Meet Russell Armstrong MCIPHE

What interests you about the industry?

The opportunity for problem solving. I always used to ask if there was a better way of doing a job rather than just doing what we did the last time.

How did you get into it?

I came into the industry from school. I wanted to become a draftsman and joined a company that did duct work and steel fabrication. I did a three-year apprenticeship that gave me a good grounding in the practical side of design and manufacture.

How did you get into your current role?

I was watching The Apprentice and thought ‘I want to go on that show’. But I realised I needed a good business plan. I was called out to install a tea machine with no access to a drain. I realised I needed to fit two products and thought ‘why hasn’t someone designed one component that does the same job?’ That was my lightbulb moment. I did some sketches and it took off from there. Last month we sold just shy of 10,000 products. I still can’t quite believe it.

What’s the best thing you’ve learned?

To ask ‘is there a better way?’ or ‘what do I need to do to get round the problem?’ I developed a business model for minor works and repairs, such as dripping taps, because I realised there wasn’t anyone doing smaller jobs.

Have you got a stand-out moment?

While working at Heathrow airport installing a hot water system for a first-class lounge, I had an airside pass. I walked across a 747 skeleton that was being serviced. You could see all the component parts that had been stripped from the air frame. It was amazing seeing the technical ability contained within it. I also got to see Concorde take off – it set off every alarm in the car park.

Would you do it all again?

Absolutely. I still do jobs for my old customers. I researched my family tree and on my dad’s side there were builders, plumbers and tradesmen. I wonder if it’s in the blood.

Tell us something people don’t know about you.

I was a player-manager for a couple of football teams, Colney Heath FC and London Colney FC. Waking up the lads on a Sunday morning and motivating them to play after a lively Saturday night was always interesting…

This article first appeared in the Jan/Feb 2019 issue of P&H Engineering, the magazine for members of the CIPHE. Find out how to join here.