MOVERS & SHAKERS – MALCOLM BLACKFORD
Teamwork, the key for Tornado Sales Manager
Integrity is a word that springs to mind when talking to Tornado’s Malcolm Blackford, Sales Manager with one of the most established and trusted companies in our industry.
Born in the Worcestershire village of Alvechurch, Malcolm always had an interest in the great outdoors and worked part-time on a farm from the age of 16. This evolved into working for a fencing contractor, giving him the opportunity to work in a variety of locations before he took a year out to travel at the age of 21.
His tenure with Tornado started the day he got back from his travelling and he’s not looked back since.
Malcolm joined Tornado on Monday 13th April 1992 in stores and distribution.
“I was coming to the end of my year out in Australia and I was working on a large dairy farm installing fences along the Murrey River in Echuca, Victoria and wondering what I would end up doing when I got back to the UK.
“As mobile phones didn’t exist in those days and given the time differences, I would phone home every other Sunday to keep in touch family. On one such call I was informed someone at Tornado had been asking after me and what my plans were when I returned to the UK. I landed in Heathrow on the Thursday, went for an interview at Tornado on the Friday and started the following Monday.
“I still remember arriving at Tornado that day, thinking how lucky I was having just arrived back in the UK from taking time out that I walked straight into a job and it ‘would do’ until I decided what I wanted to do in life. Little did I know that my role at Tornado would grow as Tornado did.”
“I always pride myself as being the best I can possibly be. This ethos mirrors the quality and ambitions of Tornado. I’ve been fortunate enough to spend time with many fencing contractors throughout the UK and Ireland as well as projects as far afield as the Arctic circle and America enabling me to understand the challenges and needs of our customers.
“I am so proud of being part of our latest innovation which is our Pro-strain® ‘Complete Metal Fencing Solutions’ with which we have won various industry awards.
“My other highlights are being involved in the development of Titan heavy duty barbed wire, large rolls, the Stock-ade staple gun being the first automated 40 x 4mm stapler in the UK and various Torus nets,” he added.
When it comes to the challenges faced by the industry, Malcolm is crystal clear:
“There are still far too many fences failing prematurely due to poorly treated timber. We need the end user to understand that investing in good quality materials is a good investment.
“Labour is also an issue with more and more contractors turning to mechanisation to help bridge the gap. Events like fencing competitions and Best Practice Days organised by the AFI are all good opportunities for anyone interested in fencing to get a taste for what’s involved.”
Having just started his 34th year at Tornado, it’s fair to say that the business runs in his blood.
“My colleagues at Tornado are all very supportive and we all have common goals. The diversity of my job is also very rewarding. One day I can be on a mountain top with a prototype of a new product and the next day promoting Tornado at a show or event.
“My family are incredibly important to me and to be honest I don’t tell them that enough. My son Luke is progressing very well in his career as a Flood Mitigation Engineer and my daughter Alyssa is just starting her working life at Tornado as a Digital Marketing Apprentice. I enjoy travelling and spending time with my family.
“I have the pleasure in working alongside some of the best fencing contractors in our industry. It’s their passion and enthusiasm that has helped shape Tornado into what it is today, and we are working to continue this with the next generation.”
IN THE HOTSEAT
What was the last book you read or are currently reading?
Bomb Squad: A Detective Inspector, a Molly Watson novel
What is your favourite band / singer / type of music?
I like a wide variety of music but must confess I was a Country and Western lover in my youth!
Which do you prefer most… wine, whisky or real ale?
I enjoy a beer with friends and a glass of wine with a meal.
Which sports if any do you follow most closely?
I don’t follow a particular sport but will follow UK teams in international events. Most recently I have enjoyed watching the Winter Olympics.
What is your favourite film of all time?
You can’t beat a classic Bond movie
Where would you most like to visit in the world?
New Zealand
