Christmas Spotlight: Rob Andrews

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 Rob Andrews, sales manager at Boroughbridge-headquartered industrial shredding specialist, UNTHA UK…

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

…that we all have to be flexible. Adaptability to change forms a key part of our personal and professional resilience.

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

Fair play – on the whole, we’ve just cracked on. When we started the year we had big plans when it came to the projects already underway for clients, some of the new services we wanted to offer as a business, and the engineering innovations within our machine roadmap. None of these plans have been derailed due to Covid-19, which I think deserves a massive shout out.

Were you guilty of any lockdown splurges?

I was that busy, I didn’t have time for any splurges – the waste industry was given key worker status, so for the most part, it’s been business as usual. What that’s telling me though, is that I definitely deserve a treat, this Christmas!

In fewer than 50 words, summarise three things your business has to look forward to, in 2021.

We’ve had a big year, in terms of high-profile machine sales, installations, customer success stories and new innovations coming to market. The phone hasn’t stopped ringing and we’ve continued to grow, which doesn’t just suggest how exciting 2021 will be – it shows that all the hard work to date was worth it.

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

Dynamix – as a team of Dynamics 365 experts, they’ve always pushed Microsoft technology, but the power of their solutions has really come to life this year. They’ve helped businesses work smarter, do more with less, and all while focusing not just on surviving, but thriving too!

What’s your oldest Christmas memory?

Family time – sometimes the simplest memories are the most vivid.

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

My Christmas dinners are fairly random, as I don’t typically have a turkey. But I couldn’t be without Yorkshire Puddings.

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

Sloegasm (a twist on a Kir Royale, made with sloe gin instead), Home Alone, and Chris Rea’s Coming Home for Christmas.

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

Recharging the batteries with the family and enjoying some of the winter air.

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

We made it.