Swindon Business Lives - Peter Wilcock

TGtS sat down for a chat Peter Wilcock. We found out what the Carpeo Director had to say about doing business in Swindon and what advice he’d give to the town's budding entrepreneurs.

Where is home and why?

Home is a village called Yarm in Teesside. I moved there 17 years ago to set up a cable company for Comcast, an American business which is  the world’s largest cable operator. I thought I’d only stay here for a couple of years but I found myself a wife and two children and I’m still here!

What inspired you to set up your business here?

I met one of the Director’s at Carpeo and liked the business, The people had a real “can-do “ attitude and apart from the long drive down here from home  the town is a great place to have a business.

What advice would you give anyone looking to do the same?

I would say if you recruit the right type of people then go for it. We have some amazing young staff who are so passionate and committed to the business and our clients. I’ve been really impressed by the culture of the people in Swindon, it’s a very friendly place and is quite resilient considering all the knocks it has taken in terms of employment over the years.

What do you think attracts business people to Swindon?

I suppose funding was the main reason a while back but it should be about the infrastructure and vibrancy of the place. I don’t think enough business people are attracted to Swindon currently, but if more people could experience the place I’m sure that would change. It’s easy to get to from all parts of the UK, it has great people and even the football team are returning to former glories!

How do you like to spend your time off?

I’m a keen tennis player so I like to play a couple of times a week. One of  life’s pleasures is the sight of a top-spin backhand clipping the base line as it flies past your opponent for a winner. But with two lively hobby obsessed children I don’t get much down time. My youngest girl (7) has just been chosen to play the part of Gretal in the Sound of Music so rehearsal’s are taking up all our time (and petrol)

Your phone book must be full of business contacts, but who is the most famous person in there?

The most famous person is so famous I can’t reveal who it is …sorry. But there are some interesting people in it, and they don’t have to be well known or influential to be important to me. I learnt years ago that every-one has story worth listening to so keep your ears open to who-ever is talking. One snippet can be inspiring so I look for anywhere I can get it from.

Your 2pm meeting has been cancelled, meaning you now have a two-hour lunch break. What do you do?

2 hours? That’s much too long for lunch! I’d try to find a tennis court with a partner but failing that put my iPod on loud and go for a walk in the hills and do some thinking.

Describe Swindon in three words.....

Friendly, quirky, under-rated

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

I’d like to think it’s being a great husband and father (I hope!) Business is important but ultimately family is what really matters. If my daughters and wife think I’m a great guy then that’ll do as an epitaph. I once read something that said the only thing men do well is work, that’s quite sad.

You've got 20 words to surprise us with. Go..... 

“If you think you can you’re right. If you think you can’t…………..you’re still right” Your outlook on life dictates what we achieve not our talents or brains. SO THINK YOU CAN!