Name
Mark Kaged

Title of job
Director

Company / type of company:
4 Runner Ltd/Specialist Sport Surfaces

Could you give a brief description of the nature of your job - main tasks and responsibilities?
My Company markets, supplies and installs sport floors, mainly into the education market. One of my key responsibilities is to ensure that the business keeps coming in. I do this by working with my manufacturer, ‘Desso DLW Sport Systems’ various accounts I have, and ongoing business strategies. I am also responsible for the daily running of the business

What is the nature of your contact with other countries?
As most raw materials are produced on the Continent, it follows that most manufacturers (suppliers) are based there. It is this that has driven the contact. Our customers are UK based. The nature of our contact with our supplier is to develop the UK business, ensure correct deliveries and provide a first class sales and installation process. Our customers rely on us to deliver on our proposition and promise.

What contact does the job require you to have?
We tend to share the face-to-face contact, our next meeting is in Aberdeen as that is where our installation team is working and I need my business partners input. This year we’ve had meetings in Rotterdam, Bietigheim, Cologne and The Vale Hotel South Wales. Cleary, various communications continues on an almost daily basis.

In which situations do you find having a knowledge of another language comes in useful?
Important with one German supplier, he speaks a little English and I speak a little German. Together we get by, although things would be better if I had fluency. Moreover, the respect one gets from having another language and knowledge of their culture is immense. Even exchanging greetings in French or German with my colleagues is returned with enthusiasm.

In what way has having International links added to your life?
We are very proud of our International links; it’s provided the opportunity to conduct our business. Personally, it’s opened my mind to other real cultures, not holiday resort exposure, but normal day-to-day ways of life. In January of this year we arranged a trip to the Wendlestein Mountain in Bavaria whilst in the region, thousands of feet up amongst the Alps in –13 degrees drinking Champagne with friends in the snow, then a quick trip to Salzburg for the afternoon and lunch. And all thanks to our continental links, and conducted with a little help from my small knowledge of German.

What are the main qualities an employer looks for, in your opinion?
Having established the job requirements and the person profile, I look for some essential characteristics the candidate must possess: A real interest in the subject matter, an ability to listen and absorb instruction, and understanding of responsibility, someone who is focussed with good communication skills, enthusiasm and last but by no means least, honesty.

Finally, what advice would you give to students deciding whether to carry on with their languages?
Please, do continue with your languages until you have a sound basis or a conversational standard. It expands the mind as to other cultures; greatly assists in business opportunities and indeed life. When travelling and using your language, you’ll find your opinions on world affairs will alter and encompass differing countries views, and why they have a different viewpoint from your own. Colleagues from the continent will respect and appreciate your ability.

When eating out in England a short while ago with a French colleague, we were served by an Australian Waitress, who we found out, was working in the restaurant part-time whilst studying. As soon as she picked Michel’s French accent she started talking to him in French. Everybody was particularly impressed. Her aptitude was imposing, Michel was very happy to order in his own language and to have a lengthy discussion about her French studies and pending life in France. Suffice it to say a weighty tip was left to help her on her way!