TWELVE years at the helm has seen Richard Shaw lead Ellis into more than a decade of year-on-year growth.

As managing director of the Rillington-based manufacturer of cable cleats, Mr Shaw is proud to see his company boast a distribution network covering 27 countries and a sales record that sees its products being specified and installed in some of the biggest construction projects on the planet.

From its headquarters in the peaceful village of Rillington on the A64 York to Scarborough road, Ellis has built a name and reputation that is known and respected globally.

Cable cleats, for those not in the know, are used to restrain electrical cables in a manner that can withstand the forces generated by these cables; most notably when there’s a short circuit. Over the years we have strived to position Ellis as the leading authority in cable cleats,” said Mr Shaw, who has been MD since 2001.

“This means we are not just selling a product, but the whole safe cleating package, which covers everything from the reasons why correct cleating is imperative through to the measures that need to be taken to ensure correct, and safe, specification.”

This message has been backed up by a growing focus on export sales, which has lead to a the network of specialist distributors in 27 countries.

Mr Shaw said: “When I sit back and look where Ellis came from to where it is now I’m immensely proud of everything we’ve achieved so far, and excited about how much more there is to come.”

What job would you like to have other than your own and why?

I'd like to be a teacher. Yes, it's a vocation not a job, but one that brings with it challenge and reward in equal measure. I see it as an opportunity to provide inspiration for future generations.

Greatest achievement?

Without a shadow of a doubt it has to be giving my children the best education I could afford.

What makes you most angry?

I'm not easily angered, but I do get extremely frustrated if I have to remind people to do things.

Biggest mistake?

For too long I worried too much about what other people thought.

What do you need to make life complete?

That's an impossible question to answer. Life is a journey, so the most we can ever hope for is to make the most of the trip.

Why do you make a difference?

At Ellis I am part of an extraordinary team that runs an extraordinary business. We try to run it properly in every respect and in our own small niche within the electrical industry we truly believe we are the best in the world – and what better way is there to make a difference by being the very best and aiming to set a good example at the same time?

Epitaph?

Oops!