WLN – What’s the most exciting thing about your job?

No two days are the same, but it is extremely rewarding when we work with clients to enhance their lighting and can then prove the savings whilst improving the working environment for their staff.

CT2A0370[1][5]WLN – Who’s inspired you most in your career?

Two people, both from the education sector actually. Sir John Jones (retired head teacher) taught me to think differently and Andy Cope (author of The Art of Being Brilliant) taught me that the right attitude is so very important.

WLN – If you were an item in a warehouse, what would you be?

Got to be a light!

WLN – If you had to do it all over again, what would you do different?

This is a really hard one. I love the lighting industry and have had several failed attempts to leave it. I think when you love your work it does not feel like work, so I’m not sure I’d do anything different. I’m pretty happy with my lot really.

WLN – What’s the most embarrassing thing that’s ever happened to you at work?

I made a real schoolboy error when I pressed ‘reply’ on an email rather than ‘forward’ and wrote some quite disparaging comments about the person who had originally sent the email. Not my finest moment in business.

WLN – Who or what makes you laugh?

The corny answer is my kids, but the real answer is that I am a huge Peter Kay fan! I love observational humour and think he is the master of them all.

WLN – Do you have any hidden talents?

A few years ago I became qualified to do professional firework displays, so can set off category 4 fireworks. Big boys’ toys! But not a lot of people know that I can also do fire breathing – not at the same time as the fireworks though.

WLN – Who would be your favourite party guest?

I think Richard Branson would have a few stories to tell.

WLN – What is the greatest luxury in your life?

I love holidays, spending time with my family is a fantastic way of relaxing and with mobile communications the way they are, I can still keep an eye on what is going on at work.

WLN – What is your favourite guilty pleasure?

I have a classic Mini, which I share with my son. Is it a guilty pleasure? I think so, but I’m not sure my wife sees it in the same light, more a way of sinking money into a piece of metal for zero return.

WLN – Do you have any secret ambitions?

As a motor sport fan, I’ve always had dreams of going into motor racing. But after trying it out a bit racing Land Rovers I found I’m not actually very good at it, so I’ll stick to being an armchair fan.

WLN – What’s your dream holiday destination?

We’ve recently been to Iceland to spend New Year there and it is one of very few places which would draw me back. Absolutely stunning and lovely people.

WLN – What are your three favourite movies of all time?

Shawshank Redemption, The Green Mile and The Jungle Book!

WLN – What is your favourite book of all time?

Not one book, but a series of books. I am an avid fan and great reader of Lee Child. His Jack Reacher novels are excellent.

WLN – What’s your favourite pastime?

I should say spending time with my family but that’s a stock answer. I get a great deal of enjoyment out of tinkering with my old Mini and driving it. I’m still a kid at heart but my toys have just got bigger. My Mini is souped up a bit!

WLN – If you won the Lottery, what would you do?

I think we would all like to give up work but I still get a tremendous amount of enjoyment out of my career, so I don’t honestly think I could give up work completely. I guess I would try and get involved with inspiring and helping young people set up businesses and mentoring them for success.

WLN – What would be your advice to someone thinking about coming into the industry (apart from “don’t do it”)?

The lighting industry has served me well and I still really enjoy it. Light is one of the few things we need to live and survive, so I would always encourage anybody to join the lighting industry. But they would need to have a ‘can do’ attitude, we all hate whingers.

LUMILOW LIGHTING

Lumilow Lighting is one of the UK’s most innovative lighting technology companies. Andy Chell describes their business as “not selling lighting, but delivering light.” Lumilow use their lighting expertise to deliver step-change improvements in terms of economy, efficiency, efficacy and experience. Built on the strongest foundations and 100 years of heritage, Lumilow are a business based on strong principles. Specialising in commercial and industrial lighting they offer the best solution for the customer, not what is right for Lumilow. They do not champion any particular lighting technology, apart from the one that is right for the project concerned.

Comments are closed.