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.
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