Riddle me this… Nick Radclyffe
Riddle gets up close and personal with owner of Foxdenton Estate Company Ltd, a family run business that specialises in English Gin & Gin Liqueurs
If you knew then what you know now… would you still do it?
Yes and much sooner. Like most people I was wary of working for myself and waited until I had had some success in the corporate field before setting up a business. Now my advice to anyone, including my own children, is to be brave as early as possible. Starting again is easier when you are younger.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Focus. If you are the sort of person who starts a business it is easy to be seduced by the new and the exciting. Long term success comes from focusing on the one thing you do and getting better and better. Advice, I might add, it took me nearly 47 years to take any notice of.
What’s the weirdest rumour you’ve ever heard about yourself?
They have never told me!
What was your biggest break?
Being offered a job in the City in 1987 just after Big Bang, when I had absolutely no experience whatsoever and then discovering that I could sell and that I enjoyed it.
Do you consider yourself lucky?
As I tell anyone who will listen “we are a lucky family”. It is all about mindset, if you think you are lucky you always see the positive in events. Of course bad things happen to everyone but focusing on just the bad ignores the wonderful luck we have of being alive right now and living in such a great country as this.
What’s most important in your life?
Family. Anyone with children will say the same. Now I have a grandson as well it is even more so. This is the only form of immortality we have so family is the one thing to hang on to. The best part of having a family business is working for all of our futures together.
What other brands do you admire?
I believe that beautiful things should be within the reach of all. Companies that make beautiful things that are achievable tend to be my favourite brands. Floris aftershave, Omega watches, Cheaney shoes, Sage fishing rods, the list could go on. Great function married with style. Buy once but buy well.
Do you have a guilty pleasure – if so what is it?
Snuff. I am a fan of the 18th century and if there is one habit that is worth reviving it is snuff. I buy mine from the Davidoff store in St. James and I am sure I spend the least of anyone who visits that shop. “Prime Minister” by Wilsons of Sharrow is my current favourite.
Describe your personal sense of style.
Dress as you would like to be addressed. I am possibly best known for wearing bold coloured trousers. Also after four years in the Army, I can’t stop myself bulling my shoes before I go out. So always buy good shoes! 