Ex-soccer player on the ball in the business world

A FORMER footballer who played for clubs across Yorkshire and the north of England, has grown his office supplies business despite the economic slump.

Roger Eli, who had a brief stint at Leeds United in 1986 before going on to play for 10 other professional clubs, including York City and Scunthorpe United, set up Ventura Office Supplies six years ago.

The firm, based in Bingley, near Bradford, provides more than 30,000 products, including stationery, computer equipment, office furniture and corporate clothing, to firms throughout the UK.

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Now Ventura, which acts as an intermediary, also supplies office furniture, corporate clothing and winter products like rock salt, as well as stationery.

It is now on course to turn over £1.9m this year, up 30 per cent and on the £1m figure it reached in 2008.

Ventura has expanded after hiring new sales staff, taking its total number of workers to 12.

It now has seven distribution points across the UK – Manchester, London, Sheffield, Glasgow, Midlands, Bristol and Belfast – meaning it can offer delivery the next working day.

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Much of its work is repeat business, including from government departments, the NHS, schools and corporates in a range of industries including food, engineering and manufacturing.

Mr Eli, who already had some business experience, having sold sportswear, when he retired from football in 1999, said: “The recession has affected everybody but we have continued to grow.

“We have brought in some great sales people. They know the business and that is key for this industry.”

Mr Eli made just two appearances for Leeds United but the highlight of his career was a five-year stint at Burnley, where his bustling style made him a hero among fans.

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The home supporters at Turf Moor used to chant “Eli-Eli-Eli-Eli” as he made an impact from a number of positions, including midfield, centre-half and right back.

In 1992, he was part of the Burnley team which won the old Fourth Division championship under the managership of James Mullen.

Mr Eli, who scored 31 goals in his time with the Clarets, also played for teams including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Crewe Alexandra.

After finishing his professional UK career at Burnley, Mr Eli played for a season in China before setting up a textile agency, which exported materials to be used in the making of suits to the Far East.

That business evolved, and in 2005 Ventura was launched with the help of his wife, Andrea, and their friend, Hari Athwal.