Biz Extra
Published: August 9, 2023 | Updated: 8th August 2023
Wednesday already? It must be time for our 20 Questions with another of Hampshire’s leading business lights.
Up to the task today is Xavier Warburton, Co-founder of Tangle. Him and his team are on a mission to eradicate ghost nets from the world’s oceans while recycling them into sustainable pet products – leads, bowls and toys.
Xavier loves the smell of a fresh cut lawn in summer and, as far as he’s concerned, life is ‘all about enjoying the journey’…
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What is your favourite TV show?
Shark Tank.
Who would you like to share a car with?
James Dyson, Founder of Dyson.
The best bit of my job is…?
Brainstorming what products we need to develop next, I’m a huge product person.
And the worst?
HMRC reporting, but it has to be done.
Who was your childhood hero?
Sebastien Vettel, I raced karts growing up and wanted to be an F1 driver when I was young.
What’s your favourite smell?
Fresh cut lawn on a summers day.
Where’s your favourite place in Hampshire?
The Solent, I just love being close to water.
What advice would you give to anyone starting out a career?
Do something you really enjoy and can get out of bed and deliver even on the most unmotivated of days. There will be ups and downs but it’s all about enjoying the journey. Life’s short so have fun.
What was your first record/CD?
It was more likely on the iPod… I would say a David Guetta or Akon album back in the day.
What makes you angry?
Seeing people being unnecessarily difficult – not helping someone else, or even polluting our planet be it in a park or on the beach.
Do you have a favourite piece of music?
No… I have a few classics I always go to like Toto’s Africa, but listen to lots of different stuff at the gym or in the car.
What qualities do you look for in a new employee?
A positive and ambitious mindset is number one. Then strong communication and people skills.
What’s your favourite food or dish?
British roast dinner.
What three things would you take to a desert island?
My girlfriend, a human-powered desalination machine, and a fully fuelled sea plane so we can explore further afield.
What’s the best thing about living/working in Hampshire?
Our office is in Hampshire and I love the fresh air, proximity to the sea and enjoying the surrounding nature.
If you were Prime Minister for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?
I’d hold a world leaders meeting to meet and speak with each world leader, learn from their experience and try and take that into the next day.
What’s your biggest frustration?
Someone saying they’ll do something and then not doing it.
Where’s your favourite holiday location?
France, purely because I have such great memories from there.
Where do you see yourself in ten years’ time?
Probably living abroad, kids going to international school and more time to enjoy nature.
What would you like to be remembered for?
Building a great company people are proud to work for. Adding value to people’s lives and making the world a better place, be it more sustainable, fun or beautiful.
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