An exclusive chat with Edwin Booth, Executive Chairman at Booths

How would you describe yourself?

A leader and an influencer. In everything, I strive to win. Winning isn’t everything – trying to win is.

Where is home? And work?

Ribble Valley in Lancashire is home and work in Ribbleton Preston

What did you want to be when you were younger?

A racing driver or a fighter pilot. Wheels and wings were and still are a passion.

Name a few of your favourite places to be...

I love mountains, particularly in northern Italy where the food and wines are delicious. There are too many beautiful places to mention here and so many more to discover. My family have introduced me to the Barbados way of life and that is our default destination for a warm sunny holiday. Naturally, I love anything epicurean and the Ribble Valley is blessed with many excellent places to eat. Every so often I meet for lunch with old wine trade chums at the Edge Hotel and that is always an ethereal occasion as we journey through a selection of great wines.

What or who inspires you?

Gordon Baxter of the Baxters Soup business was a great influence to me when I was young and encouraged me to realise my leadership potential. Too many people told me what I could not do in my early years and Gordon was a true inspiration. Some years ago I met with the marketer and leadership guru Kevin Roberts who now sits on the Booths company board. I have often told him that he has helped me to perform the music in my score and realise the potential of our unique brand. In my personal “Purpose on a Page” I wrote that, “There is no such thing as a dull person” and helping people to find their inner potential is always fulfilling.

What was the last gift you gave someone?

I sent Mrs B some lovely flowers from the new Booths online service to test the system. It worked – phew! They have lasted a long time so have passed the test.

Tell us a secret/fun fact?

I have a cabinet in the office full of hand puppets. Many of them were rescued as my daughters grew up and discarded them but many are new including “Bonzo” the life-sized terrier! They all have names and have appeared on screen many times during the pandemic.

Who or what would you place in room 101?

Bony Stew. This dreadful concoction was dished out every Monday at my prep school and comprised scrag end of mutton with a half-inch layer of grease floating on top of the gravy. It was rounded off with lumpy mash and boiled beetroot in white sauce. Yuck!!

Your mastermind subject?

It has to be cars. Every time there is a period drama on the TV I like to reel off all the car types much to the annoyance and wonderment of my family.

What’s been your biggest life lesson?

In business, concentrate on scoring the next point before worrying about winning the game. That way you win games, take the sets and win matches. Easier said than done! In life as a whole – give love and it will be given to you. The motto on my coat of arms says, “Servite in Laetitia”. Serve with Gladness.

This year, Booths won Wine Supermarket of the Year at The People’s Choice Wine Awards for the third year running – what is your wine of choice when relaxing at home?

Here again and having tasted 1000s of wines during my career it is almost impossible to choose just one wine. However, I love Booths Barolo. It is made by a very competent wine maker and represents great value. If my family are all together we often enjoy a fine claret such as a classified growth St Estephe or St Julien preceded by a fine Chardonnay from the Cotes D’Or in Burgundy. I love the red wines of the Domaine de la Romanee Conti but they have become too expensive to drink.

Tell us about the team’s fundraising efforts for Cure Leukaemia.

The Booths teams have undertaken many fundraising activities to raise money for Cure Leukemia from our MD Nigel riding the entire Tour de France route in 2021 to a group who are just about to undertake a walk of 54 miles in one go!

What can customers expect from Booths this Christmas?

Christmas is a very special time for the entire family of Booths colleagues, customers and suppliers. For many years we have published a fine book detailing all the “Best of Booths”. This is eagerly awaited and always includes a selection of new products. It is also available online but most customers love to take a copy and add it to their collection on the kitchen shelves.

What will your legacy be?

I hope that my legacy will be one of having encouraged many people to believe in themselves in many walks of life not just in business. I have had the privilege of supporting many organisations outside Booths and as a result of having been the High Sheriff in Lancashire in 2021, I am working with a countrywide team of people forming Employment Advisory Boards in prisons. If we can start by preventing prison leavers from reoffending, then we will be on the right track. There is always something new and useful to do. Life is never dull!

www.booths.co.uk

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