Bill formed SE Controls in 1981 and through his commercial acumen, enthusiasm and single-minded determination, succeeded in creating an international group of businesses, which now operates in 3 continents, employs over 150 staff and enjoys sales in excess of £23m.
Having been educated at Queen Mary’s Grammar School in Walsall, Bill then joined the Royal Navy, where he served for seven years. His outgoing personality and larger than life presence naturally led him towards a career in sales and from humble beginnings, he rose to become European Sales Director of an international manufacturer of pneumatic equipment.
It was during his time in Europe that he came across a small German company manufacturing equipment for smoke control systems, which captured Bill’s interest. After some market research he approached MTH Hamburg and secured the exclusive rights to sell their products outside of West Germany.
When Bill started SE Controls in 1981 it was against a backdrop of political and social change under Thatcherism, as well as being in the lowest point of a recession that had decimated various long-established industries such as ship building and would go on to fundamentally change the automotive, mining and media industries forever. Yet, the ideas of free markets and meritocracy struck a chord with Bill who had become frustrated with union power and poor management during his time with larger corporations.
This notion that anyone could have a go at starting and growing a business resonated with Bill’s entrepreneurial flair and hunger. His business ethos was simple – deliver what your customer wants and when they want it – but in return expect payment on time. For him business was a mutual relationship and Bill developed a reputation for an uncompromising style when it came to debt management – obviously underpinned by exemplary customer service.
Bill became a well-known figure in the industry and made many friendships through his engaging personality, none more so than Jack Jones, the founder of Transplastix rooflights and domes. In the early days of trading, business was understandably slow and cash was running out. One of his sales visits was to Transplastix in Newcastle upon Tyne and Bill left the meeting with no order to show and was down to the last of his savings.
On returning home Bill listened to a new message on the answer machine from Jack asking him to go back to Newcastle the next day as Jack had another enquiry. Bill phoned Jack and explained that he couldn’t afford the train fare back up to Newcastle to which Jack said he would not only pay for Bill’s train ticket, but would guarantee him a decent order to keep him going. The rest is history. Bill and Jack remained friends throughout their lives and relationships made between the employees of Transplastix and SE Controls continue to this day.
Bill was extremely proud of the projects delivered by SE Controls. During the late 80’s and 90’s there was a boom in the building of shopping centres in the UK, many of which needed smoke ventilation systems. Bill spotted a need for a pneumatic failsafe cylinder to open smoke vents in the atria being designed in to most of the new shopping malls.
Bill’s Combi 50 cylinder became SE Controls’ mainstay product throughout the 90’s culminating in one of the biggest orders the company had ever received – for the supply of Combi 50 cylinders and pneumatic failsafe catches to the iconic Chek Lap Kok airport in Hong Kong. This project was delivered with the level of customer service and attention to detail Bill always insisted on. The fact the system is still fully operational some 23 years after installation is a testament to him and the products he developed.
Bill was rightly proud of what he had achieved - spotting an opportunity, backing himself to have a go and ultimately succeeding in establishing an internationally recognised company with a reputation for meeting the needs of its customers. His influence continues to be felt in all aspects of life at SE Controls and his legacy will live on through our staff, our suppliers and our customers.
The funeral will take place at St Matthew’s Church, Walsall, WS1 3DG, at 3pm on Monday 2nd December, followed by a private cremation at Streetly Crematorium. The reception will be held immediately afterwards at Walsall Rugby Club, Delves Road, Walsall, WS1 3JY.
Flowers are to be given by the family, any donations may be made to Dementia UK.
Will Perkins
Group Managing Director