What do you think? From emerging trends to the latest business principles, Furniture News is setting out to gauge the trade’s feelings on a variety of industry-specific topics. Today, we’re asking our panel: How do you ‘take five’?
Tim Hobbs (Prestige Furniture Logistics): Walk the dog
Andrew Kerr (Siren Furniture): I find running, and exercise in general, to be very therapeutic. I do try to maintain a healthy work/life balance, so try where I can to mentally clock out and spend quality time with my family
Brian Levitt (Brian Levitt Sales Agencies): Friday is my ‘office day’!
Steve Pickering (Sussex Beds): Taking time out is essential. For me, amateur dramatics is my escape. For a short space of time you become someone else and focus on being that character. I am not Steve, I am someone else, somewhere else. More recently, I’ve dedicated time to writing and posting my experiences, thoughts, fails and wins on LinkedIn. This too I find very liberating and rewarding
Gavin Boden (Rhenus Home Delivery UK): Pick up a bowling ball and throw a few frames
Greg French (Westgarth Furniture): Turn off my phone, spend time with family and friends
Jonathan Burrage (Hydeline Furniture): I swim 2.5km every day to break away from everything else I may be doing. It provides me with clarity of mind if I’m deliberating over certain issues, whilst also keeping me physically fit
Mike Murray (Land of Beds): For me, taking five involves a combination of spending quality time with my family, hitting the gym for some exercise, and dedicating my efforts to coaching a local grassroots football team. It’s not only about teaching them the game, but also imparting important life lessons like teamwork and discipline. These activities help me recharge, find balance, and connect with what truly matters in my life
Carole Nolan (Maze Outdoor): I never sit still for long, but I enjoy a glass of wine whilst looking at trends on social media
Peter Harding (Fairway Furniture): If I’m working on something that requires continued focus, I’ll often take time to pop downstairs from our offices to the store below and take a wander, talking to the sales team and finding out the key challenges they face
Sam Jackson (Bluebone Imports): I’m an active member of the local hockey club and value the relationships made over the years, so continue to get involved in both playing and fundraising, to give something back
This article featured in the May 2024 edition of Furniture News magazine.
