TONY BOOTH CTBO Limited, Owner
What were your career ambitions growing up?
Growing up, technology was moving really quickly and new things where being introduced all the time like Sony’s discman, computers were starting to become common and it was these things that always managed to spark interest and more importantly keep my interest.
Tell us about your current role?
Owner/MD. Basically, there is never a dull moment, I consider myself very hands-on and will always step up to the plate when required, always making sure the clients are happy with the service they receive from CTBO and just as important; making sure people employed by CTBO are happy too.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Given the current pandemic I would say surviving COVID, but also the way CTBO continues to grow through these uncertain times. Tenacity is key at these challenging times.
How has your industry changed in the last decade?
Technology is developing all the time. As a white label installation service provider to Audio Visual and IT resellers, we always need to be ahead of the game to make sure we can deliver services that are relevant to our customers.
What are you currently working on?
We are busy developing two new streams into the business which can help us to offer a one-wraparound service and should enable us to deliver projects more smoothly and cost effectively via these streams. They are networking (fibre & copper) also electrical installation. Tell us about the team you work with? I consider myself very lucky with the team I have around me with more than 65 years’ experience between us from programming and commissioning to installation. Basically, there is nothing the team can’t deal with, which makes us a one-stop-shop!
What is the best piece of business advice you have been given?
Best advice ever given to me was: numbers don’t lie, because, put simply, they don’t.
What has been your biggest challenge?
Getting people to understand where we sit in the industry and what value we bring. As many of the businesses we work with white-label our services, it can be hard to be recognised to the outside world. In the industry itself though, that’s a different matter and we are incredibly proud of our reputation. Who are your heroes inside and outside of business?
Inside of work is Alan Sugar and Elon Musk who weren’t afraid of going against the grain and pushing boundaries. Outside of business are people like Ant Middleton, Ed Stafford who again pushes the boundaries and isn’t afraid to go it alone.
How do you unwind outside of work?
Socialising with friends and family and with my favourite food (Indian). I’m a season ticket holder for Sunderland AFC and enjoy Formula 1. I also like going to the gym and do HIIT training, which keeps me fit.
Favourite book/CD/DVD?
Book – The Guv’nor, Lenny Mclean
Film – Leon
Music – Nothing but Thieves, at the moment, I can be fickle with music!