“Thanks for agreeing to do this Phil,
could you start by explaining your role within PSU?”
Phil: "Sure no problem. My role as a desk based Customer Account Manager means that I act as the liaison between our existing customers and our portfolio of products and services. I have to admit though that a fair amount of my time is taken up investigating and costing client requests. Many companies and organisations within our customer base only use one or two services, but as the group has expanded dramatically over the last four years we now have a much broader range of offerings that customers may not be aware of. If you're reading this and haven't spoken to me yet, you're probably on my todo list to call."
“What areas of your work do you enjoy the most?”
Phil: "I really enjoy learning about all the products and services we offer. The Cheltenham head office is a great place to work and we ’ve got a great team of people with some pretty amusing individuals. I’m enjoying developing relationships with the customers and the constant challenge of trying to hook some interest by explaining the benefits, efficiencies or savings that can be made."
“What areas of your work do you find the most challenging?”
Phil: "Its still pretty tough going, trying to get the right balance of generating new business from inbound enquiries whilst at the same time quoting and processing orders for existing customers. Time management has never been my strongest quality but Juliet Austin, our new Head of Sales, has taken me under her wing and is certainly guiding me in the right direction. It helps that I sit right opposite her "
“What jobs have you done before joining PSU?”
Phil: "Leaving school I went to work in a sport retailers eventually progressing to store management. In 1998 I moved into the Telecoms Industry working for a local mobile phone service provider. This was back in the days when the Networks had to go to market via an intermediary. I started working in Business Retention / Customer Services before gradually making my way up through direct sales and trade sales to account management then finally ending up as stock manager / purchasing manager. I then moved on to RHM Telecom in Gloucester where I was employed initially as telesales booking appointments for the field sales team before progressing onto account manager. I had gained a wealth of knowledge from RHM but the desire to travel became too much so I eventually took the plunge and resigned before heading off to Heathrow with passport in hand. On returning from my travels in South East Asia in 2005 I spent a brief few months with P and I Data Services in Cheltenham as a purchasing assistant before joining PSU in a telesales capacity."
“What sort of holidays do you enjoy most, culture vulture or worshipping at the sun altar?”
Phil: "I’m not really known for being much of a sun-worshipper. I sleep under a skylight at home and my friends joke that I “moon-bath” as opposed to "sun-bath" in order to maintain my pale complexion. In all seriousness though, I’m more of a culture vulture. I’m always keen to learn about the local people and customs, (once I’ve fallen out of bed that is)…"
“Where have you been in the world and where would you go back to?”
Phil: " Within Europe I’ve made it to the usual suspects – France, Spain, Netherlands and the Balearics – not what you might describe as too adventurous. I travelled south east asia for a few months back in 2005 – Thailand, Cambodia and Laos – which was a real eye opener. I’d love to go back to Laos, it’s gotta be one of the most beautiful countries on the planet but also one of the poorest in Asia, if not the world. It’s so underdeveloped, its almost like stepping back in time. Travel is hilarious; what would take you half an hour in the UK could take anything up to a day in Laos. But you don’t care because the people are so much happier, the weather is so much nicer, everything is so much cheaper and the scenery is out of this world – the food can be a little crazy though!!!"
“Where would you like to travel
to in the future?”
Phil: "I’d like to do South America – I’ve heard a lot of good stuff about it and have had friends return from travelling there who were blown away. I’m really keen to check out Japan also one day."
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Picture: Machu Pichu, Peru
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“What do you like to get up to in your spare time?”
Phil: " I’ve always been very keen on sports, I used to play a lot of 5 a side football and tennis but really haven’t got the energy nowadays. I play a bit of snooker, badminton and have just recently been trying to get into computer music production. I’m an Everton fan for my troubles but I’m lucky to get to a match more than once a year. When I’ve got the time (and the money) I’m always keen to dig my 5’10” Sick Pig Malibu board and wetsuit out and hit the surf at Croyde Bay, Saunton or Puttsborough on the north coast of Devon. Gnarly dude !!!"
Croyde Bay - Picture courtesy of Chumps at the Pants Collective
“Sports you’ve participated in?”
Phil: "I used to be really into athletics. I made it to the county championships for middle distance running when I was quite a bit younger – competing in anything from 1500 metres up to 5000 metres. Even before then I was representing my school for everything from 200metres to 5000 metres, long jump etc. I certainly don’t have the energy I once had."
“What sort of music do you have on your ipod?”
Phil: "I’m really into dance music – anything from Drum and Bass to Techno. Right now I’m listening to a lot of house music. I like a good jig, me, and there can’t be many better types of music to bust some moves to. Apart from that I have a pretty eclectic taste appreciating anything from Classical through rock and more ambient flavours."
“What cars have you owned during your life, and which was the favourite?”
Phil: " Wait for it….. I’ve owned a Volvo 340GL (had windscreen wipers on the headlights - impressive), a blue Citroen AX and my favourite, a 1 litre Austin Metro in which I drove from Bristol to Darlington.....…. and promptly blew up!!! I’ll never forget that little car."
Picture: Volvo 340GL
“If money was no object, which car/s would you choose to own?”
 Phil: "Well let me see, an Aston Martin V8 Volante, a Porsche Carrera GT or maybe a Ferrari F430"
“What are your life goals? Where do you see yourself in 25 years time?”
Phil: "Blimey, my life goals!!! Maybe that Ferrari F430 and where do I see myself in 25 years – back to the Volvo 340!!!
“If you had to choose a three course meal with wine, what would it be and where would you have it?”
 Phil: " Well, I don’t have a very well developed pallet. Perhaps a prawn cocktail, Roast Beef with Yorkshire Pud for main and Summer Fruit Crumble with ice cream to follow. Not a hint of Foie Gras in sight – whatever that is!!!
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Finally some quick-fire questions:
1. “Favourite film” - Pointbreak
2. “Favourite actress” - Denise Richards
3. “Favourite television program” - The Simpsons
4. “Favourite televised sport” - Looking forward to the French Rugby World Cup this year. And of course the Footie!!!!
5. “Favourite author” - Tom Clancy
6. “Favourite holiday destination” - Thailand
7. “Favourite night out” - Manchester is a good night out, a summer festival with my pals is a favourite too…
8. “Favourite music” - House
9. “Favourite band” - I guess that would be Groove Armada.
10. “Favourite inspiring quote” - Never in the field of human conflict has so much been owed by so many to so few - Winston Churchill
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