Rosliston Forestry Centre benefits from wealth of experience - July 2008

Enterprise & Innovation

Retirement Provides a Wealth of Opportunities to Forestry

David Sly-Jex’s years of experience and wealth of contacts gained in the world of business were crucial in helping a small company develop and win negotiation battles.

After retiring, David decided to put his skills to use by becoming a Business Champion. As a Business Champion, a programme created and funded by the East Midland Development Agency (emda) an elite task force of business volunteers are put forward to support organisations that require commercial assistance.

David was paired up with a company that manages Rosliston Forestry Centre in Swadlincote.

As the first visitor centre in The National Forest, a partnership between South Derbyshire District Council, the Forestry Commission and the National Forest Company, Rosliston Forestry Centre is run by a small organisation headed up by husband and wife team, Debbie and Wayne Chesterman.

As well as assisting Debbie with providing a strategic direction for the business, customer development and growth tactics, David was also instrumental in helping with contract negotiations.

Debbie Chesterman, manager at The Rosliston Forestry Centre said: “We have a very good relationship with our three partners who are very helpful, but when it came to renegotiating our contract, which would allow us to continue running the centre, we needed help from an independent body who could put the case forward in terms of work load, financial settlements and needs.

“David’s contribution was extremely useful and by providing that extra experience and business knowledge as well as established contacts our position was strengthened and our goal achieved. He has helped a great deal and has been a real champion.”

For David, a retired engineer, Business Champions provided a way in which he could continue contributing the skills he had gained through a lifetime of work.

“It’s easy to dry up in retirement and I didn’t want that to happen to me,” says David. “I wanted to continue working in some capacity. But I also wanted to put something back into the community.

“Having worked around the world in a variety of fields I have gained an understanding of different cultures and organisations and I wanted to pass that on to the next generation. So, I was invited to become a Business Champion with East Midlands development Agency (emda), which has introduced me to a range of opportunities and activities.

“Being a Business Champion has provided me with a great deal of satisfaction. It’s provided me with contacts and the opportunity to play a part in guiding future generations. I’ve very much enjoyed my relationship with Debbie and am proud that I have been able to help her. Together we have worked on marketing ideas, developing negotiation skills, solving problems and providing general support.

“I look forward to working on lots of new and exciting projects in the coming years.”