Christmas Spotlight: Dr Ash Ramzan

If ever there was a year when we need some festive cheer, it’s 2020. So, for our annual advent calendar of Q&As with the region’s businesspeople, we’ve tried to focus on what brings you joy.

Every day in December, we’ll invite someone into the Christmas spotlight, with 10 quickfire questions…

Next up, it’s Dr Ash Ramzan, managing director from Woodley BioReg Ltd

Complete the sentence: “If there’s one thing 2020 has taught me, it’s…”

…Don’t take the ‘simple’ pleasures of walks and dinners with family and friends for granted!
And, don’t assume those in control know what they’re doing.”

If you could give a one-line shout out to your team, for how they’ve handled this year, what would you say?

This is easy — you’re all superstars and I’m proud to be working with you!

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

No, of course not! Well, actually lots of little splurges such as buying daft things online. But I have a good excuse — manning the office alone whilst everybody has been remote working hasn’t helped!

In fewer than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.
As a pharmaceutical and vaccines consultancy, we’re hoping that coronavirus has been a wake-up call to the government that the life sciences sector forms a vital part of our healthcare and economy. We’re looking forward to engaging with decision-makers to help define what the future should look like.

Which business do you think has gone above and beyond, this year?

PPHR (Positive People HR) has been brilliant in guiding not just us, but many other businesses through the dynamic Covid-19 readiness hurdles. This team has ensured we continue to operate safely and in compliance with the regulations — particularly as some of our colleagues were shielding.

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

Trying to figure out why Christ was in his thirties at Easter, some four months after Christmas – I was only three or four-years-old at the time!

What’s the one thing you could never be without, on your Christmas dinner plate?

I can honestly say — without any guilt or embarrassment — brussels sprouts! I must be one of the few people that actually enjoy eating these divisive little balls of green goodness.

What’s your favourite Christmas tipple, film and tune?

The song has to be ‘Merry Christmas’ by Slade! My favourite film to watch at Christmas is ‘Wizard of Oz’ — I remember seeing it in colour for the first time over the festive period and it just took my breath away! My drink of choice is boring old cranberry juice.

What are you most looking forward to, about Christmas 2020?

Like everybody else, I’m looking forward to putting the coronavirus pandemic behind us. I know this won’t be an immediate change, but with the new wave of vaccines, availability of hand sanitiser, PPE (and loo roll), and our continuous improvement in understanding of how this virus infects and spreads, I feel we’ve turned a corner and things will start to normalise quickly.

And a message to your friends, family, colleagues and peers as they welcome in 2021?

It’s great that we’re all here and healthy, but let’s not forget the many millions globally –and many thousands in the UK — that are no longer with us. Let’s all try to keep showing our ‘human’ side as we move forward in 2021.