Seven Questions with Alistair Higham

1. What was your first job?

When I first left school I worked in the print department in The Visitor offices in Morecambe. A high powered job, I spent my time sweeping the floor and changing rolls of paper.

2. How do you relax after a hard day’s work?

Swimming and cycling both help me to wind down but having fun with my daughter Alex (5) is my idea of heaven. Alex and I are on the same wavelength and we enjoy messing around at home. My wife Clare despairs of us.

3. Proudest moment in business?

When Jobling & Knape merged with Whiteside and Knowles Ltd to form JWK Solicitors, it was my role to oversee the new firm’s relocation and integration of all systems including accounts, staff contracts, budgeting and IT. It was an exhausting time but everything went extremely smoothly.

4. Most embarrassing moment at work?

It was far too embarrassing to commit to print!

5. What is your biggest vice?

Being a Liverpool supporter, according to my closest friends. The team at work would suggest my biggest vice is winding them up. I just can’t help myself.

6. Who is the biggest influence on your life?

That was definitely my late father. He was a car mechanic with his own garage, and later a publican. Even as a child I was aware of what a hardworking man he was. A very popular man, he was widely recognised for honesty and moral approach to business. I am proud to have him as my role model.

7. Words of business advice.

I am a great believer in maintaining friendly and constructive relationships with my colleagues, the firm’s clients and suppliers. Life is too short to fall out over petty things and a staying on good terms with people makes life so much more pleasant. I also believe that everyone should be treated with respect and that bullying is completely unacceptable at work and in every area of life.