Birthday Q&A with our CEO and MD

Nick Sanderson, CEO

36 years ago our Chief Executive, Nick Sanderson, founded a company which over time has developed the conventional care home concept into the modern, luxury retirement living we see in Audley Villages today. In fact, Audley Villages were the first of their kind - the UK's very first luxury retirement villages. Nick's inspiration was to see people living better, remaining independent for longer and with the option of care should they ever need it.

Willicombe Park in Royal Tunbridge Wells was the first Audley Village developed. Upon opening in 1999, it won a prestigious Best Retirement Property award as well as conservation awards for the refurbishment of the Victorian mansion at the centre of the scheme.

Nick continues to inspire others within the business to be exceptional at everything they do, keeping the customer at the heart of every decision.

It's traditional to give a gift on a birthday, but we decided to ask Nick a few fun questions instead...

• Nick, what are you most looking forward to about this year ahead? An end to Brexit!
• Did you ask for anything special this year? An end to Brexit.
• Who likes to spoil you on your birthday? My daughter.
• Will you be dining in or dining out for your birthday celebration (At an Audley restaurant of course!)? Yes but too far away from our villages so will have to accept second best.
• Looking back, in your twenties did you ever picture yourself where you are at this stage in your life? No. I wasn't sure I would make it this far.
• Where do you see yourself in another ten years? At risk of upsetting colleagues... still involved in Audley.
• What’s your greatest achievement? Audley.
• Do you have a favourite memory from your many years at Audley so far? There have been so many, but hopefully the best is yet to come. 
• Who inspires you? My father.
• If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be? Barack Obama, just to annoy Donald Trump.
• Who is the fastest runner, you or Paul? Taking an age allowance into account, clearly it's me!

If you had to choose only one of the following… 

• Chocolate cake or lemon drizzle? Definitely lemon drizzle! Why, is there some in the kitchen?
• Tea or coffee? Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon.
• Faraway holidays or the British seaside? Both.
• Beach holidays or adventure holidays? Beach and a book.
• Sun or snow? (Nick, this is a sore subject after your recent injury on your skiing holiday). Sun - snow is very dangerous. Be careful everyone. 
• Champagne or whisky? Whisky.
• Red or white? White. But red if absolutely forced.
• Running or cycling? Both.
• Comedy or action? Comedy.
• Reading fiction or non-fiction? Non-fiction.
• Wallpaper or paint? A decorator if you mean DIY.
• Art or history? History.

Paul Morgan, MD, Operations

At Audley Villages a huge part of what makes every customer's experience so exceptional, is the standard of care, along with the welcoming feel as you arrive at a village, the Audley Club, the outstanding dining experience and of course the people. As Managing Director, Paul's pride in the business and his passion for customer service both inspire and direct his team to make a real difference in the lives of our customers and each other.

Always the joker, Paul kindly answered a few birthday questions...

• Paul, what are you most looking forward to about this year ahead? Aston Villa being promoted!
• Did you ask for anything special this year? A SAGA membership.
• Who likes to spoil you on your birthday? My youngest daughter… The older one is at Uni and I’m certain has forgotten who I am.
• Will you be dining in or dining out for your birthday celebration (At an Audley restaurant of course!)? The Ivy – but I’ll take some business cards, as lots of our customers also love it there.
• Looking back, in your twenties did you ever picture yourself where you are at this stage in your life? In my twenties, 50 was considered old… So, probably pictured myself in a retirement village!.. Hmmm hold on??
• Where do you see yourself in another ten years? Still watching Brexit negotiations on the TV.
• What’s your greatest achievement? Ask me in 2021… it’s just around the corner.
• Do you have a favourite memory from your many years at Audley so far? The camaraderie of our teams every time they come together for a launch, an event, or a need…. It is truly amazing! 
• Who inspires you? Nick Sanderson.
• If you could have dinner with anyone in the world, who would it be? David Brent, so he could teach me how to dance.
• Whose the fastest runner, you or Nick? Well, if I give Nick a second per year between us… I think I’d still win by 4 seconds!

If you had to choose only one… 

• Chocolate cake or lemon drizzle? Gin & Tonic cake (disguised as Lemon Drizzle).
• Tea or coffee? Fresh Mint Tea… (I know I know).
• Faraway holidays or the British seaside? Cornwall in an angry March storm.
• Beach holidays or adventure holidays? A bit of adventure with a few days beach at the end.
• Sun or snow? Having seen Nick’s injuries over the years – sun! 
• Champagne or whisky? Champagne darling!
• Red or white? Both.
• Running or cycling? Running (badly).
• Comedy or action? Action.
• Reading fiction or non-fiction? Reading – what’s that?
• Wallpaper or paint? I’ll Leave the Sanderson wallpaper gag to someone else! So, face paint!
• Art or history? History, every day of last week.