It is with great sadness that we announce that Roger Edward Cox, Founder of OWA (UK) Ltd passed away on Sunday 10 December with his loving wife Sue by his side.
Having served with distinction in the armed forces Roger launched his commercial career in the UK ceilings industry by joining the sales team of the West London based company “Metco” (The Merchant Trading Company).
The ceiling industry at that time was dominated by a select few companies such as Nevill Long, Armstrong, Celotex, TAP, Burgess, Treetex and Metco, some of which have now been consigned to history.
Experienced both as a supplier with Metco and specialist ceiling installer with his own company Centaur Ceilings, Roger started and became Managing Director of OWA (UK) Ltd in 1983 after persuading leading German ceiling system manufacturer “OWA” that they needed to create their own marketing identity and distribution network in the UK rather than rely solely on “own brand” products.
Roger built a small trusted team of experienced, people to help him manage existing and new business starting with Tom Martin as Financial Director and Sandra Hudson as the company administrator, customer and OWA Germany coordinator.
With Roger’s guidance, commitment and foresight OWA (UK) continued to grow and prosper until his retirement in 2005.
Roger was a great supporter and contributor to our trade association throughout its development from the original SCA, its amalgamation with the PIA and its eventual rebirth as the FIS, the member’s inclusive mentor, guardian and influencer of so many diverse aspects of the interiors sector today.
As an avid golfer and former Captain at Newbury and Crookham Golf Club he was an active member and supporter of the SCA Golf Society which he believed to be an integrator of like-minded people from all aspects of the industry mixed with a little competition that together, created a productive social occasion. The SCA Golf society is still active today and continues to follow the same ethos.
Those that knew Roger will realise that this short glance at his life does not do justice to a man of great character, panache and influence in the industry and whose generosity and positive “can do” attitude never waned , treating people he met at all levels of business life with the same courtesy, respect and interest.
Roger Edward Cox – November 1939 – December 2023
