Men in business

Adrian Bagnoli Co-owner Cubana Tapas Bar

Cubana is an independently-owned tapas restaurant and Cuban bar that started from humble beginnings, situated on Trippet Lane in November 2000 offering a burst of joyous Havana sunshine from our base on a sleepy city centre back street.

In the summer of 2014, co-owners Adrian Bagnoli and Brad Charlesworth decided the time was right for an exciting new chapter in Cubana’s story - a move to an amazing new home just a couple of hundred yards away in the beautiful surroundings of Leopold Square.

Asked if he still had personal career ambitions, Adrian said: “To create a venue that becomes part of Sheffield folklore spanning over three decades (we’ve only got seven more years to go!). We are not looking to open multiple sites (and never have been really) – we just want to run the one venue well and make it unique and special.”

Paul Blackburn Managing Director Blenheim Park Developments, Blenheim Park Estates, Blenheim Architecture

Through their various companies, Blenheim offer bespoke architecture, design, construction and property sales – turning dreams into reality. Paul oversees the full operation of all three businesses.

Paul has fond memories of a mentor who helped him to shape his career. “I had the fortune to spend my late teens with a man called David Wosskow from Sheffield, an amazing marketer, salesman and business leader from the textile industry,” he said. “I think of him often with great admiration.”

Asked if he had any advice for other men in business, he added: “Dare to dream, aim higher than you can possibly imagine, never ever give in and hold the truth close.”

Rob Haselgrove-Stones Owner Pets at Rest Veterinary Services

Over recent years, many vets do not have the spare time to visit peoples homes at a convenient time to help people say goodbye to their much loved pets. Rob set up Pets at Rest Vets to help guide people through this difficult time and when the time is right, come out to their homes so pets can pass peacefully in familiar surroundings.

“It is amazing how many people don’t know about the option of having a pet put to sleep at home and so my current plans are to just continue marketing the business,” said Rob. “I am seeing good growth with the business and it won’t be too long before I may need to look at growing the team.”

Rob qualified as a vet 20 years ago and had not considered doing anything more than just being a vet. Since then he’s run a large charity hospital as well as being an area manager for a group of hospitals.

Maurizio Mori Owner Nonnas

Nonnas Sheffield Ltd has been a staple of Sheffield’s culinary/bar scene since opening way back in 1996. It was Maurizio’s dream to bring the culture of his hometown – Montecatini in Tuscany, Italy – to the streets of the city. Nonnas enjoyed its 25th anniversary a couple of years ago and is now looking forward to the next 25 years. Maurizio said that it has been a true honour to serve the lovely people of Sheffield for so long and thanks his amazing staff for their service over the years.

“The development of Nonnas has more than fulfilled my career ambitions,” said Maurizio. “My early years were spent honing my craft in various hotels around Europe and that gave me the confidence and opportunity to launch Nonnas. It was originally launched and run with co-owner Gian Bohan. In 2015 I went solo. It has been an incredible journey and a particular high point was definitely a visit from Sylvester Stallone!”

Thomas Tilbrook Director, Head of Litigation and Personal Injury at Best Solicitors

Established 21 years ago, Best Solicitors is a local and regional law firm offering a range of legal solutions to both individuals and businesses.

As a Director of the firm, and Head of the Litigation and Personal Injury Department, Thomas is responsible to both the stakeholders and employees. His role is to ensure that the firm is structured and run efficiently to deliver excellent client service and to support business growth. As departmental head, Thomas leads a team representing clients in professional negligence claims, commercial litigation, trust disputes and personal injury.

“My main inspiration does not come from the legal sector, but from the world of fitness,” said Thomas. “In some ways, the qualities of both business and fitness are the samededication, commitment, sacrifice and determination.”