Tim Battersby, Business Development Manager at REID Lifting Inc

From travelling across the US with a Porta Gantry Rapide in the back of the truck to enjoying a cup of tea whilst planning a customer visit, Tim Battersby, Technical Sales Engineer at REID Lifting Inc shares an insight in to his daily working life.

Working Day

I’ve very recently relocated from the UK to join REID Inc and I’m really enjoying the new shape of my day. I split by time between our brand-new Minneapolis office and travelling around the country meeting channel partners and looking after our customers. It was a big change for me – swapping motorways in the UK for airports in the US and, safe to say, I was very familiar with the local Minneapolis St Paul airport before the pandemic struck!

Most trips include a very early start, with a good strong coffee at the local café to get me going. Once I arrive where I’m heading, my day could involve anything from meeting potential new channel partners in a board room to training an end user in a muddy field. The variety in this job has always been one of my favourite aspects and, as much as I enjoy delivering a PowerPoint presentation, there’s nothing like lifting a Porta Gantry Rapide out of the back of the truck for a real, live demonstration.

Anytime I’m not on the road or in the air, I’m in the office getting ready for the next trip or enjoying a nice cup of English breakfast tea with the rest of the team while getting stuck into planning. It is Ryan who keeps things going and supports customers while I’m travelling, and it’s good to know that not only have I got the support of a great team here in the US, but that we’ve all got the backing of a great team back in the UK too.

When did you join REID Lifting Inc?

I had a part time job there in 2008 and joined full time in 2012.

What was your first job?

Making teas and coffees at REID. (I’ve never stopped making them, I’ve just added plenty more responsibilities along the way.)

What businessperson do you admire/inspires you?

Nick Battersby, my Dad and the man behind REID. I can’t put into words how much I’ve learned from him throughout my career, or how much his guidance has informed my approach to working life.

What is your best business achievement?

Being part of the team alongside Tony Burris, Chris Jones and Arianne Grail who completed the Sage 200 ERP system implementation at REID. From nothing, we helped to deliver a massively beneficial project for the business.

What would you do if you weren’t in the industry?

I’d be in New Zealand, working at a rowing club and fixing boats in my flip-flops and shorts.

Most useful/favourite gadget?

My travel pillow – flying a much as I do makes it one of my most essential items.

Website/App you couldn’t live without?

Google maps – I’m new to the States and still finding my way

Favourite destination in the world?

Lake Ruataniwha in New Zealand – worth a visit if you get the chance.

Favourite hobby/pastime? 

Can’t beat a game of soccer (or football as we Brits call it) at the park.