Helen Holland, managing director of New Homes
Did you ever get into trouble at school and if so, why?
Yes, sometimes for talking and giggling. I was always chatting and laughing and the teachers would say, ‘What are you doing at the back of the class?’ or ‘What are you doing over there? Be quiet.’ In fairness, I was actually quite a good girl at school and didn’t get into too much trouble – just the talking and giggling.
What did you spend your first pay cheque on?
I honestly can’t remember, but it was probably something practical. I was a very practical kid and I was probably paying for something for someone else to do with me – which, to be honest, I probably still do today.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
Look left and right before crossing the road.
What car do you drive today and what does it say about you?
A Toyota Yaris GT. I’m small and I drive fast.
If you could invent any product in the world, what would it be?
I’ve invented loads of products in my head over the years, then later seen someone else bring something similar out. If anything it would be something big, like a plane that doesn’t use fuel, but realistically I’m not sure many of those ideas are actually possible.
Which possession would you rescue from your house if it was on fire?
Probably nothing.
I’d just make sure I had a coat and some shoes and get out. I don’t overly value possessions – life and people are far more important.
Pets – do you have any?
No. I had lots growing up – chickens, dogs, cats, goats, turkeys, ducks and guinea pigs – but because we lived in
the countryside they kind of came and went and I didn’t get too emotionally attached. Later my ex-partner had a dog called Maxie. I didn’t really want a dog but I ended up caring for her when she became very ill. It was heartbreaking seeing her suffer and eventually having to
put her down. Since then I’ve never really wanted another pet.
Tell us something about yourself that nobody else knows
There are a few things I could say – but I’m definitely not telling you!
What are your hobbies?
I love interiors and interior design and helping people create nice spaces, especially if they’re working with a limited budget. I also like travelling and doing adventurous things like bungee jumping or abseiling, and I love holidays. Ironically, I don’t want a pet but I still dream about having a farm one day with lots of animals.
What’s the worst mistake you’ve ever made?
I can’t really think of any mistakes because every mistake is a lesson.
If something goes wrong, I don’t see it as a mistake – I see it as something to learn from.
What’s been your best achievement?
My three amazing children. They’re all brilliant and I’m very proud of them. I’d say they’re my best achievement – apart from the business.
What’s your favourite tipple?
Vodka in any version, usually in cocktails. I’m not a big drinker during the week, but if I’m out on a girly night at the weekend I’ll happily have a few.
If you could be anyone in the world – living, dead, fictional or real – who would it be?
I’m quite happy being me. But If I had to be anybody, I would be the Queen. Obviously she’s gone now, but I’d like to think that as a queen, I’d take a little bit more interest in the way the country is run, because she’s probably got some responsibility for how bad it’s got, right? But otherwise, I’m quite happy being me, thank you.
What was your first part-time job?
I worked in a chip shop. I grew up in the countryside and it was a famous local chip shop that’s still there today. There weren’t many places to work where we lived, so the chip shop was where everyone went. It was great – just serving chips.
Five words to describe yourself
Happy, adventurous, brave, bubbly, determined. I’m generally a very happy, fun person and people often say I bring energy into a room. I’m also quite adventurous – I’ll happily do things like bungee jumping or abseiling. If I want to do something, I’ll usually just go and do it.
Any regrets?
No.
What do you like most about the flooring industry?
Flooring completely changes a house into a home. It transforms the warmth, the acoustics and the overall feel of a space. I’ve seen houses that wouldn’t sell until flooring was installed – as soon as it goes in, the whole dynamic changes and people can imagine living there.
Any unfulfilled ambitions?
I really want a farm. I somehow got stuck in the flooring industry instead! Ironically I don’t want a pet, but I do want a farm with lots of animals.
How many holidays do you take a year and which are your favourite destinations?
Ideally, I take around seven holidays a year, although I once went five years without a proper break. I love exploring new countries and meeting people, whether in luxury destinations or more authentic settings. Madagascar was a highlight last year. The people were so welcoming and cheerful, despite having very little. It was a reminder that happiness isn’t necessarily about material things. We also spent Christmas in St Vincent, which was absolutely beautiful.
Who would you like to be stuck in a lift with?
Absolutely nobody. I’d hate that.
What do you like least about the flooring industry?
The fact that manufacturers are still producing carpets from materials that are very difficult to recycle. Sustainability is a huge issue in flooring and many products still end up in landfill. I’d like to see manufacturers doing much more to design products that are easier to recycle and to support proper recycling initiatives across the industry.
What was your first full-time job?
Pizza Hut. I started there part-time while I was in sixth form and then went full-time when I left. It was a really light-hearted job and I loved it. Looking back, those early jobs teach you a lot of useful skills – Pizza Hut even taught me how to cut a tomato properly, which people still seem to do in very strange ways.
