Trustees

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Russell became a Trustee of DEMAND in 2005 having had a lifelong career in the electronics and technology sector.

He has worked in various sectors, moving from Engineering to Marketing, then General Management, all the while keeping his focus on strategy.

Russell is currently Chairman of Box Technologies, an IT and services business involved in customer engagement technology solutions. He also Chairs NNT, a software solutions company active in the IT security and compliance arena.

With a passion for engineering excellence and design for disability, Russell has consistently campaigned for a greater reach for DEMAND, both geographically and online, believing that our service must be available to all those that could benefit from it.

Outside of work, Russell maintains an active participating interest in Skiing, Cycling and Motorsport, as well as enjoying travel, languages and the arts.

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Tom re-joined our team of Trustees in 2011. With precision engineering close to his heart Tom can often be found casting an experienced eye over our projects and processes. An accomplished cook with his own catering business he makes sure Board meetings are fuelled on home-baked treats.

‘My first experience of DEMAND was at an open day, when DEMAND was based in 2 porta-cabins. I was impressed with the quality and variation of equipment they were designing and producing for their clients.’

‘My life in engineering was extremely stimulating, and after 20-odd years as a Trustee, I am still very excited by what we create, the new technologies that we are using, and where we are now heading. I will always be keeping an eye on the quality of design and build of all our products.’

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The Hon. Clare Renton is the daughter of DEMAND’s founder Lady Clare Renton, and became a Trustee in 2010. Her sister Davina, who was born with Rett Syndrome, was the driving force inspiring the family to do incredible work for disabled people all over the UK.

Clare is a Lawyer, specialising in Family Law, and in 2011 became a Fellow of the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers.

Clare’s professional practice includes Family Law encompassing international child abduction, matrimonial finance, including international jurisdictional issues and practice, inheritance. She is an author, lecturer and regular contributor to legal journals.

Aside from her career in Law, Clare volunteers for Mencap, a charity founded by her father Lord Renton, and enjoys spending time with her three grown up children.

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Bob is a Chartered Accountant and Management Consultant and became a Trustee of DEMAND in July 2011.

In recent years Bob has been an active Independent Non-Executive Chairman or Director of a portfolio of several small/medium-sized private companies with particular interest in financial planning and strategic growth development.

Bob has lived and worked in the UK, France, Germany and Switzerland. He brings business acumen gained from wide-ranging experience and roles in many industries. He works actively with executive management in creating controlled growth within a sound and stable financial base.

In his free time Bob enjoys playing golf, exploring genealogy, experimenting with oriental cuisine and spending time with his family.

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William is a retired design engineer who became a Trustee of DEMAND in 2013. He brings with him a wealth of knowledge and insight from his career in biomedical engineering.

‘To be part of Demand is truly a fulfilling opportunity for me. Seeing our designs and being part of the present and future growth of Demand allows me to give something back.’

‘Having had a sister with disabilities I saw how very important special designed devices were to allowing her to have an independent mobile life, and the huge satisfaction she enjoyed as a result.’

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Katherine joined DEMAND as a Trustee in January 2012. An engineer by training, Katherine has an undergraduate degree from the University of Cambridge, and completed the Advanced Course in Design Manufacturing and Management (University of Cambridge).

Katherine is currently Chief Talent Officer at global executive search consulting firm Spencer Stuart. She moved into HR from management consulting focused primarily on R&D in health care, working with big pharma, biotech and the international non­profit drug development industry.

Throughout her career Katherine has lived and worked all over the world and brings a wealth of international business experience to the table, helping DEMAND plan effectively for the future.

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Lady Hermione’s family links (Niece and Goddaughter of founders) give her a special interest in DEMAND’s work also becoming a founding Trustee. Later in 1990 she was instrumental in enabling the charity to secure a permanent home in Abbots Langley.

‘Lord and Lady Renton founded DEMAND in 1980. The mission was, and has continued to be, very personal and dear to my heart. I have seen the quality of life improved for many, and especially for those who have had special needs, and often not able to get the help they might seek.’

‘I am motivated to continue with my small part as a direct result of the inspiration I have received during my extended tenure, by the mission, benefactor generosity, all the individuals who do the managing and execution of the mission, and finally the happiness felt by the individual who has had their quality of life improved as result of our help.’

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