Thank you.

I’ve never been very good at knowing when to move on from things, but for the first time in my life, I feel like I’ve got this one right.

I'm leaving HomeServe in October. Most of you know that HomeServe has meant a great deal to me over the eight years I’ve worked here. It’s been more than a job, it’s been part of who I am. I’m ready for this change now though – and it’s right for me and for HomeServe, for two reasons.

My diabetes has meant that I have been in isolation in Edinburgh since the middle of March. I work really hard on my health as you all know and there was no way Melissa was going to let me put myself at any risk. The time that I have spent with her, Jake, Harrison, Jess and with Piper has been wonderful. One of the things that coronavirus has taught me is just how fast life goes and how it really can change on a dime. I've missed a lot over the past eight years and I don't want that to be the case anymore. 

The second reason is a more pragmatic one. I’m a big sports fan and there is a lot that happens in sports that is true in business as well. In sports, coaches, managers, and even teams themselves can't stay the same forever. They all run their course no matter how successful they are. After a while a fresh perspective is needed – different People for different times to move forwards. The hardest thing is knowing when that is but like I said I am sure that for me, the time is now. 

So in the end, although it wasn't an easy decision to make, I know it is the right one. Even more so because we're in good shape right now, we had a great year last year and I know the same will be true of this year too. And with HomeServe Plc now in the FTSE100, I’m proud that we’ve played our part in that. But the thing that I will always be most proud of: more than results, more than profit, more than the business itself is being able to work with you, the People of HomeServe UK.

When I came to HomeServe I didn’t really know what to expect. But I know now that nothing else I could have done with my career – or ever will – would give me as much joy or as much opportunity: to become friends with the best People and to do all the things we’ve done together. That's a pretty cool thing to take away. And to be leaving now, when we have demonstrated every single thing that makes our culture brilliant through the coronavirus response and our NHS offer. I couldn't ask for a better moment.

The only thing I have left to say is: thank you, to every single one of you – for being there for me, for doing the tough stuff I’ve asked of you, and for never, ever letting me down. 

#wearehomeserve

#thankyouhomeserve