Partner Article

Getting to know... Andy Briggs

We know you as a Director of IA Growth, and a member of the Entrepreneurs’ Forum, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I’ve spent most of my career as an accountant or finance director, generally in SME’s where I can have a much wider role.  I enjoy a challenge; I am logical and analytical and prefer ‘understanding and applying’ rather than ‘learning’ – I’m not very good with textbooks!  Consequently, I prefer the commercial and entrepreneurial side rather than the technical side. I will always have an opinion, as those who know me will testify, though always used carefully (honest!) to stimulate debate.

Did you always want to work in your industry?

No! By degree I’m an engineer, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I guess that’s also where the ‘understanding and applying’ comes in however, at university, accountancy interviews came first, and I received 3 offers from large firms in Newcastle and the rest is history.  

But even then, if I was good enough, my ideal job would be a craft, seeing something you have created each and every day – there’s always time – who knows, when retirement beckons!

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

The best bit is the feeling you have contributed to someone’s success or helped improve the performance of a business. Closely followed by learning something new from each opportunity and keeping the brain cells active. The worst bit? Easy. Admin and paperwork (but everyone says that!).

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

A number of things stand out in business, perhaps the best being guiding the recovery of The Pen Shop through the 2008/9 recession and being awarded runner-up in the North-East Accountancy Awards ‘Finance Director of the Year’ as a result – I don’t feel they count though, they were all part of my job, what I got paid for.   

I’ve completed the Great North Run on a few occasions (several years ago) as have many people; and I didn’t do badly helping bring up my stepchildren though that should be expected. Perhaps the best is yet to come?

How do you relax outside of work?

When fitness allows, I like to be out and about, whether in the Lakes, at the coast, in the garden or the allotment. I’m a keen rugby and cricket fan, I enjoy DIY and building / modelling / restoring things, though sometimes there’s nothing better than relaxing with a nice whisky and some great music.

What makes the North East such a great place to live and work?

Is it not obvious? Half an hour from the coast, half an hour into Northumberland, an hour plus to the Lakes, plenty of restaurants, several theatres and live music venues. And people – people up here talk to each other… just don’t tell them lot ‘down South’ how great it is!

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

I have played in an international rugby tournament in Portugal on the same team as Rob Andrew (before he played for England). Imagine what could have been! Though any further explanation will spoil the illusion...

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Entrepreneurs' Forum .