Background
Born in South Shields in 1943. A Marine Engineer by profession who drifted into the window blind industry in 1974 because his wife Lilian had been secretary to a blindmaker. Started Northern Window Blind Co. in 1975 and began specialising in technical roller blinds for ships in 1987.
Position within the company
CHAIRMAN, Board Member, Shareholder – Ensures that Profitability, Customer Care, Quality Assurance and Health & Safety are the 4 cornerstones that drive the company and everyone associated with its operation. This is achieved by continually reviewing, revising, implementing and re-reviewing the overall performance of the business.
Leads and directs the company and plans its future strategy with other members of the Board of Directors.
Interesting facts
John joined his first ship in September 1961 as an Engineer Cadet when he was 18. He left the River Tyne serving on board Shell Tanker ‘Hinnites’ and returned 10 months later to Liverpool in a sister ship the ‘Hindsia’, having sailed right round the world, visited 22 different countries and seen some fascinating (New York and Singapore) and some disturbing (Apartheid in Cape Town and poverty in Madras and Calcutta) locations. 
John has built a successful business on a simple philosophy: – Employees should treat customers in the same way they like to be treated when they are customers. He is totally absorbed by the fact that greater effort equals greater reward and his creative urges are always looking for ways to grow the business through more sales and better products.
John was awarded an MBE (Member of the British Empire) medal by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II at Buckingham Palace at an awards ceremony in honour of her Golden Jubilee celebrations in 2002, for Services to International Trade.
Interests/Hobbies
World wide travel – achieved through work and leisure time. John is now semi-retired, working a 2-day-week equivalent. He now spends 2 or 3 weeks out of every 2 months, in Florida with Lilian. They also find time to visit other places around the world in between times. John is also the Chairman of the Tyne Lifeboat Society.
Qualifications
Chartered Marine Engineer; Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology; Institute of Directors Diploma in Company Direction; First Class Steam Certificate of Competency; Higher National Certificate in Mechanical Engineering.