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25 Sep

25 September 2015

'Spotlight on' Gus Bhandal, Senior Business & Investment Officer – Warwickshire Investment Partnership

Role on YP Committee – CPD Co-ordinator

Age:  37

From: Coventry

Gus is the longest running member of the Young Professionals committee. He’s a former Chair of the group and has also been shortlisted twice for different awards at the First Pro. Here we get to know him a little better in our latest ‘Spotlight On’ interview and find out that he’s about to take his career in a very different direction.

Q: What does your job involve?

The main part of the role, using Warwickshire’s largest property database, is to find the right commercial premises for businesses looking to relocate to or expand within Warwickshire.

Q: I see from your LinkedIn profile that you’re also an AME Inward Investment Specialist for Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub. What does that involve?

As the advanced manufacturing and engineering (AME) sector is the largest sector in the area, thanks to companies including Jaguar Land Rover, BMW and Aston Martin, part of my role is to specifically support companies throughout the supply chain which are looking to grow or move into Warwickshire, to be part of this continually growing business cluster.

Q: What’s been your greatest career achievement so far?

I have been involved in a whole range of projects from supporting global companies to expand their operations to organising key large-scale events such as the Warwickshire Expo or Driving Technological Change Conference – it would be too hard to pick one, but only because all my achievements are so varied!

Q: I hear you have an exciting and very different career move in the pipeline. Can you tell us any more about that?

Yes, I am imminently undertaking a huge change of career – I am leaving the Council to run my own pub!  As of mid-October, I will be the new landlord (now known as the designated premises supervisor) at the Stag & Pheasant pub in north Coventry – a traditional local pub which also serves Indian food, including our famous chilli cheese naan!

Q: What sorts of CPD activities have you organised with the Young Professionals?

Alongside my YP colleagues, I managed a range of seminars focussed on professional development for my fellow young professionals, with exclusive guest presenters providing information on a range of topics.  These included how to present to an audience, managing difficult conversations, network skills and making the most of professional social media.

Q: What advice would you give to anyone looking for their next career move?

I think the most important thing is not to wait for opportunities – one of my favourite mottos is “if your ship never comes in, then swim out to it”.  Don’t be afraid to try something new or challenging, mainly to keep your brain engaged and stimulated!

Q: Tell us something interesting or unusual about yourself.

Where do I start? I’ve been to four George Michael concerts; I’m on the verge of winning an amateur go-karting championship for the second time; and I once played golf with loads of old Formula One stars including Nigel Mansell!

Q: Finally, what are your hobbies?

My main hobby is definitely outdoor karting, although I think my new hobby will be learning out to pull a decent pint!

The thoughts and opinions expressed on this blog are those of Chrissie Duxson (or guest contributors) and do not necessarily reflect those of Coventry and Warwickshire First. All content on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of the blog is not responsible for content found by following any link on this site.