Leaving on a jetplane… but it’s business as usual at Knapton Wright! 

"Fancy a move to Western Australia?"

As usual Tuesday morning WhatsApp messages go, this was quite unexpected. Turns out my wife, Cat, had been approached for a job opportunity out there. This was always a possibility as dock masters like Cat are highly sought after, and their skills are transferable to wherever there are boats ships, sea and a safe harbour.

That message, and what followed, takes us to less than a fortnight before my family and I are set to board a plane to the coastal city of Karratha…via Perth…via Dubai…via Manchester. With a population of nearly 25,000 people it’s comparable to Cleethorpes, only with more nesting turtles and less two-pence coin pushers. It’s also incredibly hot.

Since breaking this news to family, friends and colleagues there’s been an inevitable barrage of questions, some of which you may have too. I’ll rattle off a few quick-fire answers to see if you can guess the questions:

• “Yes, I hear they’re quite deadly too.”
• “7 hours, depending on daylight saving in the UK.”
• “Like trying to wrestle a pig, but hopefully they’ll get used to it.”
• “It’s a five year contract and what happens after that, we’re not sure about yet.”
• “They’re called thongs out there. No, not those kind.”
• “Yes, I’ll still be working with KW, just on the night shift with Tim.”

That last point, in the context of this blog, is the most important to make. Thanks to Alex and Louise’s support and agreeement, the plan is to continue working with Knapton Wright as I have done over the last five years. Granted, it’ll be different. The obvious being that I’ll be on a screen in meetings rather than in-person. Those meetings will likely be in the morning in the UK given the time difference too.

In all honesty, I think this will be a good thing for the business (and for our clients) as it’ll give me more focus on and discipline around the strategic direction of operations, rather than me creeping into day-to-day tactical work as is often the case when I’m in the office.

Over the years I’ve had the pleasure of working with some really talented folk, and our current crop are arguably the most harmonious bunch we’ve had at the company. I’ll sorely miss being in the Caistor office with them (and our friendly neighbours at System-oodle too). It’s no doubt been unsettling for the team having one of the company directors announce their imminent relocation around the world but they’ve taken it in their stride and have spoken the kindest of words.

I must also give a “shout out” (yep, I’m still down with the kids at 40) to my wife for giving my family and I this amazing opportunity. She works in an industry that’s historically been very male-dominated, especially in senior management, so for her to be respected enough to be invited all the way around the world to work for someone else makes me incredibly proud of her. She’s constantly championed women in the ports industry and I’ve no doubt this vital work will continue for Pilbara Ports when she gets her feet under her new desk.

For now there’s packing to be done, a shipping container to fill, kids to be kept educated, 2FA codes to request, clients to delight; life goes on. My last day in the UK office is Friday 4th October and I’ll (fingers crossed) be back to it on Monday 14th October from The Enterprise Hub in downtown Karratha. It’s a fab-looking co-working space and I’m really looking forward meeting people there. 

Speaking of which, I’m really hoping to bump into Harold Bishop or Karl Kennedy while I’m there. Because Australia’s a small place, right…?