The story of one of New Zealand's most successful manufacturers and exporters.

Entrepreneurial. Enterprising. Audacious. Just some of the words to describe Robert Stewart, former Chairman of SKOPE Industries, and one of New Zealand’s most successful manufacturers and exporters. Stewart’s career has been long and distinguished — spanning more than 50 years — and in that time his achievements have gained international recognition. Indeed, on September 09, 2014, he will be officially knighted at Government House by the Governor General; the second time in a decade that he has been honoured by the Queen. In 2006, Stewart received the ONZM for his services to manufacturing and the community.

Stewart was born in 1940, the eldest son of a flourishing Canterbury manufacturing family. But it was hard graft, tenacity and courage that brought him business success, rather than family benevolence. Stewart and his father had a sometimes fraught relationship, and one that at times created challenges for him.

Leaving school at 15 to become an apprentice electrician with the Ministry of Works, Stewart spent the next ten years acquiring skills and experiences in New Zealand and the UK that would set him up for life. When Stewart was 25 he approached his father for a loan to buy a controlling stake in a small company called Robat Avon Industries. Over time, he repaid the loan, bought all the shares and expanded the business into New Zealand’s foremost manufacturer and exporter of commercial refrigerators and along the way, electric heaters.

Significantly, Stewart secured the business of both Coca-Cola, Schweppes in

Australasia and Pepsi Cola in the Middle East, dominating competitors with commercial refrigeration units that use the lowest energy technology in the world. SKOPE Industries was Coca-Cola Amatil’s Supplier of the Year in 2011; quite a coup for a Canterbury designer/manufacturing company at the bottom of the world.g of business environments, and into building — and holding on to — a family business.

Random House NZ - $39.99

http://www.radionz.co.nz/audio/player/20148203. - Nine to Noon - 4 September 2014