David Edwards is the depot manager at Glasgow-based cash & carry Alfa Wholesale where he has worked for 18 years. A huge fan of Celtic and Liverpool football teams, David talks about his love of Henrik Larsson and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity he was given to go to the World Cup.
You’ve been at Alfa for 18 years. What’s inspired you to stay for so long?
There’s a really nice family atmosphere here and a lot of trust. I don’t get bosses breathing down my neck – everyone just gets on with it. But we are also really good with customers – we’re known as the friendliest wholesaler in Glasgow because everyone is trained to assist customers as much as possible when they need help, instead of just pointing to where they need to go.
What’s been the highlight of your career?
I still can’t believe that Alfa gave me the ticket”
I’ll never forget the time when Alfa gave me the chance to go and see the World Cup in 2006. We won a ticket through a competition with Today’s Group, but no one else in the depot really liked football, so they gave the ticket to me. I flew to Germany and watched England versus Sweden – Henrik Larsson scored in the 88th minute of the game and it was the most amazing experience. I still can’t believe that Alfa gave the ticket to me – I’m really chuffed.
What’s your favourite film?
I really like Leon. I think Jean Reno, Gary Oldman and Natalie Portman made a great line‐up. What do you do in your spare time? Well, my wife hates football so we don’t watch too much of that. But we do occasionally get away to southeast Wales. I’m not a sun worshipper so it’s the perfect place for us. I don’t think people in the UK make enough of it – we live in a beautiful country. We usually stay in the same hotel, and go for a meal in the evening and a night‐time walk on the beach. It’s a lovely drive, too.
Speaking of driving, some- one told me you don’t like bus lanes. Is that true?
Yes, it is! What’s the point in paying road tax when you can only drive on 50% of the road? Plus I’ve got an issue with speed limits – most of them were set 80 years ago when braking systems took a lot longer to kick in, but now cars can stop in half the distance.
I’m not a speed junkie, though – I’m actually big on safety and I think that first‐ time drivers should only be given a one‐litre engine vehicle. Then they can progress gradually as they get more experienced.
How would your colleagues describe you?
I’m quite chilled – I think it’s the best way to be, even when you’ve got a lot going on behind the scenes and things might get you down. Life is more about how you react to situations rather than what happens to you.
I think I’m pretty funny, too, but I’m not sure that my colleagues would agree with me.
