Stephen Patterson became chief executive of Newcastle business improvement district NE1 in 2021 - a time amidst major changes to the city centre brought on by Covid restrictions. He had previously been director of communications for the organisation which delivers multiple projects to support the city, including driving footfall and securing investment.
What was your first job (and how much did it pay)? My first job was as a pot washer in a kitchen for the princely sum of £3.50 an hour at the age of 13. It felt like a fortune, this was way before minimum wage was introduced, and my next job the following year paid £2 an hour. It was a fantastic introduction to the world of work, fast paced, hard work, pressure, stress, camaraderie… Ever since, I have avoided boring workplaces like the plague!
What is the best advice or support you’ve been given in business? I have had the privilege of working with some amazing bosses, all of whom have left their mark on me, and shaped who I am today. In terms of advice when I was starting my career, I was told, ‘opportunities are rare, grab them with both hands. Take the jump and work out how to land on the way down.’ This piece of advice has had a huge impact on how I approach my work and career. As my career progressed into a more managerial role, another business insight someone gave me was ‘the greatest mistake we make is assuming everyone thinks the same.’ Empathy, understanding and the ability to listen are vitally important when building long-term partnerships.
