A short presentation displaying the full turnkey operations that can be provided by Futura Design, from showcar production to resource requirements.

2. Company History…

3. Company History
•
Futura was founded in 1987 by clay modellers David Abel and
Graham Astbury. The partnership was a split 50/50 partnership
and operated in such manner until 2012 when Dave Abel
purchased Graham Astbury’s shares to hold sole ownership.
•
The company’s first location was in Kingswinford, West
Midlands. This site choice was based on proximity to David and
Graham’s homes: The Historic Black Country.
•
Futura initially started as a reseller and distributor of styling clay
on behalf of Eberhard Faber (now Staedtler, based in Germany)
and distributed to all major OEMs within the UK.
•
Due to the developed client base and skill sets possessed in
clay modelling by Dave and Graham, enquiries were received
for their clay modelling services and expertise.
•
Small clay modelling projects were undertaken with several
clients, most notably with Lotus.

4. Company History Continued…
•
Following high demands from clients for our services, in 1988
Futura Design moved to Garrett’s Green in Birmingham. Its close
proximity to Birmingham Airport and Coventry provided an
excellent location with ideal transport links for our growing client
base.
•
From 1988 until 2010, we built over 20 show cars for many highly
reputable customers such as Isuzu, Nissan, Jaguar Land Rover,
Aston Martin, Bentley, Adam Opel, Volvo, Hyundai, to name a
select few.
•
During this period Futura developed its own modeller base
through the training and development of hard modellers, pattern
makers, and apprentices. We were able to develop their
experience and skill sets to produce some of the industry’s best
design modellers and in some cases Design Managers.

5. Company History Continued…
•
Our reputation for high standards and quality grew substantially,
resulting in many of our clients requesting for us to sub-contract
some of our work force for their internal programmes, within their
studios. This consequently led to our Recruitment division being
established.
•
From 1998 to 2013 our Recruitment agency has grown and now
sees Futura as a market leader supplying to major OEM customers
across the globe. With a database of over 5,000 experts from within
the Automotive Design Industry, we feel excellently equipped to help
facilitate customers’ needs in all areas of Design and Engineering.
•
The Futura Recruitment division is headed by Shiralee Mahon and
managed by Daniel Abel. Shiralee is our longest serving member of
staff having worked for Futura for 15 years and is a very well
recognised and respected figure within the Automotive Design
Industry.

6. Current Structure…

7. Group Structure
Futura
Group
Futura
Design
Futura
Recruitment
UK
Futura
Deutschland
GmbH
Futura
Sverige
Design
Recruitment
Recruitment
Engineering
Design
Design
Executive
Clark Abel

8. Head Office: West Midlands...
•
In 2011 Futura moved to our purpose built Head
Office based in Oldbury, West Midlands.
•
Within this premises are;
o Group Finances
o Group Administration
o Group Recruitment
o Engineering and manufacturing services
•
From our 20,000 sq. ft premises, comprising of
offices, 3 Design Studios, Work Shop, Trim Shop,
Paint Booths, Canteen and Changing facilities, we
provide the services of
o Recruitment
o Clay modelling
o Show car builds
o CNC machining
o Trimming
o Rapid Prototyping
o Paint Spraying
o Fibre glass/laminating;
all aspects to provide full design turn key
solutions for many of our prestigious
clients.

9. Design Studios: Warwickshire...
•
•
Henley In Arden:
Based in Henley-in-Arden near Shakespeare’s Birthplace, situated
on 100 acres of picturesque greenbelt land.
•
In beautifully secluded grounds, these facilities are ideal for the
space and security required for numerous design projects. With its
own lake and woodlands, these premises have an air of tranquillity
that aids positivity.
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
20,000 sq. ft
6 x design studios with plates and machines.
4 ITP m tower milling machines.
Workshop area with basic machinery (band
saw, lathes, sand discs, etc.)
Preparation and scuff booth.
Paint spray booth.
Offices for designer and digital teams.
Extensive security access system, alarms and CCTV to
ensure confidentiality of all projects.
Reception area and meeting room for guests and clients.
Board room facilities.
Viewing garden.
Photographic background scenery for Marketing.

