Robert Kitchener

Name: Robert Kitchener
Company: Kitchener 2000
Position: Managing director

Career Path:
Growing up I always wanted to be a chef, so after leaving school I undertook a catering course where I trained in a local hotel.

It was only when I discovered that I had an allergic reaction to citrus fruits did I decide to pursue my second interest and go down the electrical route.

Having worked extensively in the electrical industry, I noticed a niche in the market for PAT testing and after some deliberation, my father and I decided to invest in the idea and set up Kitchener 2000 from our back bedroom in 1996.

Fortunately for us, we managed to secure a six-month contract with Channel 5 TV and that, twinned with a grant through the Hyndburn Enterprise Trust, helped us setup in business.

Fourteen years and 29 employees later, we have a number of accolades under our belt and provide PAT testing to a variety of businesses throughout the UK.

Favourite music at the moment:
I am really in to Kings on Leon at the minute. I also like Coldplay and Scouting for Girls.

Ideal way to wind down after work:
My ideal way to wind down would have to be a trip to the gym or even a round of golf. Although I have been known to de-stress by washing my car.

To have a completely relaxing holiday I enjoy going skiing with my family.

Best piece of business advice:
An old boss once told me that you couldn’t go far wrong in business if you paid the Inland Revenue on time! To this day I’ve always made tax my number one priority and the tax man has never come knocking.