Where did it all start for you?
In 2001, I was trying to work out what to do next, having sold the family business. It was slightly scary but very exciting to start again and let life take its course. Having previously been a supplier to pubs and hotels, I decided that I wanted to try and stay involved in the catering industry. I soon met Lee and in the next 18 months, we set up Peach and suddenly I was a Landlord in a pub.
How did an accountant end up running a pub business?
At university I had no clue where I would end up and decided an Accountancy qualification would suit my degree in Maths and Economics. So I worked for seven years in London with PWC doing audit and then corporate finance with Lonrho. I learnt a lot about business and even more about what I didn’t want to spend my life doing. The city and public markets inevitably promote short-term money focussed businesses.
Did you ever imagine Peach would become what it is today?
Of course, it was my dream to create a really good service culture business. And we have done just that.
What’s your favourite Peach memory of the last 15 years?
There are too many to pick just one. My favourite stories are the team members that have made their dreams come true.
What does ‘down time’ consist of for Hamish?
In all honesty, I am not too good at stopping without a purpose. So I have a few things I go and do. I have a project in Kenya, Enonkishu Conservancy, that I support and so I try to visit Africa three times a year. I also ski and sail my classic yacht out of Beaulieu river.
What makes a person ‘Peachy’?
Peachy is our word to describe a great guest experience, as well as someone in Peach who makes that happen every day.
Where do you see Peach in 10 years’ time?
Bigger, better, and even stronger at delivering our values every day.
If you could impart one bit of advice to Peachy people, what would it be?
I love it when people join us, and say “I really didn’t believe your values would be real, but they are. It’s amazing.”
My advice is to keep them real, to keep the dream alive – we all have to live them and defend them every day.