Lord Harris

The great thing about working with Generation magazine, is the incredible people I get to meet. All of whom run their own family businesses and are often phenomenally successful in their own right. Yet what strikes me about every single person I have the pleasure of photographing, is how unbelievably humble and down to earth they are. Some of them hold Royal Warrants, others are globally recognised brands but they all welcome you with open arms as if you were part of the family.

This was very much the case when visiting Lord Harris, founder of the hugely successful Carpetright. With head offices on an industrial estate in Essex, it’s not the most glamorous of places from the outside. Yet walk through the door and it’s clear to see that every single member of staff takes great pride in their job, and working for a family business.

Lord Harris himself is surprisingly quiet and unassuming. His interview is honest and upfront and he is happy to share his colourful life story. . Get him talking about his philanthropic projects and he suddenly becomes an excited parent, beaming with pride which always makes for a great photograph. Although very camera shy, Lord Harris’ face tells a thousand stories and he makes for a fascinating subject.

On leaving the building we were waved off by Wendy at reception who has been on the front desk of Carpetright for eleven years – a true testament to this family business and it’s inspiring leader.