entrepreneurs 23


Pictures by Angus Thomas


What’s planned to drive growth with this new company?


The new funding package provides the business with a robust financial working capital platform. Pukka has made a series of strategic acquisitions during the past two years to broaden its product portfolio ahead of expansion in both the UK and overseas markets. The company has a sales and distribution facility in Poland to serve its European customer base. This is a strong business which has an excellent reputation; we are using the strength of that book to generate the finance required to help grow the business further. This was a strategically important acquisition as we look to expand in the UK and overseas. I have said that the Pukka Pads brand is a natural extension of what the company is – bold, vibrant, a representation of quality and innovation and addition of new brands.


Have you used a PR campaign to raise Pukka Pads’ profile?


We have used a PR company for local things, but basically nothing outside of Poole. We have recently developed in-house marketing, since the beginning of 2014, and the task is to update the website and make sure all our products and information match on all platforms. Customers can access the 2014-15 catalogue online.


Is word of mouth the best recommendation in your business?


If you have ever started your own business, you’ll be able to appreciate that Pukka Pads is much more to us than the place where we work. We have a sincere commitment to the brand and the creative thinking behind it; if you have truly inspiring and motivated people around you, you can do anything. Our brand’s personality shines through, especially from the finished product. It’s why we believe we have ’The Write Product for You’.


Do you have a favourite among the range? If so, which product?


The Project Book must be my favourite. I just wish I had patented it. Loads of places have copied it. Pukka Pads is putting the fun back into business. A lot of stationery is ordered by younger office staff or PAs, and we know that they like our range because it’s stylish and modern.


Do you have a business mantra?


Quality and customer service. Keep them at the heart of everything you do and they will keep customers coming back.


What do you do on a day off or enjoy as downtime hobbies?


I enjoy many sports, mainly golf and cycling, and would love to get back into windsurfing, which was always my favourite. Holidays are always active, so skiing would be my preference. When I leave the office I leave the working day behind and I don’t


THE BUSINESS MAGAZINE – SOLENT & SOUTH CENTRAL – MAY 2014


ring my staff at weekends or out of hours. I spend a lot of time travelling, especially at the moment with the latest acquisitions, therefore my family time is precious. Active sports are a great way to unwind but then again I’m quite competitive.


What would you consider your greatest achievement?


Getting through the past 10 years still being happily married with three children. It’s been a very busy decade and exciting time, building a brand and incredibly fast-growing company which is now a leading supplier in its market.


Do you have family who may follow in your footsteps and how have you managed the home/work balance?


My eldest daughter Rochelle is now working with me, in sales order processing. She’s doing a great job and certainly seems to be enjoying it at the moment. I do spend a lot of time away from home, but fortunately the children are less dependent on me being there. My wife Sandi does a great job.


You support the Junior Scratch Open golf tournament; are you a golfer? If so what is your handicap?


Yes, I am a keen golfer and the idea of doing a scratch golf competition was a great way to give something back to a game I have played since I was 10. My handicap currently is five.


Penmanship ... do you use a fountain pen, or the nearest to hand, and do you have neat handwriting?


There’s alway paper to hand because of my business. I used a fountain pen years ago but mainly pick up one of the many I have hanging around in my office. I must confess my handwriting is not the best, however, if I had Pukka Pads when younger it might have been much better. If you’re going to write then enjoy writing in something which is functional and stylish.


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