Paul Knapman – Chairman
I have been asked to put a few words on virtual paper to kick off a series about your committee members in Rugby. I have traded in the town since 1992 when I bought the Prontaprint business from the late Brian Styles. I commute in from Sutton Coldfield where Sheila and I have lived since 1975.
Originally I studied agriculture at the University of Reading and slipped into semi-perpetual student mode for a few years until I found a job as a management trainee with Walter Smith in Birmingham for whom I started up and ran a bakery for 15 years. There is lot more in common between a bakery and a print room than you would think! But at least now I am my own boss.
I joined the FSB three years ago motivated to start regular networking in Rugby. I am also a director of the Rugby BID Company.
Outside work I play clarinet with the Blenheim Wind Quintet in Moseley, and clarinet and saxophone with the Delta Quartet in Acocks Green. I have always been passionate about live performance. My ideal night out would I guess be a rousing concert at Birmingham`s wonderful Symphony Hall or some serious drama next door at the Repertory Theatre.
Contact details:
Office: 01788 565650
Email: sales@prontaprint.rugby.com
Chris Moody – Secretary
Chris started his career in computing in 1981 working as a trainee computer analyst / programmer at what is now the Woolwich Building Society. Over the following twenty one years Chris had a variety of technical roles, all connected with computers and Information Technology, performing projects for companies such as The AA, British Gas, Guinness, and a number of banks and financial institutions.
In 2002 Chris decided to form ASL Computer Services, which specialises in providing computer support to small businesses and domestic PC users in Rugby and the surrounding area.
Outside of work Chris enjoys sailing, and most Sundays he is dinghy racing with his wife Anne at their local sailing club. He is also a qualified RYA Dinghy Instructor and regularly teaches on “learn to sail” courses. Chris currently is sailing both GP14 and Laser Vago dinghies, and enjoys larger boat sailing when the opportunity arises.
Contact details:
Office: 01788 298034
Email: chris.moody@aslcomputerservices.co.uk
John Holder – Committee member
I established Ruskin Information Systems in 1998, drawing together my wealth of experience in accounting and IT.
My career before then included 15 years in accountancy roles with GEC Telecommunications, where I learned a host of good business practices. This was followed by six years as Head of Finance & IT in a small manufacturing business, based at Warwick, outside the comfort zone of a cash-rich plc. During this time, the business grew five-fold. This broad base has given me an invaluable insight into creating business solutions, which i use in my work today with mainly medium-sized businesses, across Central England.
My background has given me a methodical and analytical approach, which I apply to our clients’ advantage to help get the best from their systems. My goal is to help businesses achieve an early return on their systems investment.
I joined the FSB around seven years ago, and have served as Regional Secretary for two of those. Recently I have focussed upon Rugby issues, and making our voice heard locally.
Away from work, we enjoy dining out, fine wines, and travel, especially to visit our daughter, who presently lives on Lanzarote!
Ewen Cameron – Treasurer
Ross Williams – Vice Chairman
Manny Coulon – Committee member
Rosie Callaway - Committee Member
