RICHARD Shaw is managing director of Rillington-based cable cleat manufacturer Ellis Patents.

When Richard joined in 2001, Ellis turned over less than £2million, and primarily sold its electrical safety products in the UK.

Today the picture is completely different. Ellis is widely recognised as the world’s leading cable cleat manufacturer. Its products, which are all designed, developed, tested and manufactured in North Yorkshire, are exported to more than 40 countries and it has local distributors in 39. In addition, turnover has increased considerably.

During Richard’s tenure, the company has led the way in establishing the importance of correctly specifying and installing cable cleats; championed the introduction of both European and International standards governing the use of cleats; played a major role in ensuring cable cleats and other cable fixings are subjected to the same fire rating as the cables they are being fitted to secure; and seen its industry leading products copied by competitors around the world, something that Richard says is “the ultimate form of flattery.”

Richard’s involvement in the North Yorkshire business community isn’t restricted to Ellis. He is currently: Chair of Derwent Training Association, an organisation that provides engineering apprenticeships in North Yorkshire, Chair of York Minster Fund, a member of the North Yorkshire LEP Business Board, and a Merchant Adventurer, where he is particularly involved in promoting business skills for young people.

He has now been nominated for The Press Business Personality of the year.

Danny Macfarlane, Ellis, operations director, said: “Richard has a clear vision of what he wants to achieve and he likes to get things done.

“He’s passionate, positive and enthusiastic; breathes real energy and life into the business; and inspires and challenges colleagues to be their best. He reads people extremely well and is able to persuade and encourage others to follow his vision.”

Toni Dring, the firm’s marketing executive, said: “Richard is involved with all aspects of the business, and never misses an opportunity to roll up his sleeves and get stuck in, no matter what the task.

“His first love is engineering, and he has a real flair for innovation – in particular identifying opportunities for business growth and turning them into products that will generate sales.”