Five Minutes with Paul Noble

What goal do you have for SCS?

Specialised Canvas’ top-line objective is sustainable, profitable growth.  But to make this happen there are a lot of factors from across the entire business that must align.  We need the right people and facilities, and the ability to understand and fulfil our customers’ needs. It may sound simple however unless done right, it can be a hard trick to pull off.

As both our team and production facility have grown and evolved, Specialised Canvas is becoming a significant employer in the Chesterfield area. We have a responsibility to provide a livelihood for more than 80 people and by working hard on the development of our business we can ensure the long-term prospects of the organisation.

What was the path you took to get to where you are today?

I’ve spent the lion’s share of my career with Specialised Canvas, and it has been a privilege to watch the company grow and change over the last few decades. I went to university in Sheffield and initially worked in the early days of e-commerce. I embraced the challenge of selling cars online to trade customers before the majority of the general public had even heard of the internet.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jonathan Bramah at a Chamber of Commerce event and loved hearing about his plans to take Specialised Canvas to the next level. It was a much smaller organisation back then, but it has been wonderful to be part of the team as the business has evolved.

In 2019, I completed my MBA at Durham University Business School and in January 2020 was appointed Managing Director of the Specialised Canvas group.

What have been the biggest challenges you’ve had to overcome?

I enjoy the intellectual challenges of running a business.  I have found that every decision can be boiled down to risk vs reward.  If you play it too safe, you will never get anywhere, but if you take too many risks and one of them could be disastrous.  Therefore, it is about taking a balanced approach and making appropriate decisions that you believe will be in the best interests of the business and all the people involved.

It’s always a pleasure when the company wins a significant piece of business and overcomes the many challenges that are part of that job. I’ve seen the Specialised Canvas team overcome some of the most complex requirements in the last year alone and always deliver a really good product or service for our customers.

What are your outside interests & hobbies?

When I’m not in the office I’m a very active person. I have raced Yachts and Dinghys all over the UK and Europe and love being out on the water whenever I can. I also love exploring the Peak District and take every opportunity to take in the wonderful views and sights whilst cycling in the countryside. In 2022 I’m planning a week-long road cycling trip to tackle the high mountains of the Sierra Nevada in Spain.

And of course, my family are the most important people in my life. I spend a lot of time with my Wife and Daughter doing the things we enjoy including looking after our horse, dog and chickens.