Allan Willett: I'm the luckiest man alive'
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In his nine years as the Queen's representative,
entrepreneur Allan Willett re-shaped the Lord Lieutenancy for the
21st century.
A man renowned for innovation in business raised its profile,
spreading the word by appointing 64 deputies (DL) from all walks of
life.
His decisions underlined that practical contribution was as
important as being born with a silver spoon in the mouth.
He certainly wasn't. The son of a market gardener with no
rolling acres worked hard to achieve the respect he has enjoyed for
many years. He is truly a self-made man.
He was told that the Lord Lieutenancy was old-fashioned and in
need of modernisation. That prospectus, allied to his love for
Kent, was what he wanted.
He injected fresh thinking into this ancient office, appointing
as DLs more women and business people like Hornby's Frank Martin
and former Saga owner Roger De Haan.
"We did the job," he says. "but it meant changing mindsets." He
and his team made 700 visits a year.
"We made the Lieutenancy more approachable, more part of society
and the county."
Willett had made his fortune from a labelling company.
"We went into labelling when the chip hadn't been invented," he
said. "We were jolly lucky."
In 1972, he was shown the chip, bought a new machine and never
looked back. Willett became the first company to use inkjet
printing of labels on cartons and trays. The firm sold in 30
countries and sales rocketed to £100m.
But success bred boredom and he confided to wife Anne: "I've
been everywhere and seen nothing."
After meeting the then Conservative Trade Secretary Michael
Heseltine, he took up a new life in public service.
He had sold the business for big bucks but it wasn't just wealth
that landed him the Lord Lieutenancy - although he admits it
helps.
His work as chairman of the Dover-based East Kent Initiative and
founding chairman of the South East England Development Agency
(SEEDA) had caught the Palace's eye.
As Lord Lieutenant, he focused on young people, job creation,
recognition of commercial success and "pride in Kent". He became a
familiar face at royal, military, civic and business
ceremonies.
Given his business background, he was never happier than when
presenting the Queen's Award to outstanding Kent companies.
He encouraged more firms to enter, resulting in a record five
Kent winners in 2011.
Despite serious health problems - he is battling cancer and
Parkinson's Disease - Willett is indefatigable.
After retiring from the Lord Lieutenancy at the end of August
when he was 75, he now focuses on philanthropy.
Beneficiaries
The Allan Willett Foundation - being transformed into the
Willett Family Office - has given away millions.
Beneficiaries include Canterbury Cathedral, the Marlowe Theatre,
Kent Community Foundation, Turner Contemporary and, further afield,
the people of Nandi in Kenya.
"I think philanthropy is the way to go. I really enjoy giving it
away. It doesn't interest me to be the richest man in the
graveyard. If I'm the poorest in the graveyard, I shall be very
happy."
He contributes to the running costs of Monkton Church in the
village where he was brought up and where he will be buried.
"I hope it will be a long time before I need it," he quips, but
adds: "I hope so but I don't think it will be."
"Health is a bit of a problem," he says, adding with a smile: "
I told my doctor that if I don't get another major disease in the
next six months, I shall have withdrawal symptoms!"
So what should be engraved on his headstone? Nothing, he
replies.
But a sign by his desk - "Be Brave. For there is much to do" -
might fit the bill, an appropriate epitaph for a man courageous in
business and public life yet well aware that there is always
more...
For now, he can reflect on a life well lived and a life that has
touched so many. "I've been very lucky.
I'm the luckiest man alive."
Monday, January 09 2012
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