This month we have asked CEO’s in the sector for any advice they would give those starting out in the industry or those looking to advance their career.
To show that we walk-the-walk, as well as talk-the-talk, we asked Spinnaker owners and founders Phil Parry and Steve Cox some probing questions!
First up is company Chairman Steve Cox.
What was your first job?
Making pot scourers for a company called Spong. It was piece work in my mum’s name but the whole family got roped into doing it. My dad set up a production line in the garage to speed things up: I remember we had a pair of shears in his bench vice to cut the netting, and dustbins stacked with the various pieces we had to put together!
Describe your typical working day
There is no typical working day apart from a few standard meetings each week. I try to be in the office most days because I think it is very important to be visible and available to the staff, but I do come and go at non-standard times. When you are running a company you don’t actually “do” a lot – but it takes a lot of time to ensure that others are doing what needs to be done.
What were your expectations when you launched the business?
My business partner Phil Parry was very upset when I said I wanted to earn £40k a year (he was thinking £400k !!) but at the time we were doing an 80-hour week and yet earning less than our employees…
If I am honest, I was very confident that the business would be a success. I had faith in my own ability – and Phil’s strengths were my weaknesses, so we made a good team. We made slow and steady progress and improved year on year. We have only had three big bumps in the road. 200l, 2008 (global recession) and 2020 (covid), but each time it has not been as bad as feared. You do learn from experience and you do learn from your mistakes.
Why did you start Spinnaker?
Maritime recruitment was Phil’s idea but what really appealed to me was being able to grow something from scratch with infinite stimulation, variety and big challenges along the way – and the possibility of earning well from it. I think I am very self-motivated but I am not good at following rules, so “being your own boss” is the perfect role for me. I really like dealing with people as well and it is the people that really make a business, regardless of how good the idea is. I have learned so much from being in this role – and I still learn something every day – and that is what keeps me going.
