Island Life Magazine Ltd December 2009/January 2010 | Page 109

LOCAL BUSINESS PHOTO: On the day AJ Wells displayed some of their top designs. One stove was roaring away on the day which proved to be very hot for all 150 guests! life PHOTO: John Wells (Right) pictured with Andrew Turner MP and the country was afflicted with Dutch see us here, too,” says Hugh. He and have shifted their attention to other Elm disease. “The trees were falling his fellow directors take very seriously areas, they have made way for the current down. People needed to keep warm,” the need to look after the environment, generation. Hugh Wells has two brothers says Hugh. The result was a small stove constantly looking at small ways to cut and a cousin working in various areas of called the Beacon, the seed for their down on waste and using shredded the business. “We all get on really well, current success. office paper for packaging their products. partly because we’ve got our own niches “Being environmentally responsible is very – sales, design, etc. Family businesses thriving vitreous enamel business which, important for our business, and a factor tend to work well because of the trust somewhat surprisingly, is responsible for in winning the award,” he says. within the family. We’re Christians and As well as stoves, AJ Wells has a London Underground’s famous signs: it Despite its growth, the firm remains run it on Christian principals. Hopefully makes signage and cladding panels for just as much a family firm as it was when we’ve got a company that is a nice place other train companies too. Being on an it began. At one time founder Alfred to work in.” island obviously hasn’t handicapped their Wells had six of his eight sons working in business. the firm, and while over time they have “We’re from the Island and we love being here. Our clients love to come to retired or, like Alan Wells who became involved in the Isle of Wight Council, PHOTO: Long serving members of staff pictured with John Wells. 109