This month we're talking to Phil Berry, Southern Area Sales Manager, about what attracted him to the building controls industry and what five guests he would invite to a dinner party.

Q: How long have you worked at Sontay?

A: I have been at Sontay for seven months

Q: What is your job role?

A: Covering the South of England, introducing & Representing Sontay in all aspects, presenting our products and ranges, and ensuring the very best customer service, seeking out opportunities for new business and keeping Sontay in the forefront of the BEMS industry.

Q: What are the best/worst things about your job?

A: The best part is meeting some great people in the industry, colleagues and customers, meeting them all and having fun along the way.

The worst is the amount of travelling covering the south of England and overnights, but that said I am used to it now.

Q: What attracted you to working in the building controls industry?

A: Mark Newton was here, I knew him from the Electrical and lighting world, and he had joined and was loving it, and I was looking for a new challenge, and this felt right, Mark sold me the dream

And I am thoroughly enjoying it.

Q: What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry?

A: Absorb it, and get immersed in the world of BEMS, it all soon becomes clear, learn the products, the situations our products are used in, take guidance from mentors, and enjoy it.

The next 10 years with climate change, clean air, save the planet, etc, our world is where it is happening, it is going to be a good few years.

Q: Who has been the biggest influence in your career?

A: In the early days my old Regional Manager Barry Martell, gave me the opportunity and mentored me along the way.

Q: What five guests would you invite to a dinner party?

A: Ian Burden & David Morris from Western Automation. There are funny guys and mainly they laugh at my jokes so at least I will have some fun around the table!

Michael MCIntyre would be great fun and add Jonothan Ross, the lines and quips would have me belly ache laughing I am sure. Throw in Michelle Keegan for dessert and guest five, plus she is better looking than David and Ian.   

Q: What is your favourite book?

A: Tough one….so many….the book is ALWAYS so much better than the film, so some may read this and think oh yes good film, BUT the film simply does it no justice….”Papillon”.

It is a fantastic book, you think you are there on the journey, the descriptions and writing is that good.

Q: Who is your favourite musician?

A: Cannot just say one…

Varied…as my taste changes over the years, from Elvis, to UB40, Specials, Madness, Frank Sinatra, the beautiful south,  but my guilty pleasure is ….Robbie Williams, with my karaoke song being “ Angels”…hang on , what about Neil Diamond, Bob Marley, ..This question is too hard….

I will end the answer with…

The Drifters!!

Q: What is your perfect holiday? Sun or Snow?  

A: SUN!

All inclusive - Dominican republic – big pool – swim up bar – lazing around reading and relaxing with regular G&T's and cold beers being handed to me.

Snow? no chance!!