AWARD… Roy Kells at the recent Fermanagh Herald Business Awards
POPULAR Lisnaskea businessman, Roy Kells (77), the chairman of the SD Kells drapery/furnishings chain, played down his ‘Lifetime Achievement’ award he received at the recent ‘Fermanagh Herald’ Business Awards.
In a ‘thank you’ letter, he described the award as, ‘an utter surprise and most unexpected’. Indeed, he attributed it to his staff and the company directors.
But, to others, the award was well directed in that, for over 60 years, Roy Kells has been associated with the family-run concern which, today, has expanded to seven outlets across the north, employing 140 people.
And, it is fitting that a firm founded by his parents, is now carried on by his sons, David and Andrew (both directors), and others.
Following his parents’ retirement he 1964, Roy took over, heading a four-strong staff that was soon joined by Shirley McCoy, who is still there.
“She was my first appointment.”
Expansion followed, with new outlets opening up, in turn, in Enniskillen (1986), Omagh (’88), then Lurgan, Banbridge, Newtownards, Larne and, finally, in Bedford Street in Belfast.
In all eight stores, he had loyal staff (his wife looked after the fashions’ end in the three local outlets), and another plus was joining the Association of Independent Stores in 1983.
“It gave a small firm like ours more buying power.”
In fact, the warehouse that carries the stock for all eight stores is located at Tempo Road, Enniskillen.
In common with other businesses, SD Kells suffered during the ‘Troubles, forcing a re-build on several occasions and, due to the Omagh bomb, a relocation from near the site of the explosion in the Tyrone town.
But it was a case of ‘business as usual’, sustained by a deeply-held faith.
“My mantra is, ‘God answers prayer’”, he explained.
He is a regular worshipper in Holy Trinity Church, Lisnaskea and, outside of his family and his business (where he ‘helps out’), he is an avid fan of Lisnaskea Rovers, and he enjoys Lough Erne and swimming.
Finally, asked how, in these difficult economic times, the firm has kept going, he explained that the company operates half a dozen ‘Regatta’ shops which ‘do a lot of plugging in the quiet times’.
But, above all else, there’s the input from the staff.
“I have been very lucky in that I have brilliant staff, and I want simply to pay tribute to the directors and staff for any award that has come my way.”
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