Paul Higman, Sales Director for Tindle Newspapers Wales and the Borders, is responsible for driving revenue into the business and bringing innovative ideas to fruition.
He talks about how much he enjoys working with people and being entrepreneurial in his approach to sales.
What are the main responsibilities in your role?
The main responsibility of being the Sales Director is driving revenue into our brilliant business through the development and motivation of our fantastic staff, alongside bringing innovative ideas to fruition.
What was the appeal of joining the company?
Tindle Newspapers has a brilliant back story which grabbed my interest, and as a company it really does care about the individual alongside other stakeholders. I wanted to work for a company that was big enough to survive but small enough to care. Tindle Newspapers, and especially Tindle Newspapers Wales and the Borders, does both very well.
What does a typical day in your role involve?
Negotiations! My day is usually filled with negotiating internally and externally, with colleagues, customers and suppliers. I hold regular meetings with my staff discussing their plans for success and sharpening the finer details. These are always a highlight of my day, especially when you see the plans come to life. Most days involve numbers, whether forecasting or working on revenue trends. I have always found comfort in numbers!
Which colleagues do you interact with the most in your working day?
I am privileged to work with an amazing team of commercial and editorial colleagues across Wales and the Borders. We all talk a lot! I usually charge my phone at least twice a day!
How does your work fit into the wider business?
Tindle Newspapers Wales and the Borders is one of the larger businesses within the Tindle Newspaper Group. I have always been very aware of the impact our success can have on the wider business, from investment opportunities to future stability and progress. The responsibility of the impact Tindle WAB has within the group is welcomed and respected by myself and my team.
What do you enjoy about working for Tindle?
The people. Rarely a day goes by without a proper belly laugh! I also really enjoy the ability Tindle WAB has to bring ideas and innovations to life. For example, we are transforming our commercial offerings to ensure a multimedia approach to every customer we interact with. This has been and continues to be successful across Tindle WAB.
Our digital journey is in its infancy, but the healthy audience being delivered by our editorial colleagues and the focus being given by my commercial team to this important work means we are seeing huge positive upward trends. The ability to be entrepreneurial in my approach to the region’s commercial activity is another huge advantage and enjoyment in my job.
What jobs did you have before you joined Tindle?
I started my working life in a factory making systems to regulate fuel intake on various aircraft, before moving into the security services and finally using the skills I had acquired in the friendlier environment of the corporate world, where I have worked up from the sales floor.
What are your interests outside of work?
My main focus outside of work is my daughter. I am a typical proud father! You also can’t beat a good international rugby match with a pint and friends!