As a young boy growing up in Newbridge, son of an English mum from Malvern and a heritage of coal miners, it was my mum who encouraged my education and work ethic as she strived to do two jobs. She ran a home, always ensuring that she was there for our small family. My father’s influence was a very different one.
Every year, he insisted we had two weeks’ holiday during the miner’s fortnight – the last week of July – the first week of August. We never travelled abroad. We didn’t have a car, but we always managed to get away to places such as Torbay, Isle of Wight, Blackpool and more often Butlins. This influenced my passion for travel.
Nowadays, we plan to spend 2-3 holidays and weekends away. Taking time off is absolutely critical for everyone, especially if you work in a high-pressure job, such as running a company where you’re accountable for people’s welfare.
