This month we have put KMB Shipping Group’s Award Winning Co-Owner and Director Paul Hull through the wringer and we asked him for some insights into his experience with KMB Shipping Group.
1. HOW LONG HAVE YOU WORKED AT KMB SHIPPING?
I started with KMB Shipping Group in 1996, so that’s 26-years!
2. WHAT’S THE BEST THING ABOUT WORKING AT KMB SHIPPING?
Simply put it’s all about the team. Logistics and Shipping are complex and challenging Sectors and to have the success that we enjoy, a good well-trained team is vital and having fun, banter and amazing camaraderie is a real part of our team ethos.
3. WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN THE WORLD OF TRANSPORT OVER THE LAST 25 YEARS?
Where do I start? Without a doubt we are all sick of the “B” word. Brexit has been without doubt the biggest change affecting the Logistics and Shipping Sectors. Coming out of the European Customs Union was a nasty shock to a lot of Businesses. The past two years have been a steep learning curve for many and there is still a lot of change and uncertainty.
On a par with Brexit and those challenges to the Logistics and Shipping Sectors came Covid-19. Disruption and Supply Chains being jammed and having “WFH” dropped on us last minute was testing in our industry, but we are a strong team with great communication skills, and we overcame the challenges and came out on top, bigger, better and stronger.
4. WHAT ARE THE MOST MEMORABLE MOMENTS OF YOUR CAREER?
There have been several over the past 26 years. But I think being appointed a Director at the age of 23 (I know I only look 25 now) was a proud moment, especially going home and telling my parents I was on the path to success. I also won the award as ‘Sandwell Businessperson of the Year’ in 2018 and being runner up in 2019 in the ‘Black Country Businessman of the Year’ were peacock chest out moments!
Guiding KMB Shipping Group to win a Queens Award for Excellent in International Trade in 2021 was something truly special. However, the pinnacle of my career so far is taking ownership in 2018 of KMB Shipping Group with my two Business partners, Jamie and Kev.
5. WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE NEXT FIVE YEARS?
I want to carry on as I am and continue to work hard and play hard. As we all get older there becomes a real focus on a work life balance and achieving and keeping that balance is important to me and my family.
6. WHAT IS THE GREATEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE HAD TO OVERCOME IN YOUR CAREER?
The horrific news of our Managing Director being killed back in 2004 whilst riding his motorbike on his way to the office, then the passing of our Founding Director with Cancer in 2013. Both were heart breaking and it took a real dig deep and brave effort from me and all the staff to get through it.
7. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ANYONE THINKING OF WORKING IN THIS INDUSTRY?
Don’t do it……! (I’m kidding). One thing this industry gives back is a real sense of achievement on a daily basis. I’m not going to lie; it can be very stressful at times but the sense of pride in solving someone else’s problems with our Logistics expertise is great! I’ve worked my way up from Tea Boy, to Manager, to Director, to Partner. It shows how hard work, commitment and most importantly the willingness to learn can bring rewards. There are opportunities galore in our Industry, so go out there and grab it with both hands.
Need further information on KMB Shipping Group? Get In Touch.