Have you ever wondered what the industry's influential figures have on their desk? From the latest in communication technology to Tiger Moth RAF stationery, 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 Lumicom Chief Executive, Ernest Magog.
Born during the war in a “lil’ town called Gillingham”, Kent, Ernest hasn’t always been in the electrical industry. It was after working for a farmer’s trade association, where he acted as an advisor, PR, and government lobbyer, he came across a job opening for Director of the Lighting Industry Federation. Many “daunting” interviews later, Ernest landed the prestigious role. In 2006, Ernest stepped aside from being Director and focused on developing Lumicom, a luminaire compliance scheme company which he set up in 2005 as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Lighting Industry Federation. When the possibility of a UK WEEE Directive became a reality, Ernest then used his entrepreneurial skills and started up Lumicom. Leading luminaire manufacturers, including Thorn and Cooper Lighting and Safety have already signed up as members to Lumicom, receiving valuable services and advice on the WEEE Directive and mandatory luminaire recycling.
Despite “living and breathing the LIF and Lumicom”, Ernest is a proud husband, father of three and grandfather of another three. He also has a keen interest in Genealogy and has tracked his family tree down until 1787. Ernest has no “official office” for himself, as he mainly travels around visiting members with his business, along with working from home. His “desk” is really his briefcase – and this briefcase was at a recent meeting with the rest of the Lumicom team at Airport House in Croydon. Said Ernest about his team: “These are the people that make Lumicom work.”
1. Laptop: Ernest takes his work on-the-go, as he doesn’t use a stationary office to work from. With a portable life comes a portable computer. His screensaver is of what is near and dear to him – his adorable granddaughter, Lakeisha and his red 3.2 Jaguar (with personalized plates reading “M4G0G”).
2. Professional Indemnity Insurance Documents: Ernest and the Lumicom team were discussing company insurance options at their meeting.
3. Laptop Bag: This tough bag carries Ernest’s “desk” wherever he goes.
4. Notebook: Despite living a fast paced life, Ernest still uses a notepad to jot down notes and record his thoughts. “I’m still a little bit old fashioned,” said Ernest.
5. Photograph of Wife: Ernest keeps a lovely photo of his wife, Tess, in his wallet. This picture was taken by the sea while they were on holiday.
6. 2008 Budget: Ernest discussed the 2008 budget with the Lumicom team at the recent meeting.
7. Airport House Stationery and Pen: This Grade II historical building is where the Lumicom team gathered for their meeting. Airport house was the terminal building for the world’s first international airport. Even a Tiger Moth airplane in RAF training scheme livery is suspended in the main hall to add to the historical airport theme. The Airport House stationery pad (branded with a Tiger Month insignia on the top) was offered to the Lumicom team to take notes during their meeting.
8. Voice-over IP System: Lumicom is implementing a new communication system that will connect remote locations to the internet instead of communicating through an ordinary phone line. This will create a “virtual office” and is considered by the Lumicom team “the future of telephones”.
9. Agenda for Lumicom meeting: Used to help guide the meeting, the agenda covers last year’s accounts, 2008’s budget, the new company telephone system and the development of a more user friendly website. “Our priority last year was to survive and pay our loans back,” said Ernest. “Now that we’ve achieved that, we can expand our operation and give Lumicom a full upgrade.”
10. Cup of Tea: Ernest drinks his cuppa with milk and no sugar. Coffee is not an option, as he just had a bypass and is therefore conscious of his caffeine intake and his health. “I’ve been refurbished,” joked Ernest.