Getting to know... Richard Ellis

In the latest instalment of Bdaily’s Getting to know… feature, which looks at the person behind the business profile, Richard Ellis, managing director of North West-based bollard firm ATG Access, talks about the values of hard work and discipline, the pride he takes from seeing ATG Access’ products being used around the world and his unashamed passion for tractors.

We know you as the managing director of ATG Access, but who is the person behind the title? Tell us a little about what makes you tick…

I grew up understanding the importance and rewards of working hard, staying grounded and recognising that you have to earn what you have, rather than expect it to be handed to you.

Throughout my life and career, I’ve been fortunate to have some amazing mentors and role models.

They instilled in me values that I believe are fundamental: being courteous, acting with integrity, treating others as you would like to be treated, being reliable and timely, and having belief in yourself.

I’m driven by curiosity, a desire to overcome challenges, doing the very best I can and seeing the results of hard work.

Did you always want to work in physical security manufacturing?

No. Before joining the physical security industry, I spent more than 30 years working in the construction and civil engineering sector for tier one main contractors across the UK and Europe.

I’ve had the privilege of working on many interesting, challenging and complex multi-million-pound projects, meeting and working alongside some fantastic people along the way.

The industry gave me an excellent foundation of experience, skills and transferable knowledge that I continue to apply in my role within physical security today.

What’s the best bit about your job? And the worst?

I get an immense sense of pride from seeing our quality products protecting people and places all over the world, from critical national infrastructure and iconic, highly sensitive sites to transport hubs, sports arenas and other crowded spaces.

Quite often, I’ll be visiting somewhere on holiday or travelling for work and spot one of our products in situ, or even notice one in the background of a television programme or film.

That always gives me a real buzz.

The worst part is seeing poorly informed value-engineering decisions being made without fully understanding the consequences, where inferior, low-cost products are specified and installed without being tested to internationally recognised standards.

What do you consider to be your greatest achievement?

I started my career at 16 as a bricklaying apprentice and enjoyed every minute of it.

During that time, I developed practical skills, life skills and a strong work ethic that I’ve relied on ever since.

The company I worked for was incredibly supportive and encouraged me to continue my education at college before studying part-time at university.

That opened the door to roles in site, project and contract management before eventually becoming a director many years later.

How do you relax outside of work?

Thanks to my trade background, I still really enjoy brickwork, stonework and all aspects of DIY, so there’s always a project keeping me busy.

The other is travelling. I love exploring overseas, particularly Australia, but I also enjoy discovering more of what the UK has to offer.

What makes St Helens such a great place to live and work?

Although I don’t actually live in St Helens, I’m incredibly proud to work here.

The town has a rich industrial and manufacturing heritage, and that legacy is reflected in the hardworking, skilled and committed people who make up the local workforce.

For ATG Access, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, St Helens has been an outstanding place to grow and innovate.

We’ve been proud to contribute to the region for many years, creating high-quality manufacturing jobs and exporting British engineering excellence around the world.

The town is also exceptionally well connected, sitting between the powerhouse cities of Liverpool and Manchester, with excellent transport links further afield.

Tell us something about you we didn’t know…

As well as being a self-confessed bollard geek because of my job, I’m also an unashamed tractor geek.

I absolutely love large modern tractors, much to the amusement and bewilderment of some of my colleagues.

I’m hoping to visit the new Massey Ferguson Museum and Visitor Centre in Beauvais, France, next year.

There’s probably no hope for me, but I’m perfectly happy with that!

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