Neil: IP is a fascinating field to work in. You’re bringing together engineering skills and legal skills in such a way as to reward investment in innovation. There are people all around the world creating new ideas and inventions every day, and it’s amazing when you see patents that you’ve worked on start to appear in new product ranges.

Neil: The first CEO I worked for told me to always be on the lookout for opportunities to grow and develop. Many years ago, I was an in-house translator, and the company’s lead Dutch translator resigned. I spoke a little bit of Dutch, so put myself through an intensive learning regime and volunteered to take on the role. Within a year, it had become the main language I was translating. Businesses always want team members who are willing to take on new responsibilities.

Austyn: To build and grow the next marketing leading IP solutions provider. To do so in a way that makes a genuinely positive impact on how our industry operates. To change perception of what it means to be a partner to our customers. To have fun doing it.

Austyn: Be impeccable with your word. This is the 1st agreement from the book ‘The Four Agreements’ which I recommend to anyone. Amongst other things it means speak with integrity, which I try to remember to do in all aspects of my life.

Chris: Being self-aware gives us the power to influence outcomes. I know I have a strong tendency towards introversion, so I put additional effort into socializing, building connections, voicing ideas in groups and stepping outside my comfort zone. To my fellow introverts out there: we play a vital role in group settings by contributing our unique strengths to enhance team dynamics.

Chris: Most weekends I can be found playing with my local Army Reserve band, based near Oxford. In addition to delivering live music for events such as charity concerts or, occasionally, Changing of the Guard ceremonies at Royal Palaces, we develop our musical skills, benefit from fantastic travel opportunities and build lasting friendships. I can recommend it as a great way of providing a creative outlet and balancing the stresses of work.