The Advance team, experts in bespoke lighting products

Simon Deacon, Director

Simon has been managing and developing companies in the bespoke lighting industry since leaving college, a long time ago.

Mike Stonebridge, Director

Mike is MBA qualified and has extensive experience in the Manufacturing sector.

Diane Lansley, Directors PA and Receptionist

Di, although quite new to Advance, has had over a decade of experience as a PA at all levels. Di is excellent at organising and communicating. She enjoys watching CSI programmes, as well as various motor sports including Moto GP.

Karl Lord, POS Manager

Karl has been at Advance for over 3 years. Karl has past experience within POS and Technical Solutions, developing solutions for the tobacco and cosmetic industries. Karl enjoys a round or two of golf and mountain biking when he can.

Sarah Wright, Retail Manager

Sarah has 13 years experience in retail supply, has worked with Advance since 2001 and is responsible for the Retail Lighting and Equipment division. Sarah has a healthy interest in shoe shopping which helps in her role, but her real loves are motorbike racing, skiing and her cat, Rossi.

Dawn McFarlane, Sales Support

Dawn has been with Advance from the start and enjoyed many roles within the company. She is a Buyer and the company’s H&S Officer. Dawn is a keen netballer and loves football and nights out with the girls.

Dee Harrison, Financial Controller

Dee has been Financial Controller for 5 years. Dee has many years Accounting experience working in a wide variety of different industries ranging from the food industry, to import / export and different manufacturing companies. Dee enjoys going to concerts, the theatre, out for meals with friends, gardening and walking her dogs.

Anne Carruthers, Account Assistant

Anne has worked at Advance for over 6 years. Anne joined the company as the Receptionist and has moved across into Accounts. In her spare time Anne likes going on country walks and bike rides.

Martin Paulson, Technical Manager

Martin is responsible for new product innovation, metal work design, specifications & technical support. Martin has 37 years of experience in roles including Electrical Engineer, Research and Development Manager, Applications Engineer and 25 years experience in Automatic materials handling & packaging. He likes photography, walking and sea kayaking.

Lindsey Cross, Buyer

Lindsey has been at Advance for approx 3 years. Lindsey is also a Buyer for the company. She has many years working in rubber (tyre industry) and Sales / Commercial Management. Lindsey loves netball and anything that causes mischief.

Raj Whaid, Warehouse Manager

Raj has been at Advance for 12 years, he has a wealth of experience of all our products and ensures all goods are received in safely. He really likes F1 and Martial Arts.

Craig Price, Operations Manager

Craig has been with Advance for over ten years and is responsible for managing the operations, manufacturing, goods out and QC departments. When not at Advance, Craig is a keen sports enthusiast and is involved in numerous sporting activities.

Hayley King, Operations Administrator

Hayley has been with the company for nearly 6 years. Hayley started as the Sales Administrator and has recently changed roles to become the Operations Administrator. Hayley likes various crafts as well as enjoying shopping and music.

Dave Winfield, Production Manager

Dave has been Manager over the Production lines and staff ensuring smooth running of the factory for numerous years. Dave loves a good sing song and can often be heard singing in the factory. He is also a keen guitar player outside of work.

Anthony Hughes, Goods Out Controller

Ant has worked at Advance for over 3 years in the Goods Out Department, ensuring all deliveries go out to our customers. Ant has come from a warehouse logistics background and in his spare time really enjoys watching football.