Life on the Yard focuses on the people who work in the metal recycling industry, from crane operator to managing director.

Name:  Jack Cook

Job title: Stainless Steel and Nickel Alloys Trader at ELG Haniel.

Time spent in metal recycling: 8 Years Full Time

1. What does your job involve?
[The clue is sort of in the title] buying and selling stainless steel and nickel alloys. Being based in London, I have a large geographical area to cover.I am on the road three days a week visiting customers as well as looking for new business.When I am back at the yard, my job is to outturn customers' deliveries and to work alongside a great team of boys in the yard.

2. What is the hardest part of your job?
With the metals market being so volatile throughout the year, pitching daily prices is always a challenge with markets fluctuating.

3. What three things help you to do your job better?

Firstly, having the right positive momentum when entering the workplace. It can really pull you through the day. I also believe staying positive also brings rewards.

Secondly, being part of a good team;I work alongside a team of six.We all communicate well, trust each other and, most importantly, we work closely together as a team.This really helps you with day-to-day issues.

Thirdly, I couldn’t get through the day without my Nesprsso machine; a few espressos throughout the day keeps your mind active! 

4. What are you most proud of in your career?
Being with the company for eight years. I started my career on the shop floor knowing nothing about scrap metal. By keeping my head down and gaining knowledge, I have been gradually promoted from yard operative to yard assistant manager to yard manager and then area trader.  

5. What is the best advice you have ever received?
I will never forget the words of wisdom my wife’s uncle “Big Jon” shared with me. A typical East Ender, he was a very successful business man and he had also been about in the East End. Before he sadly passed away he said: “Remember you’ll always regret what you didn’t do rather than what you did”.

6. What one thing would we never guess about you?

When I left school at 16 all I wanted to be is a professional footballer. My father shook me,  told me to wake up, and  sent me out to China for four months to work alongside a family friend who designed golf clubs. Whilst out there to earn myself some pocket money I had a residency dj’ing in a Chinese nightclub.

Quick fire round:

  1. Sausages or bacon?    Sausages
  2. Football or rugby?        Football
  3. Cats or dogs?               Dogs
  4. Town or country?          Country 
  5. Apple or Android?         Apple
  6. Beer or wine?               Wine