Do you think the government supports and actively encourages sport in schools?
School sport delivery is in a great place now with an aspiration from the Youth Sport Trust for all kids to have 5 hours of PE and Physical activity a week.
“I had my head in my hands in the 90’s when competition was taken out of school sport but now it’s back on the agenda and I think the Olympics can only help this cause.”
What are your views on the new coalition government? “I’m not really a party political person. Of course I vote and always would but I don’t expect the government to help me get on in life. We live in a country with fantastic opportunities and we should make the most of them. I got testicular cancer last year and the support I received and am still getting from the NHS was simply fantastic. I vowed to never complain about paying taxes again.
What would you do in a government role? “Try and make people see that sport is progressive and has the ability to help with our long term health, engagement, well being and tackling social issues.”
© Simon Wilkinson
Pools 4 Schools at the LWT Lawn, South Bank London, 2009. Pools for Schools project helping youngsters to swim. Pictured are: Beccy Adlington, Boris Johnson and Rik Vlemmiks, Kate Hoey and Stephen Parry.
What’s the biggest risk you’ve taken? “Starting a business with no support, advice or experience and putting £10,000 into starting it up. I’m not sure I would have the bottle to do that again.”
WorkLife magazine is an equal offering of workstyle and lifestyle. Have you found the balance between work and your personal life? “I work too much at the moment in comparison to many other people but I love what I do and enjoy the challenge of building a company. It’s really important to me to get down to the gym to stay healthy and it also acts as a great stress busting process. I’m lucky with a great family and rich circle of friends so the only thing I really miss out on is Eastenders and Corrie.”
© Simon Wilkinson.
What’s been your greatest achievement?
“I guess I should say getting lucky and marrying my wife! She is amazing but winning a medal at the Olympics was pretty cool too.”
As a successful businessman, do you still have to budget?
“A lot of the money that’s been made has been reinvested into the business. We have a very ambitious target of positively impacting on 1,000,000 kids in the run up to the Olympic Games so the budget must remain!”
What luxury would you never give up? “Starters at restaurants. Just love ‘em.”
The best piece of advice you were ever given…
“My Dad always said look people into the eye with a firm handshake. For some reason I have always remembered that. The little things make the biggest difference.”
What is your secret ambition? “Not telling!”
What’s next for Steve Parry..? “We are expanding into Dance and Gymnastics and are opening up Beth Tweddle academies all over the North West. It’s an exciting time for me.”
© Simon Wilkinson.
24 - WORK
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