was born and raised in West Yorkshire. He openly admits he was not a strong student when he was at school and feared he might not be clever enough to find a decent job – so instead he would have to create his own. He did attend Art School from the age of 15, and developed a passion for textile design which eventually led him to start Skopos Design, along with two friends, in Batley. The company continues to thrive and the mill complex where they began their textile furnishings business was later transformed into a successful retail complex. Stephen had effectively become a property developer, and he was motivated to champion the transformation and regeneration of the ‘Mill Mile’ between Dewsbury and Batley. He next turned his attention to Redbrick Mill, along the Mill Mile, which is also emerging as an important retail centre, although it is now home to other activities. He provides exhibition space for artists, for example. Along with a business partner, he is also converting other mill properties into luxury apartments; he owns the Skopos Motor Museum and he is in the process of re-opening the renowned Batley Variety Club.
My Outlook on Life
I thought a lot about what I would do and I never ever considered I’d be clever enough to go out and get a job like my dad did. My dad earned £2,000 a year. This was quite a milestone in the day. He was a clerk for the West Riding County Council. He was a clever chap. I would never be able to emulate his ability to write minutes at meetings and spell properly, so my mind started thinking about other things, which I actually think is quite a bonus in life. I’ve met a lot people that have proved to be successful. One of the questions I now ask them is are you dyslexic or do you have trouble academically - and a surprising amount of people say they do. So maybe not being too academically bright is perhaps a blessing and it certainly allows you to think in a different way.
was born and raised in West Yorkshire. He openly admits he was not a strong student when he was at school and feared he might not be clever enough to find a decent job – so instead he would have to create his own. He did attend Art School from the age of 15, and developed a passion for textile design which eventually led him to start Skopos Design, along with two friends, in Batley. The company continues to thrive and the mill complex where they began their textile furnishings business was later transformed into a successful retail complex. Stephen had effectively become a property developer, and he was motivated to champion the transformation and regeneration of the ‘Mill Mile’ between Dewsbury and Batley. He next turned his attention to Redbrick Mill, along the Mill Mile, which is also emerging as an important retail centre, although it is now home to other activities. He provides exhibition space for artists, for example. Along with a business partner, he is also converting other mill properties into luxury apartments; he owns the Skopos Motor Museum and he is in the process of re-opening the renowned Batley Variety Club.
