Lockdown Little Interview

Wayne Grills, CEO BALI

So you’re self-isolating…who’s your favourite person/people to be locked up with? My daughter and my son, despite being a source of a headache occasionally, they continue to share their humour and keep us all laughing!

Name one thing that’s changed about your daily routine that you’re going to take forward after lockdown’s over? Well, I’m walking again! The lockdown and working from home has provided the opportunity to have more time available early morning to walk several times a week as part of my lockdown exercise. That is definitely going to stay with me, I’ve even lost a little timber!

How many cups of tea/coffee are you now drinking per day? My tea intake has increased and I probably get through 5-7 cups per day. I’ve been drinking decaf for a number of years already though so not too bad I suppose. I do balance it out with a good few pints of water throughout the day though.

Best new Netflix/boxset series or book you’ve discovered? Designated Survivor, an American based drama which follows the trials, tribulations and politics of being the designated survivor when the existing President of the United States was killed.

What do you miss most about life before lockdown? I miss the social interaction with other people, whether it be going out for a meal, walks, work, shows and exhibitions or just meeting new people in our fantastic industry.

DIY vs gardening – which wins? Gardening every time! Well let’s put it this way, five weeks in and the house still has a list of jobs that need doing whereas, the garden hasn’t looked quite so good in a number of years.

What time is wine o’clock? To be honest, I’m not a huge drinker so generally can go most of the week without, but I do like a glass of wine at the weekend (when the sun is over the yard arm!)

When working from home is your background choice radio/tv/silence? Silence for me, although this is tough when trying to work in the same space as my 13 year old son!

In hindsight, what would you have prepared in advance (ie food/diy products etc)? More garden supplies and paint.

Is the government doing a good job of keeping you informed? Yes, I think the government has done a good job considering that it has also had to make a lot of the rules/legislation and information on the hoof. We, as an industry could certainly have done with greater definition and clarification, particularly in the early stages to ensure BALI could have provided even more detailed guidance to our members. Signing up for government updates and e-mails has provided a good source of information and the network of partners that BALI has, has been extremely useful for the COVID-19 BALI webinar clinics which have supported members and their businesses.

What’s your predicted date for return to normality? Normality for the industry I think will be seen in quarter 1 next year assuming we have moved away from social distancing measures. However, I do believe that we shall see a relaxing in the coming weeks/months that will at least allow the industry to return to work on a phased approach whilst maintaining some sensible hygiene/health & safety practices. Our industry has proven its resilience a number of times before but I do believe this can be a great time to emphasise the important role green space plays in maintaining the nation’s health and wellbeing. We can maximise this in the future with our politicians to look to gain a greater recognition and provide a greater level of support to the industry. We have a fantastic industry which is brought to life by the great and passionate individuals that work within it and I said it when I joined BALI 9 years ago and I maintain, it’s the best industry that I have worked in, thanks to those I work with and alongside.

Best new follow on social media? Tony Robbins, life and business strategist, philanthropist, entrepreneur.