“Hopefully health claims will be banned and the marketeers banished from the industry”
In 2011, Andrew Tickle couldn’t decide what to do with a grass field. With little crop growing experience and very limited knowledge of specialist products, he stumbled upon aronia berries and his business Tickleberries was born. The first grower in England to establish a commercial aronia berry plantation, here, he explains why the banks are the ones to watch post Brexit.
Describe yourself in three words.
Driven, disciplined and daft.
What’s your biggest professional achievement?
Becoming a professional with letters after my name (MCIOB) and then changing career.
How did you get to where you are today?
On a tractor.
What does a typical day look like for you?
Get up, look at the options for the day, discard the easy stuff and be content that the day will not be wasted.
What have been the highlights of your company’s history, in your opinion?
It’s not over yet; the highlight is tomorrow.
What is your pet hate?
People who see the world as nine to five. Two thirds of their day is wasted.
Give us a positive prediction for the food industry over the next 12 months.
Hopefully health claims will be banned and the marketeers banished from the industry.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
To be up front, in everything.
Who do you most admire?
My friends and family.
Which people/organisations or companies are the ones to watch right now?
The banks. They have said nothing about Brexit, therefore they are currently making a killing from the uncertainty.
Which words do you most overuse?
Oops and sorry.
If you weren’t in your current position, what else might you be doing?
Working.
Tell us something about yourself that few people know.
I have five god children and have been best man three times, and never married.
Any vices?
Yep.
What single thing would most improve the quality of your life?
More knowledge.
How do you relax?
Sleeping at any time – day or night.
How would you like to be remembered?
As a funny old man.
