10 in 10: Scott Wharton

Scott Wharton, Operations & Technical Director at Roann Limited, which specialises in manufacturing, supplying and installing high-quality granite and quartz worktops across the house building, property development and construction sectors in the UK. He is the latest regional professional in the hot seat as the p.ublished group of newspapers gives him just 10 minutes to answer our 10 burning questions.

What does a typical working day involve?

A typical day for me can look anywhere from managing the operations of day-to-day business, to tracking spends, sales margins, overall performance and most importantly, the profitability of the company. I also assist our sales team with quotes, costs and advising on all technical questions - I’m a man that wears many hats at Roann!

What makes your company special?

Roann Limited is the only UK dedicated quartz and stone manufacturing company, which works solely within the high rise residential and house builder market. We offer high quality, industry-leading products including Silestone, Caesarstone, Fugen and Compac and work with reputable companies including Taylor Wimpey, Barratt Homes, Crest Nicholson, Midgard, Berkeley Group and many others.

Do you have business rules you swear by?

There is always a solution. It’s usually my job to find it - but there’s always a solution!

Do you dress up or down for work?

Smart casual most of the time, complete with Roann-branded workwear always! I do enjoy getting dressed more formally for meetings, but I also really enjoy the freedom to wear what I want in the office.

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

Enjoy life, make memories that will last a lifetime and don’t give too much thought into what other people think or say. I also wish I knew earlier that “this too shall pass” - whenever things may be good or bad, it makes me appreciate the great things I have in life but also keeps me grounded when things get difficult, that they will always get better again.

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

Coniston Hotel, they have a great 4x4 experience day along with clay pigeon shooting and fishing!

How do you prefer to travel for business?

If I'm travelling to London, which I do most weeks, I will always take the LNER train from Wakefield - it takes just two hours! I can be a lot more productive and work whilst travelling, whereas if I was to drive I would miss out on this time, and this way it’s also better for the environment!

What’s your favourite place in Yorkshire to relax?
I love the North Yorkshire Moors; going up to Farndale, Helmsley, Arden and Hawnby. My Dad’s side of the family were born in Hawnby and my Grandad was a Gamekeeper and worked on the estate for Lord and Lady Mexborough, and my Uncle now does too, and my dad runs Abbeydale Joinery - so he makes lots of bespoke joinery for the estate.

My Dad and I both have land rovers and love nothing more than going off-roading, taking in the scenery and hearing stories of his childhood up in the Moors. It’s so peaceful!

What’s your favourite place to eat in Yorkshire and what dish do you recommend?

Being a Wakefield man, I really enjoy the likes of Yorkshire Deli, Capri on the Vine, La Forzetta! I always try something new when I go to a restaurant as I love to experience new foods and flavours, so I don’t have a particular dish to recommend, I like to try everything on the menu - not all in one sitting!

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

The people! I have to say, us Yorkshire folk are the friendliest and down to earth people in the country and we can talk to anyone, about anything. You don’t find that everywhere! I also miss the scenery, my favourite being the Moors - Yorkshire has some of the best sights in the country. I also love the majestic architecture of York, the beaches on our wonderful coast and the big city living in Leeds. I am blessed to be a Yorkshireman and have all these wonderful sights and people on my doorstep!