
Fairgrove Life: In and Out Of The Office
Jamie Curtis
Senior Associate
Jamie discusses what he gets up to day-to-day in the office, and shares some insights about the social side of life at Fairgrove.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and your background?
I joined Fairgrove a year ago, straight after studying Geography at the University of Oxford. I am, and always have been, an avid sportsman – I have most recently opened myself up to the thrills and spills of being a (very) amateur golfer.
Why have you decided to work in consulting, and at Fairgrove specifically?
Having played team sports for as long as I can remember, one of the things I enjoy most is working with teammates towards a collective goal. Working in tight-knit teams of three or four on fast-paced projects at Fairgrove gives me the chance to do this every day. The variety of projects and challenges we face on a day-to-day basis means that work remains fresh, exciting, and novel and the collaborative approach taken at Fairgrove means I feel genuinely involved and responsible for our output.
What do you do day-to-day in your job and how does Fairgrove support you in your new role?
My day-to-day activities range from conducting interviews with industry experts and customers, and researching trends and drivers using online resources, to analysing company data, building a market model for a niche sector or presenting our findings and hypotheses to clients. The training programme at Fairgrove has helped me enormously to develop the confidence and skills to complete these tasks, but more importantly, the exposure I have had to senior employees and the valuable advice and support they offer me on a day-to-day basis has helped to me keep learning and improving.
What does Fairgrove offer outside of work?
Fairgrove offers a great deal formally and informally outside of work. To name a few of the most memorable team-building events: a company strategy off-site to the New Forest, a paddle boarding and kayaking filled day over the summer followed by a team BBQ, and a brilliant Christmas party involving everyone’s plus ones. There’s a great culture at Fairgrove and everyone is very sociable: dinners out, trips to watch the cricket at Lord’s, wine tasting, crazy golf, 5-a-side football, and evenings at many of our local pubs have all featured in the diary over the last few months.
Pineapple or no pineapple on pizza?
Probably one of the strongest advocates for pineapple (and other types of fruit) on pizza out there.
Dogs or cats?
I have nothing against cats, but dogs win this at a canter. I don’t think my best mate (Alfie, an 11-year-old golden retriever) would forgive me if I said otherwise.
Favourite film:
A close one – either Notting Hill or The Shawshank Redemption.
Favourite quote:
“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to inspire. It has the power to unite people in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope, where once there was only despair.” Nelson Mandela