Directors and Biographical details

Nigel Wray - Non-Executive Chairman, aged 61
Nigel Wray brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the board of Southern Bear plc and is widely recognized as a successful entrepreneur and business leader. Nigel is the Chairman of Saracens Rugby Club and non executive director of Networkers International Plc, English Wines Group Plc, Seymour Pierce Holdings Limited, Prestbury Investments Holdings Limited, Play Holdings Limited and several other private companies.

Steven Robert Hancock – CEO & Executive Director, aged 44
Steven Hancock is an experienced engineer in the gas industry. Prior to joining BGC, Steven was with British Gas for fourteen year and Stoke-on-Trent City Council for seven years, undertaking various engineering and management roles at both. Steven has extensive knowledge and experience of working with local authorities and housing associations and has maintained excellent contacts with them since
leaving to join BGC. Alongside Mark Sims, Steven oversees the management of BGC and has been responsible for marketing and corporate strategy. Steven is a qualified engineer with Engineering Council incorporated engineer status and a member of the Institution of Gas Engineers.

Mark Sims – COO & Executive Director, aged 37
Mark worked as a sub contractor for British Gas prior to setting up his own gas and boiler retail business in the early 1990s.  He subsequently refocused the business to the servicing and maintenance of gas fired boilers and central heating services before taking up employment at Stoke-on-Trent City Council in 1995.  Having left Stoke-on-Trent city council in 2000 he reverted back to his original sole trader business, which became BGC in 2002.  Mark oversees the management of BGC, initiating and leading its growth strategy. Mark was appointed to the board of Spectacle in March 2008

Paul John Richardson - Executive Director, aged 49
Paul originally started the Fenhams business along with his father James Richardson in 1981. As a CORGI registered Heating Engineer, Paul worked alongside his father on new build projects, private houses, health clubs and other commercial properties. He took over full responsibility for the running of the business in 1990. Paul is primarily responsible for new sales opportunities, business development and innovative heating technology projects.

Michael Anthony Clough - Finance Director, aged 56
Michael is an experienced financial accountant who undertook his professional training with Deloitte LLP and joined Southern Bear in September 2008 as Financial Controller. Michael has held senior financial positions at in Ruberoid plc and Tarmac plc.