Meet the maker: EPM talks to Colin Newbould

In this instalment, we find out about the life, loves and career drivers of the new director of Regulatory Affairs and QP Services at Wasdell, Colin Newbould.

1. Could you briefly describe yourself?

An enthusiastic Quality Professional with commercial awareness and pragmatism.

I was brought up and educated in the North West, but I’m not a true Scouser, I certainly had, and still can have, a detectable accent depending on the type of beverage consumption! After more than 20 years of living and working in Yorkshire we’re now settled in the ‘South West-ish’ of England. I’m a family man, married to my best friend and wife, Jan, for 27 years and lucky enough to have two grown-up daughters and two granddaughters

2. Please describe your average day in five words.

Varying challenges providing customer solutions

3. At what point did you decide to be involved in the pharma market?

This evolved in my career as different opportunities presented themselves; it wasn’t something I immediately chose. I followed my passion for chemistry and science, especially in the natural product sector and then was fortunate enough to open a door in 1998 into this fascinating career.

4. What has been your biggest achievement?

From a career perspective, it would have to be becoming eligible to act as a European Qualified Person; this just opened up so many more options to me.

5. What would you say is your worst trait?

I like to see all projects succeed no matter how large or small or simple or complex; I don’t like to say no or to see good ideas fail.

6. What do you love about your job?

Meeting new customers, reviewing new products and delivery systems, and being part of the team to make this a success.

7. If anything, what would you change about your job?

It would be great to have a crystal ball and forecast the schedule more. Although the role has its stresses and challenges at a day-to-day level, the bigger picture stuff makes the role unique and rewarding

8. If you weren’t in the pharma industry what job would you like to do?

I would have probably entered our family business in joinery manufacturing as I do enjoy making things.

9. What challenges do you foresee being important over the next 10 years?

The political landscape and Brexit will certainly cause some immediate challenges, although this will certainly create several opportunities. Remaining flexible and open to change is by far the most significant challenge in the next 10 years as we face significant recruitment challenges for the IT savvy, ‘tweeters and social media’ evolving populations. Their career demands and expectations will shape and force changes within business creating roles which do not exist for businesses which do not yet exist. We all need to avoid stagnation and be open-minded to evolving.

10. In your opinion, what will offer the biggest opportunities in the future?

Using technology to drive big-data decisions whilst at the same time we need to drive simplicity in all aspects of our careers. We need to look at cost effective methods of making medicines affordable.