An economist by training but inventor by nature, in 1966 Ken Stanley spotted an opportunity to create a new fastening solution for composite materials, which at that time were in their infancy. Typically, he rolled up his sleeves and invented the bigHead and then went on to establish the company by the same name that he and his wife Dorothy, who survives him, then developed over a 40 year period.
In 2006, he retired from running bigHead at the age of 84. Ken was always proud that he grew bigHead without borrowing any money from the bank and stayed true to UK innovation and manufacturing.
Many in the industry will remember Ken for his energy, determination and great sense of humour. Those who worked at his company will remember him for being a generous and supportive leader who looked after people and always did the right thing.
A frequent visitor and strong supporter of bigHead after his retirement, Ken’s legacy has been a solid foundation for the company’s future. “We will miss him but will continue to follow his shining example,” says bigHead’s managing director Matthew Stevens.
