Norman Tenray is the CEO of the OBAS Group, based in Longridge Preston distributing over 17,000 building, plumbing and personalized clothing to the construction industry. The company has developed its own “OBAS” brand, which are manufactured in China and the UK.Formed in January 2008 as a result of acquiring four companies from receivership, saving 30 jobs within the local community. The company has grown to £3m turnover and employs 45 people with clearly defined opportunities for growth and employment.OBAS trades within one of the worst affected industry sectors and has worked relentlessly to overcome tremendous adversity, to become highly respected within the local business community and by its national suppliers. The company and its management team have tackled severe constraints as a result of finance, politics and legislation.Having previously spent 25 years providing business and IT consultancy to a variety of businesses across Europe, developing a range of skills and experiences which has been crucial in building the OBAS group. Both the company and Norman’s achievements have been recognized through a variety of awards and appointments with the company being recognized as an investor in people.Norman is the immediate past President and Non-exec Board Director of the North & Western Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, an Entrepreneur in Residence at Lancaster University, Chair of the Lancashire Economics Policy Group, Chair of the NWLCC Remuneration Committee and Chair of Trustees for Age Concern Central Lancashire, he sits on the North West advisory committee for the bank of England, a fellow of the Lancashire Community Foundation and sits on the Development Advisory Group, sits on the BCC UK and global Accreditation Boards.Much of Norman’s spare time is spent working within the community supporting education and business, he also mentors a range of business entrepreneurs and owners.