An interview with Phil Austin

Company: Touchstone Renard Limited
Location: London and Woking, England
Position: Managing Director

Where did you learn the basics of running a business?
It was a combination of my last two management positions, in Mars and Redland; and the period when I completed my MBA at Henley Management College. Although the MBA was mainly devoted to management issues in large businesses, I was given the flexibility to develop a business plan with useful (critical!) input from College Professors. However, theory is fine but it was when I really had to go find and service clients that reality hit home!

Whom did you work with, before becoming a consultant?
My career started as a design engineer with GEC, mainly designing high speed weighing machines for the food industry. I then moved to the Mars Group as a Project Manager in the 1980's working on what became the "Flavia" project (an office coffee machine which brews high quality beverages through a sachet). After that I was employed as Head of Product Development at Redland - effectively running an internal engineering consultancy for the Group. I was also seconded to help the Board develop a ten year strategic plan.

What will you do in ten years?
More of the same! I am very interested in consulting, both in doing it and running workshops in the areas I am personally interested in (especially Quality and Project Management).

What kind of people do you like to work with?
People with a positive outlook, who have integrity, humour and a genuine commitment to make a difference.

Is there someone whom you would describe as very intelligent?
Yes, there are a number - key people who have influeced my thinking are W. Edwards Deming, Juran, Bernard Taylor, Charles Handy and Meredith Belbin.

After working many years as a consultant you managed many projects. Are there any really special among them?
I have enjoyed many but those which really stand out are where the difference we have made has been crucial to an organisation. One we completed for a Charity in the mid 90's is an example.

Why is your company a member of IMCN?
For partners and colleagues to work with in generating and delivering European wide consulting projects.