Andy

I founded Bigstone nearly 15 years ago after serving my "apprenticeship" with one of the climbing hardware manufacturers, teaching, being a climbing bum, labourer and working in climbing shops. For the first 5 years I pretty much ran everything myself but as sales grew the business expanded.

I always planned to have a "cool family" type business with 4 or 5 good people and hopefully we are getting there. Still trying to get more play time, like most people, but we are all continually busy.

I'm a climber, have been since I was 15, and it's pretty much dictated the direction of my whole life. I'm still super keen to boulder, big wall, sport/trad, alpine, anything, anywhere in Europe and North America really. I've always run in the hills a couple of times a week (I live in Grindleford) and generally love the "outdoors" be it Mtn Biking, walking, just being in it! I do all this stuff with a bunch of different friends as well as my family who are growing now and starting to get better at it than me!

Got lots of plans this year alongside time with family and work. Finale in April, Squamish (After the Arcteryx Sales Meeting) in May, Alps in Summer and Yosemite in October, maybe that work/life balance thing is improving...

Favourite Arcteryx products:

• Alpha Comp Jkt: Unique futuristic Jkt. Combines Goretex on the hood, shoulders and upper back with the main body made of Tweave Stretch Woven fabric, taped, weatherproof, super breathable, bombpoof and for most conditions perfect. No one else can or will ever make a Jkt like this!

• Blade 21: My work bag and day bag. Use it every day for the laptop/paperwork and also when working away if we ski or hike on the back of a work trip to Vancouver etc. it's a perfect day bag and beyond durable. Premium Arcteryx fabrics, construction and comfort.

• Gamma MX Hoody: The all-round climbing, hanging out piece, super stretchy, super durable (Arcteryx unique Powershield) just too easy to use when it's cold to cool on the crag, riding or walking...

• Delta LT's: Arcteryx make loads of different types and colours. It's one of the few products where Arcteryx don't apply their magic apart from a beautiful cut but this lite Polartec blocky fleece is incredibly versatile and durable. Use it everywhere.

• Solo Jkt: Another futuristic Jkt that no one else will ever make. Exclusive Thermatek insulation, the warmest and most water resistant insulation there is and a super lite durable outer. The ultimate "Duvet" Jkt that comes back for more and more. This Jkt's alive, it re-lofts amazingly.

Favourite 5.10 Products:

• Anasazi Velcros: My first 5.10 shoes. They do what they do always, never change, super super durable, Stealth Rubber confidence. Unique again, part of the history of climbing.

• Camp 4: Burly approach, hiking shoe that fits and lasts plus Stealth. Deep lugs are good for wet Britland as well as dry dusty California.