It has been a central maxim to his career over two decades in banking, and it’s certainly the attitude he brings to his role as a director of Coachwise. And he is one of many reasons why Coachwise will continue to have its eye ‘on the ball’.
Peter’s career has seen him embrace change, and become very familiar with a digital world which many in the sports sector know is an integral, and increasingly important, part of communications.
As Head of Communication Services at RBS, Peter believes he is able to ‘add value’, and knows that it was his marketing and digital experience which led to him becoming a director of Coachwise. ‘Obviously the Board has some great experience with Derek Taylor’s financial background and David Anderson’s IT skills, and I believe I’m able to bring something on the marketing front.
‘What we are doing at Coachwise is a worthwhile endeavour, and I believe I’m able to offer the experience, backing and perspective on the marketing side, especially supporting Melanie Mallinson, Marketing and Mail Order Director, and helping with that marketing strategy, predominantly looking at social and new media.
‘I’m not a coach or directly involved in sport, but I can help create the environment which allows Coachwise to do what it does best.’
The 48-year-old dad of two revealed that it was his family and their passions which also gave him even more justification, if any were needed, for getting involved with Coachwise.
‘When I joined the board my children were 11 and 4 – they are now three years older – and I have always appreciated it when I saw good coaching in their lives.’
The Prince family certainly enjoy their sport, and a good variety – whether it’s the passion for hockey of their daughter, or the rugby, football and karting of their son.
‘It’s great when you see rising participation levels, and the people who give up their time are phenomenal. Our local under 7s cricket side has 50 or so kids attending, and that’s fantastic.
‘What I know I – and people like me – can provide is the structure to take the “pain” away. People who coach or have a true vocation may not always have a commercial focus, which sometimes the sports need in order to remain successful.’
Peter again comes back to his core belief, and one which he says is very important during times of economic constraint, that resources be used wisely, and that new opportunities are always looked at and considered fully.
‘A key thing for Coachwise is to have a plan for the future that can be articulated to all its stakeholders. A lot of time is spent making sure the plans that Tony Byrne (Managing Director) and his team bring to us, are understood. Part of what we do is to be looking two or three years ahead, and we are looking at where we can add value to the business, on many different fronts.
‘It’s the same principle we apply at RBS, and is good for any business – that we ask what we are doing, why we are doing it, should we continue to do that or look at other options – continually testing and asking ourselves the questions.’