10. Germany...
•
Company: Futura Deutschland GmbH
•
Head of Branch: Goran Raicevic
•
Germany accounts for 40% of Futura’s annual turnover
•
Services provided include:
• Recruitment (including Labour Leasing)
• Design
o Alias
o Catia
o CAD
• Engineering

11. Sweden...
•
Operates as a Branch in the town of
Halmstad.
•
Head of Branch: Tima Ekström
•
Historical interest in Sweden due to family
heritage.
•
Services provided include:
• Recruitment
o Permanent
o Contract
o Design
o Engineering

12. Futura Group – Our Values
Restless momentum
Always passionately pursuing and seizing new commercial opportunities, learning from failure
without blame and celebrating success
Lifetime nurturing
Being dedicated to meeting the ever evolving needs of the company, it’s employees, and it’s clients
Positively challenging
Looking for solutions, confronting difficult issues, and addressing causes not effects
Real integrity
Delivering our best at all times in support of our colleagues and customers
Innovation
Leading the world in innovative and commercially astute ideas and products
Customer focus
Focusing on each customer’s specific needs

13. Key Personnel…

14. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
David Abel (Chairman)
• Following his City & Guilds qualification Dave began his professional career as an
apprentice pattern maker at Midland Motor Cylinder in 1970.
• Following his Apprenticeship he spent 3 years at Summit Patterns as a pattern maker.
• In 1979 Dave was given the opportunity to join Volvo, in Sweden, on a contract
placement as a model maker.
• Volvo then sent Dave to The Netherlands to work as a clay modeller in their design
studio.
• A couple of contracts back and forth between Sweden and The Netherlands saw Dave
build many relationships and enhance his skills.
• A few more contract placements were carried out at Adam Opel in Germany and DAF
trucks in The Netherlands before Dave returned to England in 1987 to form ‘Futura
Design’.
• Dave has been Managing Director of Futura Design and has both overseen
and ran design projects to the value of several millions of pounds, as well
as integrating the formation of our Recruitment Agency.
• During 2013 (the company’s 25th year anniversary), Dave has made his 2 sons:
Mark and Daniel shareholders with a view to carrying on his legacy.

15. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Mark Abel (Managing Director)
• After achieving his A levels in Business Studies, Design Technology and
Physical Education, Mark joined the Harlequins Rugby Academy as part of the
England Academy funding scheme.
• After representing England through schoolboy levels and Harlequins at
Academy and League levels, he was unsuccessful in gaining a full time
placement as he was deemed not ready physically for Premiership level.
• Mark swiftly addressed his career prospects and made the decision to give up
full time rugby in pursuit of a more stable and lengthy career as a clay
modeller.
• After 3 years clay modelling, Mark was required to step into the Management
of Futura Design whilst Dave Abel underwent medical treatment for Prostate
cancer.
• The intention had always been for Mark to return to Clay modelling, however
as he had become such an integral asset to Futura’s Management, it was
decided best he remained in his position.
• Futura now operate with Sales turnover in excess of £20m and Mark has been
made Managing Director as well as a Shareholder.

16. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Paul Cadman (Operations Director)
•
Paul’s career started in 1987 in the West Midlands Fire service where he
provided 18 years of service.
•
During his time in the Fire Service, Paul operated as Managing Director of the
Sentinel Group.
•
Head hunted to the position as Operations Director for MHL Support
responsible for the management of Health & Safety and Environmental
consultants.
•
It wasn’t long until Bibby Line Group moved Paul into an Operations Director
role for the entire group. The group then grew from 1.2- 1.6 billion.
•
Paul has extensive experience in the following areas:
• Significant Executive Experience (Blue Chip)
• Strategic Planning, Business Plans
• Complex Operational Structures
• Strategic Partnerships and Alliances
• Project Management
• Recovering failing businesses
• Effective Leadership / People Management
• Business Transformation / Change Management
• Significant experience in mergers and acquisitions
• Leadership and management development
• Attracting, retaining and engaging staff

17. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Carl Bellamy (Finance Director)
•
As a chartered accountant with a BA in Accountancy & Finance, Carl has
gained extensive knowledge and experience in many business sectors
including Automotive design & recruitment, public transport,
manufacturing, distribution, food packaging, Online/marketing and
Corporate Finance.
•
A dynamic and energetic Finance Director with a broad depth of
experience, including: Group Accounting, acquisition and disposals,
corporate finance, banking, turnaround, business restructuring working
within multi-site organisations.
•
Carl is an effective contributor at board level with a track record of
profitable business success and has reshaped our Finance department,
introducing new processes and a new finance system.
•
Carls appointment has added strength in negotiations with banks and
lenders. It has also enabled Futura to improve its forecasting, whilst
producing more concise accounts and providing all Directors and
Shareholders with a better commercial understanding of the
company’s performance.

18. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Paul Llewellyn BDM & Technical Director
• At the age of 16 Paul joined Stoke City Football Club for 3 years, later leaving
to Join Port Vale FC for a further 4 years until injury forced him to quit full time
football. He continued playing semi professional until 2010 whilst gaining a
career in Engineering.
• Upon leaving football Paul trained as a Toolmaker and after working his way up
in the company joined Rover Group in 1995 as Senior Engineer. It was here
that Paul moved into the Design and Engineering team that would eventually
become BMW Group.
• Paul quickly moved up the management team in BMW Group and left to form
his own business in 2005 after 10 happy years delivering many master models
and successfully helping deliver the BMW Mini and Cooper S.
• In Jan 2012 Paul re-joined the Design and Engineering Industry back in
Coventry as a Projects Manager. Within 6 months his role expanded to
Business Development Manager for the company.
• In June 2013 Futura noticed the skills that Paul was implementing in the
Industry and approached him to join Futura as Business Development &
Technical Director. He now enjoys an expansive role within Futura Group and
deploys his skills around our business to increase our ever building profile and
help us to continue a first class service to all of our clients.

19. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Oliver Jones (Digital Manager)
•
Oliver has over 11 years experience in the automotive design industry,
and has proved instrumental worldwide for numeral top OEMs.
•
Holding a BSc (Honors) in Industrial Product Design from Coventry
University, Oliver has always had an infatuation for creating remarkable
pieces that challenge future direction within the design industry.
•
Oliver’s experience transcends the spectrum of the design process,
from conceptual aspiration models right through to final Class A tooling
surfaces for production. His familiarity with the complete range of 3D
modelling and the complete capabilities of Alias software allows Oliver
to produce exceptional creative work.
•
Working with our Futura Academy, Oliver is a talented teacher as well
as designer.
•
His passion for maintaining high quality modelling levels and ensuring
deadlines are met, alongside Oliver’s enthusiasm to pass on his
knowledge to his team makes him a credit to Futura.

20. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Shiralee Mahon (Executive Director)
•
Head of our Recruitment team is Shiralee Mahon, our very
own multi-linguist, who has proved her dedication and loyalty
by having worked for Futura for over 15 years.
•
Having started work at Futura straight after gaining her BA
(Honors)
in
European
Languages
and
Business
Studies, Shiralee’s breadth of knowledge and familiarity within
the industry has propelled her to become one of the most
recognised individuals within the recruitment sector.
•
Shiralee’s creative personality has flourished from the
opportunity to work with some of the best known names in
Automotive Design worldwide, and by understanding the
intricacies of business and the importance of interpersonal
relationship management, Shiralee is a valued member of the
Futura Group.

21. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Daniel Abel (Recruitment Manager)
• Youngest son of David Abel and newly appointed Shareholder, Daniel
gained an Honours Degree in Law in 2011. Soon after, he joined Futura
alongside Shiralee in the Recruitment Team as a Key contributor at a time
of expansion in the Industry.
• Having grown up, watching on as his Father and his colleagues created
futuristic concept vehicles for some of the most prestigious automotive
brands on the market, he has always had that inbred passion for Innovation
and creation.
•Following diversification into recruiting in other areas of Engineering,
Executive Search and Finance, his role is to oversee the recruitment team,
ensuring various processes and procedures are in place to maximise
productivity and also provide the most efficient service to our clients as
humanly possible.
Core skills: Negotiation, Branding and identity, Business operations,
Recruitment, Customer Relations Management.

22. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Andrew Brannigan (Business Manager)
•
Studying HR Management and Business Studies at Staffordshire University,
Andrew obtained his degree which provided him with sound knowledge and a
foundation upon which he has started his career.
•
Starting initially in Sales and Telemarketing at Bibby Line Group, his skillsets
and abilities were identified by the Managing Director and a new position
within the company was formed as a Business Analyst. Andy boasts
experience and knowledge for Project Management and analysing qualities.
•
Andy worked under Paul Cadman at Bibby Line Group and was identified by
Paul as somebody to add great value to the Futura Group as he felt Andy’s
qualities and knowledge for Project Management and Business analysis would
be invaluable.
•
Andrew accepted his new role as Business Manager with Futura in October
2012. He oversees all Business processes, Internal HR & Costing aspects
within the company and ensures its efficient day to day smooth running
and operations.

23. Futura Group – Key Personnel Profiles
Geoff Cousins - Director
•
Starting from an advanced education in the fields of Economics,
International studies and Business Administration, Geoff boasts an
exceptional career within the Automotive sector.
•
Since taking a post at Jaguar Land Rover as a Financial Analyst, Geoff
has occupied a number of roles within the organisation across Finance,
Sales, Marketing, through to becoming a CFO and then Managing
Director of Jaguar Cars UK Ltd.
•
Currently he presides as Global Brand Director and Head of the Jaguar
Sports Academy, a prestigious brand, working with the very finest of
athletes and supported by some very credible, noteworthy and well
known sports celebrities as Mentors/Sponsors.
•
In 2013 Geoff made the decision to become Chairman and Shareholder
of the exciting new bespoke design product range newly established as:
Clark Abel.

24. Current Capabilities…

26. Our Recruitment division provides both permanent and contract labour with a turnover of circa £20 million,
currently supplying over 300 personnel in contract labour worldwide, predominantly within Automotive
Design.
Countries we currently supply to include UK, Germany, Czech Republic, Sweden, France, Italy, India,
China, Japan, Spain, Russia and South Korea.
Previously we have also supplied to OEMs in USA and Brazil.

27. Specialist Design Services shaped
around (you)
Pie Chart showing Global Automotive Market Share:
UK
Germany
Czech Republic
Asia
Sweden, France, Italy,
Spain

28. Specialist Design Services shaped
around (you)
•
Futura has supplier status to a large
collection of companies, not limited to
Nissan, Hyundai, Kia, Jaguar Land
Rover,
Volkswagen
Group,
Adam
Opel, Bentley, Skoda, SAIC, Pro-Drive, and
Mclaren.
•
With offices in the UK (Head Office) and
planned offices in Germany (Russelsheim)
and Czech Republic (Prague) we are well
positioned to suit the needs of our clients.
•
Our UK branch has a focus on
Design, Engineering, Executive Search and
Finance,
with our German and Czech
branches specialising in design and
engineering.

29. Specialist Design Services shaped
around (you)
We provide a recruitment package that matches the Customer’s needs
which can be in any one of these ways: Master Vendor Agreements, Fixed
Project Solutions and Individual Design Professionals on a temporary or
permanent basis. As a Customer looking for the best project manpower
solutions, we can help.
Given the strong foundations set by Dave and Graham and our reputation
for quality, integrity and investment in development and training to produce
the best people, we have a solid reputation as suppliers of all disciplines
within Automotive Design:
 Clay & Hard Modellers, Alias & ICEM Modellers, Designers, Studio &
CAD Engineers, Visualisation, Colour & Materials & Trim.
We feel proud to have been able to give so many people long standing
careers within our industry. It is due to our high standards and reputation for
listening and recognising and meeting Customer’s bespoke needs, that our
customers and consultants return time and time again to use our services
for their internal programmes within their studios.
70% of our consultants have worked on our behalf for longer than 5 years.

30. Specialist Design Services shaped
around (you)
Following significant expansion over the past decade, the Futura Group has
made heavy investment into building up an established database of Design &
engineering professionals across various aspects of production.
With specialist staff identifying customer needs and requirements we now
have over 1,000 engineering professionals on our database.
We are therefore able to supply personnel in the following areas:
•
Design & Feasibility
Systems Integration
•
Maintenance
CAE Analysts
Calibration
•
Transitions
Powertrain
Hybrid
•
NVH Test
Vehicle Safety
Mechanical
•
Release
Electrical
Quality
•
Chassis
Cabin Trim
Launch
•
Software & Applications
•
CAD & Catia
Aerodynamics

