My Little Interview – Simon Webb

Article posted on 08.04.2020

Simon Webb - managing director at Tidy Planet

Our MD, Simon Webb, was recently interviewed by Materials Recycling World as part of the publication’s ‘My Little Interview’ series. If you missed the original article, catch up on what he had to say, below…

What was your first job?
I was a project manager in Texas – installing pollution control equipment.

What are the best and worst moments of your career so far? 
Being a business owner, for both! The worst was following the 2008-9 financial crash – it was a tough time for all companies. The best was last year – we had our most successful 12 months to date!

What one thing would you change about the waste/recycling industry?
I’d standardise recycling collection points for residents and businesses, so there’s no confusion about what material goes where.

If you weren’t in waste, what would you want to be?
I have a huge passion for cars, so it would be something in the automotive industry – maybe motor racing!

Book or e-reader, and what are you reading now?
Definitely e-reader and I’m currently working my way through ‘The President is Missing’ by Bill Clinton and James Patterson – a political thriller about cyber-terrorism.

Where would you like to time travel to?
Probably the beginning of the Industrial Revolution, during the steam age. I have a passion for technology, and this would be fascinating!

What song means the most to you?
It has to be Depeche Mode’s ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’ – it takes me back to my teenage years!

What can’t you live without?
My mountain bike – I love being in the great outdoors and the Peak District is on our doorstep! And of course, my wife and children!

What would you do as prime minister for a day?
I’d help to foster collaboration and give a speech about the importance of working together to get things done effectively.

Which building would you like to be locked in overnight?
It would have to be the Ferrari factory!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Put simply, work hard and be nice to people. Also, deal with the things you can solve, don’t worry about the things you can’t – and be wise enough to know difference between the two!

Who is your biggest inspiration?
Probably my father. I really looked up to how he managed himself in business and the ways he treated people with kindness and respect.

 

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