Neal Hooper is managing director of Aico, the home life safety products company based in Oswestry. This is his 11th year with the business
IN ONE SENTENCE, WHAT DOES YOUR JOB INVOLVE? Jack of all trades, master of none.
HOW IS YOUR JOB IMPACTED BY FLUCTUATIONS IN THE ECONOMY? Like everybody, unfortunately we are all susceptible to this. It is the incessant media negativity that fuels impending doom – even when our economy is healthier. The UK is a great place and we achieve wonderful things; I just wish there was more positivity.
WHAT’S YOUR VIEW ON THE CHANGE OF GOVERNMENT FOR YOUR JOB? I think we all have to await actual activity on this one, as opposed to the endless noise.
HOW DO YOU VIEW ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE – AND HOW MIGHT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS USE IT? It is a force for incredible good, in the right hands. Our business utilises it in every single department. The advances in science and medicine are incredible. Some huge minds are rightly concerned though that it also could be destructive. It is here to stay and will become huge, and we all need to embrace it to progress.
HOW DO YOU HOPE YOUR COLLEAGUES WOULD DESCRIBE YOU? Occasionally useful.
YOUR GREATEST STRENGTH IN THE WORKPLACE? Delegating. Empowering others to enjoy the opportunities that I have been lucky to have.
BIGGEST CHALLENGE IN YOUR JOB? People – business is simple. Building true teams is so powerful.
YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENTS? People – hopefully having played even a small part in their development.
PET HATES? Too many to list, but all around the moral compass.
IF YOU COULD GO BACK AND GIVE YOUR YOUNGER SELF SOME WISE ADVICE, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Lose the ginger New Romantic wedge!
HOW DO YOU RELAX AWAY FROM WORK? It’s very rare I am away from work one way or another!
FAVOURITE THING ABOUT SHROPSHIRE? The people.
SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM OF CHOICE? Only LinkedIn. I have strong views on the rest and most of them are negative, so I’ll move on.
FAVOURITE MOVIE AND/OR TV SHOW? The Usual Suspects/Sopranos. I love films, quality series and reading whenever I do get a chance – especially reading. I always carry a book around in the hope I get a chance. My library at home has over 1,000 books and it’s a joy.
EARLY BIRD, OR NIGHT OWL? Both.
DREAM DINNER PARTY GUESTS, DEAD OR ALIVE? My parents and grandparents did so much for me and passed way too early. It would be beyond my imagination to see them again and thank them.
WHAT WOULD YOU COOK FOR THEM? I can’t and they would be horrified if I did. Hopefully Aktar Islam from Opheem could step in.
TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOU THAT MOST PEOPLE PROBABLY WOULDN’T KNOW. I played cricket for Worcestershire Under 19s for two years.
AND FINALLY . . . WHAT DO YOU THINK THE NEXT 12 MONTHS HAS IN STORE FOR YOU, PROFESSIONALLY AND PERSONALLY? Professionally more progression and growth as I’m surrounded by outstanding people who are all up to something. Personally, purely good health.
