In the High Flyers spotlight this week is Barry Gray, director of Gray Design, an architectural firm with offices in Newry, Belfast and Dublin and which specialises in commercial, industrial, bespoke homes, residential development, leisure and interior design. He also manages Warrenpoint FC in the Irish Premiership.
To take part in the High Flyers Q&A, get in touch via business@irishnews.com.
What was your first job?
I helped deliver lemonade when I was still in school.
What qualifications do you have?
I am a chartered architectural technologist.
What do you attribute your success to?
I have always been committed to being better, improving myself and my staff. Within the fast moving architectural sector, you need to keep up with the latest regulations, technology and construction methods. At Gray Design, we also place a high value on creating long term relationships. Some of our commercial clients have been with us since we started 15 years ago. They know that we will respond quickly and effectively to ensure projects are delivered on time.
How would you describe yourself to someone who’d never met you?
Honest, hard working and driven to succeed.
Who do you look up to in business?
Richard Branson. He has created many businesses through perseverance. He is a passionate leader who has developed great teams and is very much hands on.
How do you get the best out of people who work for you?
I find if you treat people with respect, offer them help when they need it, they go the extra mile when required. I'm fortunate to work with a great team of specialists with complementary skill sets.
If you could change one thing about doing business in Northern Ireland, what would it be?
I would like to see the provision of an online planning system. Some public sector services have successfully moved online. I am hopeful progress can be made with planning.
What website or app could you not do without?
WhatsApp helps me say connected with the team.
What was the last book you read?
Steven Gerrard’s autobiography. As a lifelong Liverpool fan, it was great to get an insight into one of their most gifted players.
What car do you drive?
A Range Rover Sport.
Tell us something interesting about yourself?
I have been involved in soccer coaching and management for most of my adult life. I took Warrenpoint Town FC from the lower leagues to the Irish Premiership. That was a fantastic experience and we had lots of memorable days. I'm now back managing the club after a spell at Cliftonville. I used to say soccer gave me a break from work, now the opposite is probably more accurate! Seriously though, there are lots of managerial skills that transfer from the dressing room to the board room.
What’s your greatest passion outside work and family?
It will be no surprise to anyone that it is sport, in particular soccer.
