
Director
Roy
I left school at 14 wanting to play for Spurs. My Dad had other ideas and thought I should work in print industry.
Getting a 6 year apprenticeship as a compositor at the local newspaper (Herts Advertiser) was truly amazing as my reading and spelling skills were well below par.
I became Father-of–Chapel (shop steward nowadays) aged 20 and moved to the sales team at 25 before starting the Review Newspaper at 32 in 1973.
It was in 1978 BAe (British Aerospace as it was known) the largest employer in Hertfordshire with aircraft, satellite and weapons division in Hatfield and Stevenage. They asked me to form an Advertising Agency which involved the launch of the new BAe 146 whisper jet. That agency was William Lawrence Advertising. This new agency operated inside the same offices as the Review Newspaper up until 1987 when I sold my interest in the newspaper. This move saw the agency expand, to at its peak, 16 employees and we all enjoyed the very convenient offices in Clifton Street, St Albans near the city centre.
Our clients often call in for a coffee or to discuss their requirements with my staff as if they have been lifetime friends.
This environment tells me I must be doing something right!
I was instrumental in getting Sunday football acknowledged by the Football Association and I have been president of the St Albans Sunday League for over 40 years and have a 50 year medal from the FA for my contribution to local soccer.