Chris Chapman is the Group Managing Director of GlucoRx which is the largest supplier of Diabetes Management Solutions in the UK. For those who haven't heard of GlucoRx, please take a moment to browse the website www.glucorx.co.uk.
Chris started his working life in the Royal Navy, which taught him anything is possible if you try hard enough. He has since held a number of Senior Management Positions in the Police force and within Pharma companies, learning lots over the years but most importantly that people buy from people.
He is married to Justine and they have two children Lauren and Ryan. He is a die hard fan of Crystal Palace. He enjoys karaoke and helping people.
1 Which place, or city or country do you most feel at home in? (50 words response)
I feel most at home when I'm in London. I love the way its such a mix of architecture, cultures and cuisines - all in one happening city! London makes a great day out with the kids or night out with friends, especially with the easy access when traveling by tube.
2 What are your proudest achievements? (50 words response)
I made a real difference to people in their time of need when I was a Police Officer, including saving lives on occasion. In my current role, I am proud to say our company helps save the NHS money so that funds can be redeployed into additional services, staff and treatments.
3 What inspires you? (50 words response)
I really enjoy helping people and making a difference, whether that be at work, through volunteering or supporting a charity. I strongly believe in leaving things better then when you find them. I have a burning desire to make everything I am involved in bigger and better!
4 What has been biggest obstacle in your career? (50 words response)
I don’t think I have encountered a big obstacle in my career as such, apart from the odd spelling/punctuation/grammar correction. Luckily I am a whizz on the computer and can talk till the cows come home, which has served me extremely well. I really enjoy talking to people which helps.
5 Who has been the biggest influence on your career to date? (50 words response)
The biggest influence I would have to say, without a doubt, is my mentor/boss/partner and friend Nilesh Nathwani. Nilesh gave me my first job opportunity 14 years ago, is a fountain of knowledge and still regularly tests me to ensure I am up to speed with the latest technology and trends in diabetes research.
6 What is the best aspect about your current role? (50 words response)
Working with some amazing people who all share the same vison as me, to make a real difference to people with diabetes all over the UK. What I love most is when we hear back from patients and health care professionals about the difference we/our products and services have made to their lives.
7 And the worst? (50 words response)
Harsh as it sounds, amputations are currently at an all time high of 135 a week or 7000 a year in type 2 diabetes. Yet with good diabetes management and footcare, up to 80% of these amputations can be avoided - using something as simple as GlucoRx's Allpresan diabetic foot foam cream daily can make a huge difference!
8 What are your long term goals? (50 words response)
"To have every football club in the UK help reduce obesity in our children - through diet, exercise, education and playing football. We have started this with Aldershot FC and want to extend the reach further.
To ensure that every diabetic has access to a Blood glucose meter so they can self-manage ideally one of mine"
9 If you were Prime Minister, what one aspect would you change? (50 words response)
This a tough one..there are so many things I would like to change, so looks like I will have to become an MP to fulfil all my dreams. On a serious note in answer to your question, I would start by abolishing prescription fees in England for everyone. Prescriptions were free for all when the NHS was set up in 1948, and I would like to see this return.
10 If you were marooned on a desert island, which historical figure would you like to spend your time with and why. (50 words response)
I would like to spend time with Sir Winston Churchill, to understand what his vision was for the NHS and how it compares to what it looks like 70 years later. I would also be be very interested to get his take on Brexit and the Royal Navy today.