31. Specialist Design Services shaped
around (you)
Contract & Permanent Recruitment Solutions
• Automotive, Product, Aerospace, Marine DESIGN:
• Clay & Hard Modellers, Painters, Laminators/GRP
• Designers – Interior & Exterior, Visualisation & Animation, Colour &
Trim Specialists
• Digital Modellers – Alias, ICEM and CATIA
• Studio Feasibility Engineers
• Development Trimmers
• Programme Managers
• Design Managers
• Executive Search:
• CEO’s, Operations Directors, Managing Directors, Finance
Directors.
• Purchasing
• Finance/Accountancy
• HR & Personnel Management
• Business & Marketing Analysts

32. Training & Academy
•
Our reputation for high standards and quality are very important to us
and for this reason we always try to guarantee the quality of the Design
professionals that we supply.
•
We have developed some of the Industry’s most influential Modellers
and Design Managers through nurturing their skills and placing them in
the right customer location at the right time. Matching skills, experience
and personalities are our specialism.
•
We keep in regular contact with all the Universities and colleges in UK
and Europe to assist their International students during their training
process and we also attend all Design School Shows at their graduation
to hand pick some of those Designers, Digital and Clay Modellers with
the best potential.
•
At this point we appoint them on to programs based at our premises
and sometimes Customers Studios to train and develop them and hone
their skills. Depending on the individual this can last for between 6 to 12
months. We use the best Tutors possible who understand the
importance of a good teacher and a good foundation for learning.

33. International Exchange
•
We offer exchange training programs for our customers which means
that we are able to invite some of their team members over from
China, Korea, India, East and Western Europe.
•
We then integrate them into our programs at Futura’s Studio’s and
may also involve them with projects undertaken
at different
locations.
•
Sometimes Customers require a more direct approach where we can
send our most experienced mentor’s over to their Studios in Europe
or Asia to work alongside their team.
•
Our representatives and Mentors can advise on the set up of
programs, they can train them and perfect their modelling skills whilst
working on the projects and give constructive criticism and advice
when needed.
•
The important thing to note is that we will provide training and
assistance to suit your Company’s individual needs. We will discuss
and outline these costs dependant on the number of trainee’s and
the duration.

35. Futura Design – Capabilities.…
•
Design
• Sketch development
• Rendering
•
Digital
• Surfacing – Alias & Iem
• Visualisation Maya, Bunkspeed, Photoshop, Rhino, Sho
wcase, Flash
•
Physical
• Clay modelling
• Hard modelling
• Show cars
• Clinic models
• Reference models
• ACM
• CDRM
• Interior bucks
• Function cubes
• Speed foams
• Laminating

36. Futura Design – Capabilities.…
•
Paint:• Show cars
• Clay models
• Resprays:• Clay models
• Show cars
• Hard models
• Wheels
• Interior parts
• Colour development
• ACM’s, function cubes, CDRM’s
• Colour coding
•
Trimming
•
Rapid prototyping

37. Sketch Design
Futura work with senior design chiefs every day, we are pleased to say
that we have had great success working with major OEM’s and carry
out many design led projects for them.

38. CAD Design
At Futura we have a fantastic resource in Alias design. Working with
senior design chiefs we convert sketch design into simple and effective
designed surface models. Oliver Jones heads our Alias resource, a well
renowned lead in the industry and has carried out many projects with our
clients. We also have resource in Catia V5 and ICEM Surf, to offer the
complete CAD package support.

39. • Scale models and Theme selection
• Full size clay model development
• Interior Buck development
Clay Modelling
Most clay modellers that are working in various OEM’s have been in one way
or another through the Futura Academy, we have the most experienced clay
modellers that work for Futura. We currently have a multitude of clay
modellers contracting at some of the largest OEM’s in the world.

40. Full Chassis GRP’s, Body Panels, interior trim
parts, Bumpers, we can reproduce any item.
GRP Work
We have in house expertise when it comes to GRP work, we can
mould, replicate and produce panels finish that can easily be worked
and then painted to show standard finish.

41. Studio and Milling
At Futura we have full size machining capacity, our strong process driven services are renown
for delivering excellence in a timely manner. We understand that fast effective and accurate
turnaround for our clients is essential. We are constantly moving forward in this area and are
at the forefront of all new technology.

