Nick Palfreyman is Cottam’s Head of Product and E-Commerce. He recently celebrated his five year anniversary with the company.
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Can you describe your role…
With a passion for product & design I help Cottam design, develop and package our catalogue range of brushes and our own in-house custom and technical brush products.
With regards to E-Commerce, I manage the online product ranges, sales, and advertising on our website and Amazon platforms, ensuring we see growth in our stores.
As a member of the leadership team here at Cottam, I contribute to the development of the business. Being part of the leadership team has shown me the importance of teamwork and the how the whole team contribute to making a successful business.
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What do you like about working here?
I like the autonomy I have within my role. The environment of the workplace is inviting and relaxed, so I’m able to get on with the role, to try ‘new’ without the fear of failure – and a lot of that is down to working with a great, supportive team.
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What’s your favourite Cottam memory?
I have a few…
The opportunity to travel to China and work with our colleagues and key suppliers. Shanghai, down on The Bund, is a fantastic place to be.
With a background in product design, I’ve been able to help transform and elevate our catalogue brush products. I’m responsible for making design changes to aid usability, while striking a fine balance in pack design so that it’s suitable for our various distribution channels as well as being more eco considerate.
During my time at Cottam I’ve also supported our sister companies (Croglin and Sarah Vuong Bridal Jewellery) to become successful through various design functions.
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What would be your dream job if you didn’t work at Cottam?
My absolute passion is fishing, so I’d love to have my own brand of fishing equipment. Of course, my main role would be ‘research’ – spending as much time as possible at the water’s edge!
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What do you like doing in your spare time?
I’m a keen angler. I love fishing for salmon and seatrout in the River Wear, and Cod during the winter on our fantastic NE coastline. I’ve also travelled to follow my passion, fishing in Spain and Norway.
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What’s your greatest achievement?
Having a career in Design – From earning my degree in Industrial Design from Teesside University, I’m now the Head of Product here at Cottam. It’s hard to have a long career in design, especially in the North East, but I’ve managed to have roles at several NE design consultancies and manufacturing businesses that have allowed me to develop my skills and progress.
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What’s your favourite place to visit?
The North East coast. I love fishing and walking, and our coast is beautiful at any time of day or night.
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What’s your favourite possession?
One of my sea fishing rods! It’s a Century Tip Tornado Sport, and I love it. It’s British-built, made right here in Washington, and uses the best materials, resins, components, and rod manufacturing technology around. It’s an expensive piece of kit, but it’s top quality.