FINANCE MONTHLY CEO AWARDS 2014

EUROPE

CEO INSIGHT Q

What are your most important professional

achievements at your current company?

To continue to adhere to our motto “Better Prices, Better Service, Better Bathrooms” and expand the business. I have taken Better Bathrooms from a small money making scheme to hugely successfully UK business. The long- term plan is for Better Bathrooms to be a global company.

Q How did you do that?

By having a USP that made us stand out from our competitors. By constantly analysing our industry, helps identify improvement areas, which in turns spark increased sales and growth. At the end of the day I’ve always one eye on the future, taking inspiration from inside and outside our industry to find ideas we can replicate and transform into success.

Q

What lessons did you learn on your way to

becoming a CEO?

So many! If I had the business knowledge, I do know back when I first started out, I would not have

made half of the mistakes I did. However, I wouldn’t necessarily have done anything different along the way as nothing should ever be seen as a failure, more like a learning curve to help better yourself and the business. Mentoring has definitely helped – I strongly believe it’s the information that you don’t know which can harm a business.

The convenience of online shopping is a factor that customers now strive for in store.

“ Q What are the key challenges for a CEO?

Always aim for the next big thing. Too many business leaders taking a back seat when the success starts yet your company can only grow so far from this.

Make sure you can identify not only your weaknesses but also your businesses. Without this you simply can’t improve and evolve. It’s been 12 years and I’ve still a long list of areas I need to work on so by continuing to identify these makes sure you’re aware of any potential failings.

resort here, honestly who does that? Its nuts!

Q

How do you describe your leadership style?

I would describe myself as

straightforward, honest,

hardworking and challenging – I am always thinking is there is a better way to do something.

As CEO I get to make my own decisions and not having to wait on others is one of the best factors in owning your own business. I like to make a fast

Q

Do you admire another CEO or a leader (current

or historical)? Why?

It has to be Walt Disney. He’s a visionary in creating something from nothing. Look at Disneyworld in America, it was originally a marshland, so to have the foresight to open a theme park and holiday

impact in our industry, driving my staff to evolve and act quickly when it comes to change and new ventures

Q

How do you see the future of your industry?

Online shopping will continue to grow and develop. I love how this market gives way for a variety of retailers and services, with some of the most creative businesses solely relying on this medium. Moving forward, online retailers will continue to personalise the shopping experience to each customer by giving people exactly what they want and when they want it. The convenience of online shopping is a factor that customers now strive for in store.

One of the biggest changes over the next 12 months is the increase use of mobile phones, apps and mCommerce. Mobiles have developed to a point where we do everything on them and more people are now buying products from them. This is an area we have already identified and we’re currently creating a new mobile site to reflect this.

Lisa Boyle - Executive Assistant Tel: 0844 484 7678 l Email: Lisa.Boyle@betterbathrooms.com l Website: www.betterbathrooms.com

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