Catalogue

Interview
2260, WA/08
Wathes Collection

Speaker: Norman, Trevor, 1946 - 0, Interviewee, Male, Businessman
Speaker: Hyde, C, Interviewer, Male

Summary of interview item: Outlines joining navy from school, having to leave for medical reasons, finding job at TH Wathes, Leicester, looking after sales reps. Describes in detail how air conditioning side of business expanded, people involved. Talks about Sydney Wathes, anecdotes. Describes work in 1960s, competition between sales reps., Frigidaire franchise, commercial refrigeration, problems managing salesmen. Talks about changes in work, development of air conditioning from refigeration, sorts of work done. Describes problems of planning a job, changes in refrigerants, changes in equipment, current state of business. Mention of social side of work now and in 1960s. Talks about Peter Thurnham's modern approach, emphasis on budgets. Outlines attitudes to work, to union membership, to motivating work force. Brief reflection on how technology has increased the pace of work.
Place of birth: Leicester
Education:
Marital Status: , Children:
Father's Occupation: Printer
Mother's Occupation: Hosiery worker
Location: County: Leicestershire
Location: Town/Place: Leicester
Periods Covered: 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s
Language: English

Recording Date: 23/6/2003
Playing time: 1 hr 45 mins
Access Restrictions: Restricted Item Copyright: EMOHA
Summary: Yes
Transcription: No
Copies: Yes
Cross Reference:

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Last updated: 08/05/02 East Midland Oral History Archive Web maintainer This document has been approved by the head of department or section.