Up Close & Personal: Jim Nicol

How long have you been working in the industry?
Way back in June 1991, by fate or by accident I was exposed to a new technology enabling the printing of white T-shirts with a transfer paper called TheMagicTouch and using a Canon colour copier. I realised immediately this digital revolution was something I wanted to develop and be part of.

What’s your most over-used word or phrase?
”Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” I use it to remind myself and others that you really only get out what you put in. Nothing ever was, is or will be easy in business, you have to be prepared to go that extra mile.

Which tune can’t you get out of your head at the moment?
FourFiveSeconds by Rihanna, Kanye West and Paul McCartney.

What’s your favourite sports team?
I’m not really into favourites, especially in sport. In the past I’ve always been a big football fan, but I believe the game, along with many other sports, has been stolen from the people and supporters by commercial interests that have ruined the whole ethos. My real favourite team is the 25 people who work for us here in the UK, many of whom have been with the company for over 15 years.

Tomato ketchup or brown sauce?
Brown.

What is the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?
To be honest, I really haven’t done anything actually in the office that I would be embarrassed about: maybe staggered at a few trade shows after a few beers but ‘hey!’ that’s trade shows!

What’s your most unappealing habit?
Driving too fast with nervous passengers.

What’s your guilty pleasure?
Turning my phone off on holiday.

What’s your hidden talent?
I’m very good at listening to people.

If you were to do another job, what would it be?
In my previous life I was involved with the music industry as well as logistics and distribution with TNT, but knowing what I know today I could very easily print T-shirts on a Caribbean island.

If you could be anywhere on earth right now, where would you be?
Printing those T-shirts in Barbados.

Which gadget or app couldn’t you live without?
There is nothing I couldn’t live without apart from my family and friends. The only thing I would struggle to live without would be my old 1955 Centennial Wurlitzer Jukebox – it would take some replacing, especially as it is filled with 45s collected over many years.

If you could ask one person (living or dead) one question, who and what would you ask?
The Queen. I would ask her if she is using her Rugby World Cup tickets.