Managing Director

Vineesh has been Bluestone’s managing director since 2005 and under his leadership the company has flourished in many ways, but for Vineesh, it’s the people at its centre that matter most.

‘I am proud of how the business has grown, but I am just as proud having watched so many of our staff grow alongside it, whether that’s through personal milestones like getting married, having children, pursuing their passions, or seeing them take on more responsibilities.’

Back to the beginning

Vineesh’s parents met and married in Punjab, India, but in 1970 made the decision to move to the UK with just £2 to their names. Vineesh, the eldest of their 3 children, was born in London.

‘My parents were incredibly hard workers and determined to not only build the best life possible for their children, but also to pass on their work ethic. They wanted us to get a good education and make the most of our potential. I learnt so much from my mother about both business and how to approach life in general.’

By 1977, Vineesh’s parents purchased their first shop and over the years owned several convenience stores throughout Yorkshire including Wakefield, Doncaster, Grimsby, and Scunthorpe. Until the age of 14 Vineesh spent almost every hour that he was not at school helping his mother to run their shops, from serving customers and organising stock to managing the accounts and taxes.

‘I have always loved numbers, and when I was 14 my dad took me to a library in Doncaster where I found a book on accountancy; from that moment on, I knew what I wanted to do. One of my teachers at the time tried to convince me that I should just get a job when I finished school, but I wanted to become an accountant. After completing my A-levels at sixth form, I got my degree in accounting and finance at the University of Hull.’

The world of work

Vineesh qualified as an accountant in 1995 and started work at a commercial finance company called Wyse Leasing (now Bluestone) which had only been operating for a few months. He became the company’s Finance Director in 1999 and then the Finance and Operations Director in 2002. In addition to working full time Vineesh carried on helping to run his parents’ businesses at weekends, and this continued until he became our Managing Director in 2005.

'Having been here at Bluestone since almost day one, I’ve fulfilled just about every role in the business as it has grown, from administration and finance to marketing and account management. My role is now a lot more fluid which is fantastic as it means I can go where I am most needed. Some days I am here to encourage, educate, support, and ensure our company values are being promoted and maintained, and sometimes I need to rollup my sleeves and get stuck into the day-to-day.'

Leading Bluestone

With nearly 3 decades of experience in commercial finance, you’d be hard pressed to find someone more knowledgeable, but what has made Vineesh such an effective leader is his approach to management.

‘My goal is always to help others to develop, take initiative and realise their own potential. I want everyone in the company to treat others as they would want to be treated. I believe if you treat people fairly, are respectful and communicate with honesty, people will give you their best and dig deep when you need them to. We try to create an environment where people can show vulnerability and admit when they don’t know something. I believe everyone in the business wants to do their best and to help others to succeed.’

Life outside of Bluestone and the future

Vineesh has 3 children including a young daughter who he spends a lot of his free time with, but when he does have time to himself, he enjoys Diecast model cars, LEGO, and watching a good boxset.

“One day, I’d like to be able to retire knowing that Bluestone will continue to thrive without me, and when that day comes, I’d love to drive Route 66 in the USA, as well as go on safari, and although I know there are lots of little creatures there that can kill me, I would also like to visit New Zealand and Australia.”