Our well-travelled and experienced International Business Director Phil Winnington has an-depth knowledge of the industry and our products, but what do you know about him?
We asked the questions to find out.
How did you start in the plant and machinery industry?
Before joining this industry, I held various sales and management roles within the food and drinks sector, bringing new products to market and developing existing business. It helped me appreciate very early on the importance of placing customers at the heart of the business.
When I felt the retail sector was getting tougher to innovate and stand out in creatively, I utilised all I’d learnt and joined the hire and rental industry back in 1997 with Seddons Plant & Engineers. Like Morris Site Machinery, it is a long established and well-respected family business.
After 13 great years the approach from Morris gave me the opportunity to join a leading UK manufacturer who were full of ambition and growing rapidly.
What career highlights are you most proud of?
I’m pleased to say there have been a number of them.
They include launching a profitable e-commerce equipment and parts website from scratch and
introducing ‘The Great British Weld-Off’. This event ran for three years and was celebrated for developing young people and skills in welding.
Playing my part in helping Morris Site Machinery win awards for innovation and export also made me proud.
What are your impressions of Australia?
I make regular trips to Australia. It’s a great country with great people and like me, folks here love their sport and we certainly enjoy the sporting rivalries and banter between our two nations.
On a business level we know the requirement to build the most robust products for the hire and rental industry to operate in the toughest of conditions and meet the highest standards of health and safety. Having attended the Hire Show a couple of times I’m impressed by the initiatives to recruit young talent, develop skills and encourage Women in Hire and by the awesome camaraderie in the Australian Rental Industry.
Have you had any odd experiences in Australia?
A Possum fell on to me from a tree whilst I was running in Brissie (Brisbane) with Chris Morris!
How do you relax in spare time?
Badminton, running, Liverpool Football Club and family, not necessarily in that order though. My wife’s name is Sheila, better known as my Sheila Sheila when in Oz!
How do you describe yourself?
I’m a people person, professional and caring, with a thirst for life and …a little random.
Best advice you’ve been given?
Always be consistent – from my late great Dad.
My own favourite saying
“Life and business are easy, it’s just people that complicate it!”