42. Microsoft
Project,
RAG
Reports, Full BOM’S all used
in delivering to targets.
Project Management
At Futura we understand the need for good project Management, to deliver
customer satisfaction at high levels we engage with our customers regularly so
that they are aware of project time lines. We are proud to have great feedback
from major OEM’S during large and small projects that we undertake for them.

44. Visualisation
Futura Visualisation is headed by Richard Thompson, a well-respected figure within the
automotive industry. Richard has a very distinguished CV having worked with Futura
following his graduation from University in 2007, having worked with us for various
customers such as Renault and Aston Martin we are proud to announce Richard as head of
this department.
With a database of over 5,000 design professionals Futura are confident we can provide a
package to suit the needs of our customer with experts in all aspects of visualisation
including the following: Maya, Photoshop, Bunkspeed, Rhino, Showcase and Flash whether
for outsourced projects or contracted labour.

46. Futura Bespoke Interiors – Where We Are Now…
•
We take pride and precision in undertaking trimming
requirements for a range of products, installing all of our
work with the greatest attention to detail and care.
•
Offering a range materials, whatever of your desires, we
always provide the highest quality services, producing a
totally unique interior environment.
•
We have worked on the world’s finest interiors, including
on yachts and numerous show cars for all of the major
motor shows.
•
With an abundant spectrum of colour options and
stitching combinations available, we are happy to assist
you in your selection. We can even take an image or a
colour sample and produce it on leather to your
specifications, after spending 2 years developing
a formula that meets all automotive, marine
and aviation requirements.

47. Futura Bespoke Interiors – Where We Are Now
Dave Anderson (Head of Futura Bespoke Interiors)
•
Dave founded his own trimming company in 1982 and through his
leadership and vision, created a global brand with turnover to date in
excess of £100 million.
•
Working on interior trim programmes for the likes of Rolls
Royce, Bentley, G.M, Ford, Jaguar, Land Rover and McLaren, to name a
few, Dave’s reputation for delivering First Class interiors on-time and onbudget has become legendary.
•
It was only a matter of time before Dave’s work began to spark interest from
outside the automotive industry, and in 2007 was presented with the
opportunity to expand into the Marine industry, showcasing a full leather
interior for Wally Yachts at the Monaco Yacht Show.
•
Since then word has spread even further, and having completed a full
leather interior for the business jet of a well known Formula One Team
owner, it would appear the sky really is the limit for Dave.

49. A New Star is Born…
•
Clark Abel was an idea formed by David Abel and Mark Abel. The
intention was to provide bespoke design services to prestigious
clientele.
•
Our first project was project ‘Marilyn’ on a Range Rover Evoque.
•
Our expertise and innovation have been called upon to produce
themes for the entertainment industry, including a Bond-inspired
taxi for an up and coming film.
•
We have had the pleasure of working on briefs for both interiors
and exteriors of supercars to make an already stunning supercar
something truly unique.
•
We have also worked on interiors for yachts and jets for some
notably high end clientele.
•
Our customised Harley Davidson continues to amaze with
its original artwork.
•
2013 saw the official launch of Clark Abel at Salon Privé in London.

50. A New Star is Born…
•
The Dakar Evoque was Clark Abel’s way to show the
world our capabilities.
•
We took an already stylish car and made it more
masculine and bold.
•
Discussions on how daring to be with the interior
took place and a luxurious theme was decided upon.
•
The final product certainly wowed observers at the
launch in London.

51. For Studio enquiries, please contact
Mark Abel: mark.abel@futuradesignltd.co.uk / 07545184541
For Recruitment enquiries, please contact
Shiralee Mahon: shiralee.mahon@futuradesignltd.co.uk / 07825130285
Head Office: Futura Design Ltd
3 Wharfside
Rounds Green Road
Oldbury
B69 2BU
United Kingdom
(T) +44 (0) 121 511 2511
(F) +44 (0) 121 511 2512
German Office: Mainport, Eisenstraße 2-4, 65428 Rüsselsheim
Swedish Office: Österängsgatan 18 S-302 53, Halmstad
Email: info@futuradesignltd.co.uk
Web: www.futuradesignltd.co.uk