Seasonal spotlight – Jonathan Oldfield

Riverside’s general manager, Jonathan Oldfield recently took part in an exclusive festive Q&A for the p.ublished group of online newspapers. In case you missed it, have a read below… As we near the end of a landmark year following the gradual return to ‘normality’ post-Covid, we grab 60 reflective seconds with Jonathan Oldfield. 1. After a difficult time for many businesses during the pandemic, what was your primary objective at the start of the year? We had seen an increased requirement for our engineering services during the pandemic — ranging from preventative maintenance and breakdown repairs, to overhauling and refurbishing equipment to a ‘like new’ standard. This meant we needed to increase the number of engineers — as well as the size of our workshop and warehouse — to meet demand. By taking on highly-skilled colleagues we’ve been able to widen our scope and offer a broader range of services. Looking back on 2022, what have been the 3 biggest highlights for Riverside? Seizing new opportunities to diversify within our industry, taking on additional warehouse space at Riverside HQ, and expanding our engineering department to meet a surge in demand. And the most difficult challenge for your business? Supply chain management has been challenging at times this year, we’ve experienced some delays and longer lead times, so managing client expectations has been tricky. In addition, finding the right candidates for our job vacancies has been an extra hurdle. If you had to sum up 2022 in one word, which would you use? Conquered! What is Riverside’s key goal for next year? To continue bolstering Riverside’s engineering services. As many businesses continue to tighten purse strings, we’re anticipating decision-makers opting to repair and maintain existing equipment, rather than replacing with brand new machinery — hopefully our newly-recruited engineers will facilitate this service for our customers. Name another Yorkshire firm that hope will have an outstanding year in 2023… As I sit here drinking a lovely hot cup of Yorkshire Tea on a dark and gloomy afternoon, it’s got to be Taylors of Harrogate! How do you think the regional business climate will fare overall? It certainly feels like we’re living in an uncertain, unpredictable time. My overall feeling is one of hope and optimism as we look towards 2023. After the past few years of challenges, it feels like we’re all due some brighter days ahead. It’s perhaps the first opportunity to celebrate a ‘real’ Christmas post-Covid – what will it look like for you? Lots of festive merriment with family and friends. What’s the worst Christmas gift you’ve ever been given? I’ve either been very lucky, or I have a terrible memory and struggle to recall any! As a child, I remember one year receiving a video of Disney’s Fantasia, and being disappointed it was only music, and not really cool cartoons! Describe Christmas at your house, in three words: Busy, fun, and family.

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