Wake Up to Money Sir Alec Reed Remembered
Dec 30, 2025
James Reed, Chief Executive and Chair of the long-established UK recruitment business Reed, shares his heartfelt reflections on his late father, Alec Reid, and his enduring legacy. He discusses the impact of family succession on the company and the unique values of philanthropy that Alec championed. James reminisces about growing up in an entrepreneurial environment and the early successes of Reed Recruitment. He also elaborates on the innovative Big Give initiative that multiplies donations, emphasizing the importance of generosity in fostering community support.
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Radiator Fix That Revealed Character
- James Reed recalls a childhood drive in his father's new Aston Martin that broke down and his father used an unconventional fix.
- Alec Reid had quirky, determined problem-solving that shaped James's early memories and entrepreneurial view.
Location And Specialisation Fueled Growth
- Alec Reed timed his first offices near Heathrow and benefited from local job growth, showing luck and location matter.
- He also innovated early by specialising (eg, accountancy), which helped Reed scale ahead of competitors.
Treat The Business As A Vehicle
- Think of a business as a vehicle you can steer into new directions rather than a fixed path.
- If you're inside that vehicle you can start new ventures while building on existing foundations.