Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From kitschy souvenirs to mid-day snacks, you can tell a lot about a person by their desk. This is why Voltimum's roving reporter, Frankie Snobel, scoped out the desk of CMP Owner and Managing Director, Duncan McKinlay.
Whether it’s backhand swings or corporate buyouts, Duncan McKinlay knows how to play a strong game.
Born and raised in Grangemouth, Scotland, Duncan entered the industry after successfully completing a mechanical engineering degree at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow.
“I had a fantastic time there,” said Duncan. “And I suppose I learned a little bit as well.”
He then found employment with 3M in their electronics division, selling data transmission cables and connectors. Work with 3M eventually brought him to Bracknell, England, where he worked in the Occupational Health and Environmental Safety division and ended up running the Electrical Products and Tapes division.
Upon experiencing his “mid-life crisis”, Duncan left 3M to join Smiths Group, which eventually became Volution Holdings. Here he became responsible for the cable management side of the business and in January 2007, with the help of Lloyds Development Capital, Duncan bought out CMP.
“I am able to be more focused,” said Duncan on owning his own business. “It allows us to really invest in the business and the people.”
1. The Financial Times: “Gotta have the FT,” said Duncan. He uses this paper to monitor currencies and keep up to date with international financial news, as CMP ships to over 52 countries and has around 41% in international sales.
2. “This Working Life” Book of Photography: Lloyd’s Development Capital’s Photography Awards gives companies an opportunity to get in touch with the arts. CMP supports this initiative, allowing employees to register for free photography training and giving them a chance to have their work published in the annual book. 2007’s theme was “This Working Life”, capturing beautiful images of workers and their workplace.
3. Kopex Hazardous Applications Literature: These brand new conduit systems are designed for hazardous locations, such as explosive environments.
4. Elkay’s Energy Range Literature and Product Samples: These switches and controls are designed to decrease wasted electricity and therefore reduce the negative impact on the environment. They are retrofittable and are designed for commercial and domestic applications. The three aesthetically pleasing styles of the Elkay Energy Range include Energy Sense, Energy Style, and Energy Outdoor.
5. Adaptalock ATS Literature: This soon-to-be released conduit system has £1 million invested in its innovative and high performance design and development.
6a/b. Tommy Hill Mouse Pad and Screensaver: CMP is a personal sponsor of British Superbike racer, Tommy Hill. “He’s an extremely talented young rider and we hope he goes very far.”
7. Laptop: Despite being Managing Director of CMP, Duncan lacks keyboard skills- he still resorts to one-fingered typing techniques.
8. 3G Mobile: “The bain of my existence,” said Duncan. And despite all of its nifty functions, he only uses it as a phone. “I have typical ‘man syndrome’. I’ve managed to get it to work and that’s all I need.” The ring tone is of an F1 car, as Duncan enjoys fast motorsports.
9. Halton Adult & Child Tournament Sporting Achievement: Duncan and his eldest son came runner up in this tennis competition. “My boy carried me through,” said Duncan. “And he now whoops my a**. It’s quite embarrassing because he’s thirteen.”
10. PDA: This invaluable piece of technology keeps Duncan in touch with the world, regardless of where he is.
11. Coffee Mug: Always half full, as Duncan can never seem to finish a cup (is sure to point out that despite this, his PA makes a fine cup of Java). Duncan is desperately trying to reduce the daily intake of his half-cups of caffeine.
12. Banana: Duncan is a huge fan of this yellow fruit. “Gotta have my super-food.”
13. Post-it Notes: Showing his loyalty and respect to former employer 3M, Duncan owns a large stash of post-it notes.
14. Pictures of the mini McKinlays: Duncan has three adorable children: thirteen-year-old son, Gavin, eleven-year-old son, Calum, and seven-year-old daughter, Lauren Beth, who might be small but is usually in charge.
15. Newton’s Craddle: This executive toy was given to Duncan by a close 3M colleague and friend who passed away. “He was someone to aspire to be and a supporter of my career,” said Duncan. “This reminds me of him and the simplicity of business- cause and effect.”
16. BEAMA Paperwork: Duncan printed out slides of a BEAMA presentation on sustainable construction from a recent conference. CMP’s brands Adaptaflex and Kopex are members of BEAMA, the "British Electrotechnical and Allied Manufacturers' Association", which is a trade association representing manufacturers of electrotechnical products.
17a. Kopex Pipeslice: Don’t let the size fool you. It might be small, but the Kopex Pipeslice is also very tough, cutting copper pipes with ease. Kopex is a brand of Cable Management Products.
17b. Kopex Pipe-Prep: This Corgi awarded innovative product de-burrs cut copper pipes.
18. Printer: Duncan and his team are reducing what they print in a green attempt to cut down paper waste.
19. Garfield Devil Keychain: Duncan’s son bought him this gift (and found it very fitting) while travelling in France on a school trip.