Working Week: Just about ready for big move

Feb 14 2009 Mark Hudspith, company accountant of Vauxhall dealer Davidsons of Morpeth

MONDAY am – Attend a tax meeting with MD Harry Davidson at Tait Walker in Gosforth, the firm I used to work for. It still feels a bit weird going back.

Monday pm – Post meeting, I head back to Davidsons’ premises at Bridge End in Morpeth. This is our last week here as we are relocating to our purpose-built Vauxhall dealership at Coopies Way, also in Morpeth. Lloyds bank arrive to discuss some potential funding requirements.

Tuesday am – Arrive at my office as normal at 8.30. The kitchen bench from which I currently work in the accounts office will be replaced with new office furniture and a fantastic view. Attend meeting of departmental heads – inter-departmental competition can be fierce and I sometimes end up peacekeeper.

Tuesday pm – 5pm comes and I pack up and head home. I am met by three boys all wanting attention, all wanting stories read. I should have stayed at work a bit longer!

Wednesday am – The plan I have for the week is thrown into disarray when I am presented with a task by Harry that needs urgent attention. The schedule for the week is pushed back, but I shouldn’t complain as this makes the job that much more interesting.

Wednesday pm – Meet PR firm uniquethinking to discuss how to get the message across to our customers about our move to larger new premises. Davidsons and fellow Vauxhall dealer Patricks are being taken out by Vauxhall, so I rush home to get ready to meet up in Newcastle.

Thursday am – Sore heads and tiredness prevail after a late but enjoyable evening. Not my most productive morning!

Thursday pm – Our bodyshop manager arrives to discuss November accounts. After a tiring day I return home to my wife Kirsty and our boys.

When the boys are bathed and put to bed, I prepare for my constitutional evening run. The motivation is not great, but I try to focus on the feeling after I have completed my jaunt. Long gone are the days of being an international marathon runner, when I would train twice daily and clock up more miles on two legs than four wheels!

Friday am – I visit Atlas Garages, our sister company selling quality used cars in the Newcastle area.

Friday pm – I head back to Morpeth to start packing up my office and feel excited about the big move tomorrow. Bridge End has served us well over the past 18 years, but it is time to move and where better than our new premises on Coopies Way?

Mark Hudspith, company accountant of Vauxhall dealer Davidsons of Morpeth, gives an account of his working week.