A self proclaimed ‘science geek’ in profile
This month we asked Dr Jeremy Hodge, chief executive of BASEC, to share some of his thoughts with us, and give us more of an idea of what makes him tick…
Background:
From offering scientific expertise on chemical terror protection to jet-setting around the world on a quest for oil, this self-proclaimed ‘science geek’ is living a life that is far from ordinary.
Jeremy was born in Manchester and raised in the West Country. He eventually made his way to Oxford University, where he was awarded a degree in Chemistry. After completing his studies, including a PhD focusing on lasers, Jeremy found work with BP. Here he explored ‘science things’ such as oil exploration, production and petrochemicals. Later, he became involved with the insurance industry, working as a technical advisor, joining the LPC (Loss Prevention Council), and joining the board of BASEC as a non-executive member.
Now the chief executive of BASEC, Jeremy meets with the cable sector’s manufacturer clients, distributors and stakeholders to learn about their businesses along with prevailing industry issues. His goal is to expand BASEC schemes into more places and other sectors, while continuing to maintain its well-established status as an internationally recognised mark of quality.
Today’s issues:
The economic downturn has affected all parts of the supply chain, but the contracting sector seems particularly hard hit, in some areas having very little work at the present time. Larger projects such as schools, hospitals and infrastructure have continued, but house building and much commercial work has almost ground to a halt. Cablemakers and distributors have also felt these problems, and as a result a number of suppliers have been reassessing where they buy cable to take advantage of price and exchange rate, while still specifying BASEC approvals. Quality issues for non-approved cable remain a problem, with perhaps 20% of cable entering the UK market being non-approved and exhibiting some safety or performance problem.
Best business advice ever given/received:
Face to face always beats an email or phone call.
Proudest moment:
My son playing tuba solo in the Albert Hall.
Hobbies:
I shoot a traditional longbow.
Unfulfilled ambitions:
Hitting the bull at 50m (see above).
Dream holiday destination:
Lost cities, ancient ruins.
Tea or coffee?
Coffee is always less of a risk… bad tea can be undrinkable!
If you were given three wishes, what would they be?
1. Copper price remains stable for a few years.
2.Specifiers never forget to ask for BASEC approved cable.
3. And, of course, an everlasting bottle of Guinness.
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