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1:00 AM 25th December 2024
business

Christmas Spotlight: John Perry

Yet again for 2024, we’re bringing back our popular festive spotlight — featuring regional businesspeople from across the north. We’ll be quizzing a notable name with 10 quickfire questions.

Finally, John Perry chairman and CEO at global supply chain and logistics consultancy, SCALA, answers our questions.

1. Reflecting on this year, what “gift” or lesson from the business world has been most valuable to you, and how will it shape your approach next year?

The most valuable lesson I’ve learned this year is that people are just as important as profit. The pride and satisfaction I’ve felt during SCALA’s first year as an Employee Ownership Trust have reaffirmed that this was the right decision for the business. This has shaped my intention for next year to remain in a strategic rather than operational role, allowing SCALA to thrive under the leadership of a talented and highly motivated employee team dedicated to building the company’s long-term strength.

2. If you could give one Christmas wish to your team or industry as a whole, what would it be and why?

My Christmas wish would be for SCALA to continue strengthening and growing in the year ahead and beyond, and for the team to have the opportunity to apply their skills and expertise to support businesses facing significant supply chain challenges.

3. What’s one “holiday tradition” your business observes each year that helps boost morale or reinforce your company’s culture?

We have a tradition of closing the office between Christmas and New Year, giving the team a proper opportunity to rest and recharge before what is always a busy start to the new year.

4. As you look ahead to the new year, what are three things on your “business wish list” to achieve or improve?

As we look ahead to the new year, my ‘business wish list’ includes helping our clients to unlock the potential of Artificial Intelligence, enabling them to optimise and streamline their supply chains; meeting the increasing demand for projects by expanding our team, facilitating SCALA’s growth; and identifying innovative, cost-effective strategies to help businesses enhance sustainability without disrupting day-to-day operations.

5. What “gift of wisdom” from a mentor or peer has influenced your leadership style this year, and how do you hope to pass it on to others?

A colleague shared insights about ‘blue zone’ communities—places where people tend to live longer, often due to having a strong sense of purpose, enjoying what they do, and focusing on their strengths. This resonated with me deeply, as I love my work with SCALA. I strive to pass this wisdom on by ensuring that the team feels a similar sense of purpose and value in their roles.

6. In the spirit of giving back, how does your business or team plan to make a positive impact in the community this holiday season?

We will be supporting The Welcome Centre, a fantastic food bank in Huddersfield that provides vital assistance to people in crisis. The Welcome Centre provides food, toiletries and other essentials to those in need in the local community. The organisation also offers a one-to-one advice, guidance and support service tailored to individual needs.

7. What new “gift of technology or innovation” would you most like to see emerge next year, and how do you think it could benefit your industry?

It would be great to see significant, practical advancements in electrified fleets and charging infrastructure next year, enabling businesses to achieve their sustainability goals more quickly and effectively.

8. If you could leave one “stocking stuffer” of encouragement or advice for emerging leaders in your field, what would it be and why?

My advice to emerging leaders is simple: focus on finding enjoyment in what you do and take satisfaction in helping businesses achieve their goals. If your motivation comes from the fulfilment of making a difference rather than just making money, your job will never feel like work.

9. What holiday tradition or activity do you personally look forward to most each year, and how does it help you recharge?

I look forward to having family who live far away stay for the holidays, catching up with friends, enjoying great food, and taking long walks and bike rides—without the need to listen out for Teams calls or check emails!”

10. If you could deliver one “Christmas miracle” that would transform your business or industry, what would it be, and what impact do you think it would have?

The ability to predict the future. The last few years have been incredibly unpredictable, and supply chains have had to constantly adapt to survive. It would be fantastic to have a crystal ball to plan ahead, but we all know that the key lies in building flexibility and resilience into our operations.