Our Directors & Trustees
Steven Terence Jackson
Born in 1966 and educated in Preston at Hutton Grammar School, Steve is the founder of the Recycling Lives concept and charity; read the story that sparked Steve's passion for creating the charity here. Steve's life has been in commercial management and business creation since the age of 16. He initially began working within his father's metal recycling business, and since 1995 in the creation/acquisition of:
- The first Preston Internet Service Provider and UK web-address company
- New Reg Limited and the creation of the Newreg.com brand, the first internet vehicle registration company with nationwide markets
- in 1999 acquisition of all competing recycling companies within the Preston area, and merged with the family company, to create Preston Recycling Limited
- a major shareholding in Preston North End Football Club and, after becoming Chief Executive, was instrumental in a major restructuring to ensure appropriate adjustment to a post Premium TV structure
- property investment, development and holding companies
(Steve subsequently sold his interest in PNE plc after resigning as CEO)
Steve Jackson has a passion for social entrepreneurship and a strong commitment to helping reduce homelessness. He believes that Recycling Lives is the concept that provides the 'synergy' to achieve his pastoral objective in partnership with the private sector, while simultaneously meeting key targets of the environmental and waste-management agendas. Steve tells his story here.
Charles Jackson
Born in 1957 and educated in Preston at Penwortham Secondary Modern, Charlie started working for his brother in a scrap yard to support his cycling hobby at the age of 14 whilst still at school. Following an engineering apprenticeship at British Leyland Charlie left to work again with his brother in the scrap yard which had now been acquired. The business grew steadily and in 1998 was restructured following further acquisition. Charlie became managing director and was instrumental in the further development and steering of the business. The business grew to employ 130 + people with a turnover approaching £20 million. Charlie’s love of cycling has re-emerged as the business sponsored the number one professional racing team in the UK and in him gaining a seat on the board of British Cycling; Charlie has also sat as chair on a key trade body the Motor vehicle Dismantlers Association (MVDA). Charlie brings a wealth of industry knowledge and the ability to effectively develop and drive a business through effective strategy and leadership.
Charlie shares with Steve the passion for promoting social entrepreneurialism and a commitment to reducing homelessness and worklessness.
David Allen
Born in 1982 and educated in Barking, London at Barking Abbey Comprehensive School, Barking Abbey Sixth Form College and finally his link to the north completion of a Management degree at Preston’s University of Central Lancashire. David has worked for a number of companies in and around London to support his studies, working in places which include Britannia Music, Lloyds TSB Bank, HSBC Bank, Yes Foundation and Preston City Council. David has been with Recycling Lives commercial operations for 5 years fulfilling a number of roles including:
- Business Development Manager – within the electronics recycling department David has been influential in the expansion of the department playing an integral part in the relocation due to expansion on two occasions during his tenure
- Legislation Consultant – in a fast moving and complex legal climate he has kept abreast of all legislation to ensure 100% compliance from the organisation
- Exports Manager – sales of a variety of materials overseas achieving maximum market values
- Projects Manager – of a number of independent projects and concepts working closely to the company directors assisting in their overall strategic ambitions
- Commercial Manager / Key Accounts Manager – key role in bringing in large contracts with both blue chip organisations and smaller local businesses and in selling product across the scope of the companies materials
David now works with Simon in all negotiations and management of the opening of centres and the instigation of setting up new centres. He also leads a team in the development of many of the charities behind the scene operations including the website, commercial operations and the national progression of the concept.
Simon Thorrington ACIB - Project Manager
Simon is our Project Manager, born in 1957 and coming to us with 15 years experience as a commercial lending banker, and 17 years working in the Charity Sector. It is Simon’s task to keep all the plates spinning in the air! He is aiming to ensure that Recycling Lives in Preston is opened and delivered in the summer of 2008. His background involves:
- 17 years in the charity sector, with responsibility for guiding a large and complex charity with subsidiaries through the compliance and accountability changes of the 1990s, and for establishing governance, risk management and control systems
- 15 earlier years in banking, culminating in a four year series of managerial appointments in risk and relationship management, corporate lending, mentoring and business development
- Strategic planning and visioning in response to a period of significant decline in regular Church practise
- Chairmanship and management of an associated regeneration charity in Preston, the St Augustine’s Regeneration Trust, serving the highly deprived community of Avenham and Frenchwood
- Development and nurturing of partnerships and strategic alliances to meet common goals and objectives, including at Government level
- Introduction of modern management practices and operational systems, including accounting software, IT, data management and reporting systems
- Fundraising to generate both regular giving and capital grants
Simon is the author of our Recycling Lives Business Plan and has been at the spearhead of the negotiations for all of our capital funding. Once Recycling Lives Preston is established, it will be his task to project manage the opening of other centres.
Paul Finnerty
Born in Preston in 1968, Paul was educated at St Mary’s Hall and then Stonyhurst College from the age of 8 till 18; thereafter he studied Law and Politics at the University of Central Lancashire. Alongside his studies, Paul still managed to fit in playing tennis full time. After completing his studies at university, he went on to the Law College in Chester. Before joining Recycling Lives, Paul’s experience was gained in several highly respected commercial legal firms;
- Paul’s first job was working for Brabners Chaffe Street Solicitors, for 14 years. Primarily working for the business within the litigation and commercial litigation department
- Latterly Paul worked from Manchester at Freeth Cartwright LLP, where he worked as Head of Commercial Litigation in the Manchester office until 2008.
- Whilst working for these companies Paul also gained experience providing Continuing Professional Development seminars for the Institute of Civil Engineers (ICE).
Paul is now the Legal Director of Recycling Lives, dealing with all the Legal needs of the charity and business. Paul’s invaluable legal and negotiation skills will place him as a key figure in ensuring Recycling Lives adheres to all legislation in respect to both the charitable arm and the commercial enterprise.
Recycling Lives Quick Links
Latest News
