Jon Malton has a vast pedigree in business. Previously he was Managing Director of Ringtons and holds a number of non-executive directorships. He is also the founder of the Lighthouse Business Club, an organisation set up for business owners to talk about opportunities or concerns in a safe environment where they are surrounded by people that they trust and respect.
Here we find out what Jon gets up to on a typical weekend.
Do you ever have to work weekends?
I try not to but find myself trawling emails and LinkedIn. My clients tend to operate MondayFriday, which makes it easier.
Are most weekends the same?
I’m very family orientated so I tend to be at home most weekends.
Do you find it hard to switch off?
Yes. I wish I could accept the advice I give to others. My mind wanders, looking for solutions/ alternatives/ideas all the time. Being ‘present’ is sometimes a challenge, particularly when I have a big and exciting piece of work on. We have a ‘No Mobile Phones’ policy during family time, which is absolutely the right thing to do and certainly helps. I’m definitely still a work in progress when it comes to switching off.
What do you do at a weekend which you can’t fit in through the week?
Workwise, it’s mainly thinking time to be honest. The best ideas come when I’m away from the midweek distractions. Leisure-wise, I like to get out on my bike, weather permitting, or have a walk along the coast. We’re so blessed to live by the sea – I wouldn’t choose to live anywhere else to be honest.
Morning exercise or a recovery lie in?
Morning exercise – I’m a regular at Primal Fitness in Camperdown.
Big night out or a night in the house?
Both! I love a big night out – a beer, a chat and a good laugh. Equally, I love to cook, so a night in with Adele, a Steak Diane and a glass of red is heaven to me.
Do you watch or play sport at a weekend?
I used to play cricket for Tynemouth, but my eyesight isn’t good enough. I won Fielder of the Year during my last season so you could say that I quit whilst at the top! For my sins, I’m a Leeds United fan and I’ve always enjoyed watching Rugby Union. I’m certainly a better spectator than I was a player! My rugby club nickname was Carthorse (built for power, not speed)…it’s now Couch Potato!
Where do you like to eat out at a weekend?
We love our local Indian restaurants – in particular Gulshan, Takdir and Shampan. We also love Turknaz at Whitley Bay. We’re spoilt for choice at the coast these days, which is great.
How important is the weekend to you?
The first 15 years of my career were in the 7-daya-week dairy trade, so now I truly value the weekends. I do have workaholic traits, so I have to consciously uncouple (to quote Gwyneth Paltrow) but the family keep me right.
What’s the best thing about weekends?
A bacon butty and a proper coffee. Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2. Watching either rugby or football (NUFC or Leeds United). A cosy night in, or a lively night out. All of these things make weekends special.
Of a weekend, you’ll usually find me most happy..?
With Adele, and the kids when they’re home, having a laugh and probably a beer!