Page 10 - Inform December 2019

Spotlight Feature Paul Fraser Paul Fraser joined the SHS Group as Managing Director for the 3V Group this summer. In this Spotlight feature we get an insight into what makes him ‘tick’ and his ambitions for 3V. With a passion for improving the environment, Paul enjoys working with responsible brands and has delivered marketing programmes for Cathedral City, Frylight, Country Life and Brylcreem. In his spare time, Paul loves to chill out with family and friends. What attracted you to the Group? I wanted to continue to work in the food industry and with brands that have a strong sense of responsibility. The fact that I’m now working with the Meridian brand which has minimal environmental impact (using no palm oil), makes me very proud. Getting to positively impact on the growth of an already successful business is also rewarding, particularly when it is a private family business with authentic values and ethos. In 50 words describe your career to date Varied, enjoyable, frustrating, fun! Working in HR, Marketing, Sales, Category Management, Market Research, Hospitality, Telecoms, Toiletries, Household and Food, there are many highlights, from meetings at the House of Lords to making an ad with a Sex Pistol. I’ve been influenced by people who are brilliant, kind and inspiring. What are your future plans/ambitions for 3V? I would like to see us firmly establish Meridian as the UK’s biggest and favourite nut butter brand and one of the best known and leading natural food brands. I’d also like to substantially grow the Rocks brand as it has the potential to become one of the UK’s favourite drinks. What is the best advice you have ever received? In the working environment, it’s important to ‘be yourself’. Authenticity and integrity are critical if people are to follow what you are trying to do. As a parent, I have learnt that with teenagers you’re playing the long game. I wish I’d heard or listened to this advice sooner! Whom do you most admire and why? My Mum. She instilled strong values in me as a child: to respect others and their possessions, to be self-reliant, to take responsibility and to work hard. When I look back, I realise exactly how much she sacrificed to ensure that I had access to opportunities. She was a single parent, she worked full time and she had to budget to make ends meet (every supermarket bill was closely scrutinised). My mum was determined to give me opportunities that no one else in our family had, like going to University. I am so grateful for everything she did and I recognise it now that I’m not a stroppy teenager! 10