10 in 10 - Jason Rockett

Jason Rockett, Managing Director of Potter Space with five business parks across the UK is the latest regional business professional in the hot seat as we give him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions...

What does your typical working day involve?

I don’t really have a ‘typical’ working day, as what’s required of me can vary quite a bit from one day to the next. It’s important for me to be visible across the business and to make sure I can be accessible for customers and the team when they need me.

I’m often on the road from around 5.30AM, driving to spend the day at our Leeds HQ, or one of our five sites in Ripon, Ely, Droitwich, Selby or Knowsley. I try to get home a few days a week by 6.00PM so I can focus on my family and take my children to sporting events. Even then at around 9.00PM I’ll likely read and reply to a few more emails and prepare for the next day.

What makes Potter Space special?
Potter Space is special for a lot of reasons, but it’s a family business with an ethos and values established over decades.

I believe our relationship with our customers sets us apart. We always aim to go that extra mile with every aspect of our customer interactions, and this is a culture that has evolved over the years across every level of the business.

We carry out confidential customer and supplier surveys every other year to get feedback on what we are doing well and where we can improve.

Do you dress up or down for work?

I prefer to dress smart-casual. However, there’s a balancing act which is dependent on the environment at the time. Sometimes, a suit is necessary, but rarely will you see me in a tie. Other times it’s the Potter Space polo shirt, jeans and work boots.

What piece of advice would you give your 18-year-old self?

Listen and learn from as many people as possible. Pick the best bits, use or adapt them to develop your own set of values and ideas. You encounter so many people in life; these could be bosses, teachers, coaches, friends, family, fellow workers or students; and all of them have something you can learn from. I’m still learning now.

I was always going 100 miles an hour when I was 18 years old. Sometimes it’s good to stop and think! Sit in a dark room, with a cold towel over your head and a cup of tea (or gin and tonic) and think things through.

In business you’re constantly on the go, so having that dedicated thinking time is essential.

What’s your favourite Yorkshire venue for an event or team away day?

My favourite place is without a doubt Headingley Cricket Ground in Leeds, particularly for a test match. There’s always a great atmosphere; it’s not just a ‘polite applause’ cricket ground and the ‘Yorkshire wit’ is never too far away.

How do you prefer to travel for business?

While a lot of my visits must be by car due to the nature of where some of our logistics parks are located, where possible I’ll travel by train. It’s better for the environment, a more relaxed way to travel and you can get work done whilst on the move.

What’s your favourite place in Yorkshire to relax?

I have a couple. My first is Abbeydale Golf Club, I love playing golf and I get to unplug as I won’t have my mobile turned on when playing. However, it generally turns into a nature walk looking for a white ball as I’m not the best at golf, but it’s always nice to have a break and take time to relax. After that, my other favourite place is Lady Canning’s Plantations, which is a lovely woodland walk where I often take my dogs. It’s a great place to think.

Where is your favourite place to eat in Yorkshire, and what dish do you recommend?

It has to be Skosh in York. It’s contemporary British cooking with an international influence and the food is so great it’s too difficult to choose just one dish!

What do you miss most about Yorkshire when you’re away?

I miss my local pub as Yorkshire wit is second to none. I also miss the countryside. I think we have some of the most stunning scenery in the country.

Do you have any business rules that you swear by?

“Fail to prepare and prepare to fail!” That’s in all walks of life. Even my children now quote this to me! What I mean is to do your research. Yes, you can use your gut instinct, but research and preparation are key to support decision making. There are no short cuts.

On top of that is to treat every person with respect – it doesn’t take a lot to say hello, smile, talk and even have a laugh with people, and it’s important to do, no matter how senior you are. If you are good to others, the respect will be reciprocated. There’s no position in the world where you don’t have time for somebody else.