Q&A: Nick Davies Business development manager, Reflex Printed Plastics

Nick has spent 20 years in print, and has a familial connection to the industry. He loves all sport, particularly football and horse racing.

Nick is also a bit of a weather geek, often to be found on Netweather trying to grasp the mechanics of our weather/climate. He’s married to Barbra they have one daughter, Isabella, and a cocker spaniel called Diesel.

What is your nickname? 

Noodles - my sister came up with this nickname a long time ago and it’s stuck ever since. Not many people know this… until now that is

Why did you get into printing? 

My dad set up a UV litho print company in 1973 called Vinalith, so it seemed natural I would leave school and follow him into the trade. I didn’t work for him immediately, though, as I had other ideas at first, but nothing really worked out. Vinalith was very successful for many years

What would be your dream job? 

Without question – professional sportsman. I was pretty good at football and golf when I was younger, but not quite good enough in the end 

Who would play you in a movie about your life? 

A young Al Pacino 

What is your favourite film? 

The Godfather – great acting, powerful storyline and a great ending

What is your favourite TV show? 

I’m really looking forward to the next series of Peaky Blinders

Who or what do you hate the most? 

Marmite, Champagne socialism and over-zealous political correctness

Who do you admire most in print?

It has to be my dad [Michael Davies], he started with nothing and built up a £4m company at its peak

What is your favourite saying? 

‘You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink’. You can show anyone anything, whether they understand it is another matter. Any job that’s ever gone wrong is usually because of a misunderstanding

What is your favourite album? 

The Wall by Pink Floyd

What’s your dream bit of kit?

A hybrid digital/UV litho B1 press with all the bells and whistles

What is your greatest luxury in life? 

Sky remote control – I wouldn’t know what to do without it

Which celebrity would you like to get out of here? Why? 

Kim Kardashian – I respect anyone with talent or skill but she seems to have none apart from the derrière

Where would you like to be now? 

On a beach with a cold beer in hand

What’s your worst fashion disaster? 

There have been a few, but the ones I remember the most are a black and white polka dot shirt, another was a combination of ankle high black Farah Trousers, white socks and black patent shoes

Which superpower would you like? 

It would be good to read people’s minds

Where would you go if you could time-travel? 

There would be lots of places I would like to go but if you pinned me down I would say Wembley 1966

What was the best business deal that you’ve pulled off? 

For the importance of the timing, I would say the first job secured soon after joining Reflex – four million double sided car window clings. Everyone was pretty pleased about that

What was your childhood obsession? 

I ate, slept and drank football for most of my childhood

How would you like to be remembered? 

That I did my best and stayed true to myself