Ian Blakey MILSA

Ian Blakey – Stocktaker South East

Based in Brighton and covering Bognor Regis, Chichester & Worthing.

I joined Stocktake UK in 2002 in order to increase my stocktaking portfolio.

I have thoroughly enjoined running my own business since 1993 as it has given myself flexibility especially with young children at that time. I am now working at a reduced capacity as I now have Grandchildren commitments now. These however dovetail nicely now with my work.

1971 – 1978 I provided a stocktaking service for Trust House Forte Airport Services covering multiple airports in the UK. Joined Venners Stocktaking Company as a Stocktaker from 1978 – 1986. Joined Bass Brewers as a Stocktaker & District Manager from 1986 – 1993. Set up my own Stocktaking business from 1993 – 2002 and joined Stocktake UK as a stocktaker in the South East in 2002 as a franchisee.

I have previously worked for clients such as Slug & lettuce, DeVere Hotels including The Grand Brighton, South Bank Centre, Earls Court, Olympia, Hammersmith Palais, various racecourses & The Grove Hotel Watford with colleagues.

Outside stocktaking, I love being on the water, especially Kayaking. I enjoy doing plenty of walking. In the past I loved to play cricket & rugby. I was also A Tenpin Bowling coach. I have now reached retirement age so I now take time to join various cruise ships to travel to Europe & the Caribbean. As previously mentioned, I am now mixing my work commitments with Grandchildren responsibilities.

Its would be good advice to diversify your client base and try to reduce driving distances, so carefully plan your diary to maintain a good work life balance.

Having a company like Stocktake UK actively pursuing work opportunities for their franchisees means you can focus on your work and offering good opportunities for different clients. There is good technical back up which is very important, and I have used this on several occasions over my years with the company.

# Stocktaker South East