Meet our Chairman – John Belliere
Name and position
John Belliere, Executive Chairman.
Time at current position
I have been Chairman for the past 3 years having handed over the role of Managing
Director to Matthew Benstead in 2010. I was Managing Director for approximately 20
years and Sales Director for 15 years before that.
How did you get into this job?
BSW started trading as a heating installer in 1963, run initially by a relative of mine, Raymond White, who decided on a change in lifestyle in 1971 and emigrated to
Canada. At that point my father, John Belliere Senior, took over what was still a small
embryonic business. Within the next 2 years my brother, Michael, and I joined the
business so we were involved at a fairly early stage in the firm’s development.
What does your day to day role entail?
My role is very varied. As a Chairman you are concerned with the overall shape and
strategy of the company. You influence situations by advising on policies and
procedures which are often initially developed by others. I also keep a continuous eye
on the financial health of the organisation which is, of course, crucial to its success and
the well-being of all employees. To this end I deal with our Company Accountants,
Bankers and our internal Accounts personnel. All companies experience unexpected
problems and challenging situations which have to be dealt with by senior personnel
and I still routinely deal with my share of such matters.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
I have always enjoyed my job and striven to be successful at it. There have been as
many setbacks as successes but this is normal. If you work hard and are ultimately
successful at what you do, you are fulfilled and this is one of the major objectives of
life for all of us. I enjoy seeing the company achieve success and work to a high
standard and if we can make a reasonable living out of it then better still but I think the
first principle is to do what you do as well as you can. It gives me great satisfaction to
see the company grow and individual employees develop their careers and contribute
positively to this success for the benefit of all.
What are the biggest challenges you face in running a company?
To manage a department you have to keep your eye on the ball. To be a Senior
Director you have to keep your eye on a number of balls – at the same time. BSW has
several trading departments. One has to continuously review the strengths and
weaknesses of those operations, the systems in use and the management skills involved.
How would you describe the ethos of BSW?
I believe we are professional in our attitudes. We seek continuous improvement and,
although things can go wrong and mistakes are made, we generally maintain a high
standard of result. I believe our employees are aware that they work for a company
who will treat our customers and employees alike fairly and equitably.
What is your vision for the future of BSW?
Speaking for myself, my future is limited since I expect to retire in the not too distant
future. Before I do, however, I will make every effort to secure the ongoing health and
prosperity of the company. If we maintain high professional standards I think there is
little doubt that the company will continue to grow. We have many changes in front of
us with the energy revolution and the nature of our works in renewable energy
technologies will form a major part of our future.
What would you say to anyone wanting to work at BSW?
I would say if you have the skills, the right mind-set to do what you do as well as you
can and the drive and enthusiasm to maximise success then “welcome”.
