Special award for a Lifetime Achievement T
he Vendies most prestigious award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, was presented to managing director of Nebrak Paul Howard this year. He accepted his trophy to tumultuous applause from the industry professionals who attended this year’s event. Here he tells VI about his journey…
What does winning this award mean to you? It’s made me reflect and recognise how fortunate I am, to have worked with such great people in an industry I love.
How did you begin your career in the industry? It all began back in the early eighties when I was building exhibition stands for the likes of Aston Martin. Whilst enjoying the fruits that exhibitions brought, I purchased a metal fabrication company and began making the carcasses for vending machines. Friends within vending started talking about how they wanted to up their game. Conversations progressed, and problems met by vending operators at that time were discussed – security, machines creeping, signage, etc, and the need for a vending surround was identified. With my expertise in steelwork and manufacturing exhibitions, I
started to produce some of the first vending surrounds in the UK, one of which was the award-winning Operandi, which is still in demand and manufactured today.
What has been your key to success? Listening, and understanding how I can provide solutions that make people’s lives easier. Oh, and getting to the bar first! On a more serious note, whilst the bar scenario is great, remaining accountable and on top of micro and macro factors affecting the business has enabled Nebrak to remain an adaptable innovator. As a family business, we’re still able to offer a personal service
and produce a quality product we are proud of. I know many say that having the customer at the nub of what you do is important, but I honestly believe that mindset has been a key contributor too.
What is your greatest professional achievement? To have Nebrak Ltd recognised as a leader in its field.
How has the vending industry evolved and how has that impacted your career? It’s become more open to engaging with other industries and collaborations, which in turn has created opportunities. For instance, tech in vending now, be that equipment or payment system is phenomenal. Being able to open a conversation with ‘What would you like to achieve?’ and to subsequently reply ‘We can help you with that’ is only possible due to the way of thinking and visions of those now involved in the sector. The Smart Retail Solutions Group is an example of this, the impact of automated retail on our lives is, and will continue to be, immense. I’m delighted to be a pioneer in delivering solutions in this space. From a career perspective, I’ve been privileged to meet some inspiring and thought-provoking people. From the highest places to those who work quietly behind the scenes, obscure industries to all kinds of business functions. Working with such a cross- section has kept me open-minded but still focused, and to never take anything for granted.
What does the future hold for you and Nebrak? Now that my son Tom is taking over the reins, I am content and excited that Nebrak will have a great future. Tom will build upon Nebrak’s reputation, continue to challenge and push the boundaries in design and manufacturing and maintain our position as a leading voice in vending. The vending sector is on the verge of great things and Nebrak will be there all the way.
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