The story of our company is really the story of its people... 

As a child, I always played with Lego. It was on every birthday and every Christmas list. I didn't realise it then but it was to have a big influence on a very important decision. What did I want to be when I was older? The answer was simple - an inventor. But they don't have degree courses for inventors, so I settled for a Mechanical Design Engineering course. At least this would allow me to apply science to my ideas. 

Like many after university, I needed a job, so I got one designing tail lifts for lorries. Then, a few years later, I found myself designing precision instruments for particle accelerators and then Neutron accelerators. Although these jobs provided money and gave me the chance to solve problems, they didn't satisfy my desire to make products that I designed.

But in 2016, I had a light-bulb moment (!), I couldn't shake the idea of a tall and narrow log basket. Why? I couldn't really tell you other than we used to have a log burning stove which I would stack logs next to. The logs would only stack so high before the pile became unstable and fell over which meant more regular trips outside to get wood. I guess it must have stuck in my mind that I could do better.

If ever I was going to satisfy this passion - this Ardour*- to design and create, then now was the time. I worked on the concept for 6 months, during which time I realised that I needed to commit to it full time. With the blessing of my wife and two young girls, I took the jump and created Ardour with the aim of designing products to enhance peoples everyday.

I certainly haven't done it alone. I've been fortunate to have kind friends give up their time to help me with branding, photography, social media, a kind word and an honest word. Without these people, Ardour would not be where it is today. So thank-you all. 

And it won't just be log baskets - I am overflowing with new ideas which I will share with you soon. Watch this space!

Rob Russell

 *Ardour - 

SYNONYMS:     passion, avidity, fervour, zeal, wholeheartedness, eagerness, vehemence,intensity, fierceness, zest, gusto, zeal, gusto, energy, enthusiasm, keenness, dedication