This page was last updated on 30 September 2021 Click here to  Print this page Biography finder A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z     Index of first names

Mike Douglas

 

 

Melanie and Mike Douglas (right) with the Alpaca they purchased in Balfron in June 2011

The executive chairman of Space Group is turning his thoughts from architecture to alpacas as he takes semi-retirement (December 2009) after spending almost four decades with the Tyneside firm.

Mike Douglas, who has worked for Newcastle-based Space Group, formerly Waring and Netts, since 1972, is stepping down from his role as executive chairman to devote more time to his 88-acre alpaca farm at Fallowfield near Hexham, Northumberland.

From January, Mr Douglas will take on a consultancy position as non-executive chairman of the business to spend more time developing his alpaca and fleece business with wife Melanie, breeding a top-quality herd with world-class Australian bloodlines and genetics.

The ultra-fine and soft alpaca fleece produced by Fallowfield Alpacas is processed and turned into yarn, which is then made into products ranging from children's clothing to duvets and pillows.

Mr Douglas plans to launch an online retail business, selling high-end designer baby and children's clothes from alpaca, in autumn 2010.

He became a partner in 1985 and chairman of Space Group in 2007 when it was incorporated, and said: "The business is in good shape with a strong brand and culture, led by a talented and focused team, and I feel the time is now right for me to step back to allow more time to pursue other interests and spend more time with my wife (Melanie) and family.

"As well as the alpacas, I will also be supporting the running of our five-star luxury B&B, which has had a successful first year, and will hopefully find enough time between all this to play some tennis and catch a few salmon in the Tyne."

As an architect he worked on projects including Blyth Community Hospital, Newcastle Hospitals PFI and the recently completed Redcar Community Hospital and he helped oversee its rebrand to Space last year and the opening of its offices in Leeds and Manchester. Space Group chief executive Rob Charlton said: "Mike's contribution to the business over the last 37 years has been considerable and while we are sad that he is stepping back, we are thrilled he's agreed to stay on with us in a non-executive capacity, not least so we can keep up with what's going on at the farm with those alpacas."

 

 

 

Any contributions to this item will be gratefully accepted

 

Errors and Omissions		The Forum		What's new?
We are looking for your help to improve the accuracy of The Douglas Archives. If you spot errors, or omissions, then please do let us know Contributions Many articles are stubs which would benefit from re-writing. Can you help? Copyright You are not authorized to add this page or any images from this page to Ancestry.com (or its subsidiaries) or other fee-paying sites without our express permission and then, if given, only by including our copyright and a URL link to the web site.		If you have met a brick wall with your research, then posting a notice in the Douglas Archives Forum may be the answer. Or, it may help you find the answer! You may also be able to help others answer their queries. Visit the Douglas Archives Forum.   2 Minute Survey To provide feedback on the website, please take a couple of minutes to complete our survey.		We try to keep everyone up to date with new entries, via our What's New section on the home page. We also use the Community Network to keep researchers abreast of developments in the Douglas Archives. Help with costs Maintaining the three sections of the site has its costs.  Any contribution the defray them is very welcome Donate   Newsletter If you would like to receive a very occasional newsletter - Sign up! Temporarily withdrawn.