Rod Scott - Waer Systems Limited

Rod Scott, Founder and Executive Chairman, Waer Systems Limited

Rod Scott is founder and Executive Chairman at Waer Systems Limited, a technology company providing web-based warehousing and logistics solutions which connects all stakeholders within complex supply chains.  His business grounding is in accountancy, but he has spent most of his career involved in the supply of products or IT solutions to the Aerospace and Defence industries.

Prior to his involvement with Waer, Rod was CEO of The Satair Hardware Group, an aerospasce supplier which was formed through the combination of C J Fox & Sons Limited and Satair’s OEM business.  In addition, Rod serves on the Advisory Board of the MDHub, an organisation which brings together the Managing Directors and CEOs of entrepreneurial businesses based in or near Brighton and Hove.

Rod loves sailing on his Solent-based yacht, playing golf, and he is a season ticket holder of Brighton and Hove Albion.  He also has a passion for the countyside, and enjoys his regular walks on the Sussex Downs with his two black labradors.

Grant Ashley - International Logistics Group Ltd 2009

 Grant Ashley, Managing Director, International Logistics Group Ltd

I live in Reigate and have a 19 year old daughter and a 21 year old son, I have a real passion for sport and in particular youth sport.  For the last 15 years I have been heavily involved as a coach with Brockham Badgers FC and this “village football club” has developed into quite an organisation with nearly 350 boys and girls being coached and playing.  For the last 3 years I have been Chairman of BBFC.  I also have desire to try and do my bit with charities and in recent years have worked with Surrey & Sussex Air Ambulance, The Jubilee Sailing Trust and Age UK.

In my “spare time” I am the Managing Director of ILG, a company I founded in 1990.  The past 20 years running this company and working with a great team of people to see it flourish and grow has been hugely satisfying. The desire I see every day in our business to really go that extra mile and support our clients is just brilliant.  Seeing a 20 year old culture still in existence with a team of nearly 100 makes us the business we are today. 

2010 was our 5^th record year in succession and the first year in our 5 year plan which set out to see ILG become a substantial company and our vision of a great company.  So all work in progress and just as exciting as our first year 20 years go!

Paul Shearing - Managing Director Autowise Tyre & Autocentres Ltd 2009

Paul Shearing - Managing Director Autowise Tyre & Autocentres Ltd

The success of Autowise is one of the things that has given me the most satisfaction in life. I think it is the challenge that drives me and only those people that run a SME have any idea how difficult and enjoyable it is to make a business successful. Having started the business in 1996 I now have 4 branches at Hastings, Polegate, Burgess Hill and Eastbourne.

I am the sole Director and shareholder of the company which has an annual turn over in excess of 2 million and employs a team of 35. I work both no the business and in the business on a daily basis trying to visit as many sites as possible in a day as well as having a active roll in the day to day administration from my office in Burgess Hill. 
 

When not at work a can be found mostly on our Small Holding playing at farming and helping with the horses and the alpacas. I have two daughters that both ride with one at University studying Business Management and the other just finishing her GCSE. My wife would like me to spend more time at home but I am torn between by passion for work and my love of home.  

Paul Noble - Paul Noble Photographic 2009

Paul Noble - One of the few who knew film and saw the digital light!

Paul Noble Photographic is a advertsing and commercial stills and video production company based in Sussex.

My good friend Paul has been a photographer for longer than I can remember. There is a rumour that when Paul first picked up a camera the Wright Brothers were doing trials at Kittihawk and quills were the writing implement of choice! Bought up in the days of film with the smell of chemicals permanently on his fingers, Paul is one of those guys who will get on with it and deliver no matter what and still remain bouncy and smiling.

I am honoured to have access to Paul's large studio complete with its' white cyc (which you don't see often these days). It's a great place to work and create images in the controlled conditions a spacious studio offers, but also a perfect spot running workshops for those who want to learn the mysteries of studio photography and film making. This is where I run some of my photography workshops, hangout and drink "pond water" aka green tea flavoured with lemon.

Peter Igaz - Speedy Sheet Metal 2009

Peter Igaz the face that inspired Faces of Business and still one of my favourite portraits.

Peter is the face that inspired Ben & I to embark on the faces of Business project. Speedy Sheet Metal was started in the early 1970's by Peter's father who still works in the business. Today the business serves many businesses in the surrounding area and specialises in replicas for the re-enactor market.

Photo Notes
This portrait was lit with one 40" silver brolly high to camera left using the late afternoon ambient light as my fill. The light source was a Canon 550 EX Speedlite, eTTL, camera AV, WB daylight ISO? I positioned Peter outside of the workshop and let the inverse square law take care of making the background darker for me. I wanted to give an impression of the workshop but not the detail.

One light, simple light is often the best light.

Park Cameras - Reg Atkins 2009

 Reg Atkins - Founder and Managing Director, Park Cameras Ltd

Park Cameras has to be one of my favourite camera stores and the fact I live close by has no bearing on this, but it could be the reason I'm a Canon shooter. I have been a customer since 1979 and seen the business grow from humble beginnings to the purpose-built entity it is now. The original shoe box size store is long vacated but continues as successful local mens hairdresser.


2011 recognises a landmark achievement for Park Cameras as the organisation celebrates 40 years of trading within the photographic industry.

Originally opened for business in August 1971 by founder and Managing Director Reg Atkins, Park Cameras has gone from strength to strength, continuing to recognise three key founding principles of customer service, choice and competitive pricing. Today Park Cameras, operating out of a unique ‘touch and try’ showroom in Burgess Hill, West Sussex is widely recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent photographic retailers.

In recognition of this significant milestone, 2011 will bear witness to a year-long celebration at Park Cameras allowing photo enthusiasts from across the UK to take part in the festivities. With a huge range of confirmed activities to participate in, from Park Cameras ‘Photo Months’ to the ever popular Park Cameras Imaging Festival, which will take place on Saturday 9^th July 2011. This year, more than any other, will see our customers being able to benefit from exclusive offers, competitions and an exciting range of ‘money can’t buy’ opportunities, all in partnership with some of the biggest brands, personalities and publications from across the photographic industry.

On his hopes for 2011, Reg Atkins said, “In the climate of recent years, achieving 40 years of trading is a significant achievement for Park Cameras. With our customers being at the heart of our business, our year-long celebration has been designed as an ongoing, interactive experience for everyone to enjoy - for without such loyal support over the years, such a milestone would never have been possible.”

For more information on confirmed Park Cameras 40th Anniversary events in 2011 visit the dedicated page at www.parkcameras.com/40