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Exquisitely British - The British Entrepreneur Club for Luxury Brands
An Interview with...
Jitesh Patel
CEO of Peldon Rose
By Clare Heighway - 3rd October 2014
We chat to Jitesh Patel, the CEO of British office interiors design company, Peldon Rose, who are responsible for designing the UK office of Google, plus many others.
Tell us a bit about yourself, Jitesh.
I was born in Greenwich and grew up in South London. At school I started up my own video rental business but my parents convinced me to study and the importance of education. I went to London South Bank University where I obtained a degree in Accountancy. Peldon Rose was actually a client of mine when I first came out of university as a new graduate!
I am married and have been for 19 years with 3 children (16, 13 and 11). I enjoy skiing and love going on adventure holidays! I have also been raising money for MS Society and have been doing so through my passion, cycling!
Where did the idea for Peldon Rose come from?
My business partner and I saw that there was a gap in the market between traditional architecture and contractors, and a quick turnaround for design and fit out. There was a long time between creating a scheme and then executing the fit out. We thought why not create a company that had everything in-house, from designers to contractors to maintenance engineers! It was to be the fast track for everything and a short process.
Tell us about the work Peldon Rose does.
We are a commercial office design and fit out company, based in Wimbledon, who’s been creating award winning offices since 1986. Peldon Rose only does commercial offices, so no fancy sheds or warehouse conversions! We focus on clients who rely on their front of house, meeting areas and client facing spaces, those that have a need for design to provide a service. We use cutting edge and new technology to employ engagement into the workplace.
What has been your biggest challenge?
The biggest challenge in my personal life would be balancing time spent in the business with time spent with my family. The biggest challenge in my business life would be continuing to maintain the DNA and culture within Peldon Rose. This challenge remains and is on-going as we grow as a company and become more structured.
What has been your biggest highlight?
The biggest highlight would have to be securing our first big design award (International Property Award's World’s Best Office Interior Save the Children 2012-2013). This was a massive achievement and recognition to the business for everyone’s hard work.
On a personal level, being recognised in the London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain was the biggest highlight. This showed the diligence of our strategy in developing our people and our culture.
What or who are you inspired by?
I would say my strong Asian roots and family are what give me strength. I would also say working with top talent here at Peldon Rose is what inspires me. The potential in every person and how to unlock this talent in order to get more out of them is inspirational. I am passionate about seeing personal growth and development in people and allowing them the space to grow as an individual. It’s also really nice to be surprised by the results!
Do you have any advice for other business owners?
If you respect and treat people properly, your business will flourish. It also goes without saying, have a good business plan!
What does your “typical” work day look like?
I wake up at 5:30am and make sure I see my kids in the morning before I set off for work. I usually have a management meeting at 8am, and then that is followed by staff catch-ups. I will then review how our clients are performing and how to market new business meetings. If I have any external meetings, I’ll make sure they are in the morning, as if they were in the evening and they over run; I won’t be home in time to see my family. I will always make sure I get out on time to get home to see my family.
Do you have any favourite British brands?
Thomas Pink Shirts and Loake Shoes.
What do you think is important in developing a successful British business?
I think you need to understand your market; for us it is the London property and commercial market.
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Recruit the best talent and nurture them; recruit local talent including graduates!
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Create a brand which is powerful and leading - which can be linked to good marketing.
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Have accreditation, like awards, to show that you are the best within your sector and to prove against others. (We were recognised in the London Stock Exchange 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. This is hugely iconic and what makes us a successful British business.)
How do you manage the work/life balance?
I try to mix my work into my life in organic ways, for example, I have a passion for cycling so will cycle to work! I make sure that I keep Monday to Friday for work and try to keep my business events to one a week so that the weekends I can spend with my family. I like to plan regular holidays away with my family, so I guess this balances work with my personal life.
When I am at work however, it doesn’t feel like a sacrifice like there needs to be a balance between the two. Working with people I consider like a family and the culture that is Peldon Rose, it’s not like I am ‘at work’!
People will also kindly respect your personal time; they won’t ring you after 6pm or bother you on a Saturday!
What are your plans for the future?
In my personal life, I want to travel somewhere to celebrate my 20th wedding anniversary next year. My wife and I went to South Africa for our 10th! I would like to learn how to scuba dive in the Maldives. I would also like to cycle from London to Paris.
For the business, we would love to diversify into other design areas, such as fitting out luxury yachts and also move into spa and leisure facilities. The skills we currently have for office design and fit-out will compliment the move into these areas perfectly.
For more informaiton on Peldon Rose visit the website at www.peldonrose.com
Peldon Rose are a Best of British member.
Read more about them here.
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