started as a painter and decorator when I was a teenager but I didn’t really take to it. I went to the careers office at 16 in 1977 and was told there’s a nice factory in Ilkeston looking to recruit. I went there for an interview and got the job. I started as a knitter but I didn’t take to knitting so they put me in despatch and I’ve been here ever since, moving over to the Basford site in the last 10 to 15 years. I’ve also become Baltex’s main delivery driver as well in the last five years.
What does your role involve?
I work five days a week delivering materials between our UK sites at Basford, Ilkeston and Shepshed, as well as taking orders to customers and suppliers across the UK. The furthest north I’ve been is up to Lancashire, Blackburn, Burnley, and once as far south as Crawley, West Sussex. I typically get three or four delivery jobs a day. I also sometimes do a bit of forklift driving.
Every day is very busy – it’s vital to get the products to our customers when they want them and on time. I really enjoy it and get to meet different people when I’m out in the van.
Where are the challenges?
Because we are so busy there is a lot to fit into a day, and of course I have to think ahead about things like potential traffic issues that could impact delivery and return times. I approach it by trying to be cool, calm and collected and using my experience to resolve any challenges.
What do you like about working for Baltex?
I started very young and lived with my parents at the time so having a factory close by where I grew up in Ilkeston was very convenient. I’ve also had fabulous people to work with over the years. We’re working in a demanding industry but we still have time for a laugh.
I remember a long time ago when a maintenance man at Ilkeston was painting a textile cutting table and accidentally completely covered himself in paint after missing his footing on a ladder. The company director at the time, Mr Wood senior (Charles Wood’s father), joked “Has there been a slight accident here?” Luckily the man wasn’t injured but it was a hilarious sight.
It’s also good working alongside the young people coming into the industry and thinking about their potential to go a long way.
What’s the most satisfying part of the job for you?
It’s always satisfying getting the orders out to the customers on time, ensuring we continue to offer an excellent service. I like helping people and I see myself as a father figure here. Younger or less experienced colleagues will ask me for advice and I’m happy to help out. It helps to be patient!
What changes have you seen at Baltex, and what’s to come?
When I started, Ilkeston’s despatch was a very small unit and now all the sites have grown. We’re getting busier every year which is very good for the company. I think that’s because we produce a very good product with good service, and a good sales team.
Going forward I can see Baltex increasing capacity so we have more storage facility to meet demand.
What do you enjoy doing outside work?
I love walking football and have been doing it for about 10 years, one of the best things I’ve ever done. It’s quite contentious sometimes because some players try to run! It’s a great thing to do after sitting down or driving all day, it’s sociable, and keeps me fit.
I’ve also recently become a granddad for the first time so I love spending time with my new grandson who is a bundle of joy.
Would you do this again aged 16?
If I was 16 again I probably would. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I’d be doing this for 48 years. I think I’m a dying breed but Baltex has been very supportive to me over the years and the business values not only the next generation but the more long-standing ones like me. I like to think I have got a lot more to give to the company so I think I’m good for a few more years.
My advice to new starters? Listen to the older ones sometimes – we have the experience to help. You never really stop learning – I’m still learning at 64.
Find out more about Baltex here.
