Stocktaker Lincolnshire
Jim McKillop
Jim McKillop – Stocktaker Lincolnshire
Based in Lincoln and covering Skegness, Boston and Woodhall Spa
I became a stocktaker as I felt it was a natural next step in my career after managing a host of bars and restaurants, it also gave me the opportunity to run my own business. I started in 2013. My Work/ Life balance is good as it’s managed by me and not anybody else. I very rarely work weekends, which is family time. Business is good and I have a lot of regular clients that I’ve had for a long time.
I worked for Mitchells & Butlers in London for 10 years managing Pubs, Bars & Restaurants before moving to the Peterborough area where I managed two Real Ale venues for 5 years, working for Oakham Ales brewery. This is where I met Matthew McGuire who was my stocktaker who had a Franchise with Stocktake UK. This led me to explore the possibility of becoming a stocktaker and being my own boss.
Gaining new clients is mainly via word of mouth from existing clients. Do a good job for one client and they’ll pass your details onto others working in the same industry. Working in a team of stocktakers for a few big clients is good for networking and picking up some best practice.
Working in the hospitality industry most of my life my passion is food and drink. I like going to nice restaurants and good food pubs. My tipple of choice in the Winter/Spring/Autumn is a good Real Ale, Like Timothy Taylors Landlord or Adnam’s Broadside. In the Summer I enjoy trying the new ranges of European Lagers that are coming in to the country. With Food I enjoy a light Pinot Noir or a Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc in the Summer. In the Winter something a bit heavier like an Argentinian Malbec. To keep fit I do a bit of cycling and a lot of walking the dog – mainly to the pubs in the surrounding villages. As a Stocktaker in Lincolnshire, I’m happy with how my career is progressing and I’m sure this is what I’ll continue to do until I retire.
If you could go back in time and offer your former self any advice what would it be?
Don’t stress too much, it normally works it’s self out in the end. You’re in charge of your own destiny. Work as hard as you want to earn good money, or as little as you want depending on your circumstances.
