Remembering Don Staniford, founder of Air Sea Containers

It is with great sadness that we announce, on Monday 24^th November, the passing of Don Staniford, founder of Air Sea Containers Ltd.

Son of a Cooper, Don graduated with a degree in Chemistry to become a renowned local employer, businessman and entrepreneur.  Raised with a firm understanding of what hard work and graft can do, Don took inspiration from his father Herbert (Bert) Staniford, who realised his own potential by recognising opportunities and taking risks to co-own Staniford & Gaskell (Coopers).

From these roots and hard-working traits, Don entered the business with an established background as an Industrial Chemist for Shell, buying the share of William Gaskell and renaming the company Staniford (Rock Ferry) Ltd. Don saw the potential and opportunity to grow the business and, not without risk which he willingly took, convinced Midland Bank to back his venture investing in his ambitious plans for modernizing the plant, machinery, and facilities.

There was much hard work, but determination paid off and the entrepreneurial spirit Don became widely known for enabled further opportunities.  Being in the right place at the right time and sometimes luck can be attributed to success, but Don had a rare talent of working hard to put himself in that place and make his own luck, a true inspiration to any person wishing for success.

Whilst Staniford (Rock Ferry) Ltd occupied most of his time, Don was able to buy property and invest in renovation, putting back into the very heart of the community he was raised in.  Ventures in the hospitality business were also a remarkable success, but again not without significant trials, testing his determination and all the while developing his wisdom which many of us have relied upon.

As time passed, the connections Don made influenced his decision to set up a new business, dedicated to packaging for the transport of dangerous goods. There were changes coming that would affect many sectors of industry and Don invested again.

Air Sea Containers Ltd was born in advance of the coming changes and Don led the way with packaging innovation that the regulatory body could only thank him for and send enquiries his way.  Rapid growth ensued, and soon, earlier shrewd investments in land allowed for new facilities to be developed for the business, taking it from national to international reach.

Travel to far flung places all around the world in the name of business, developing relationships with new faces, and captivating them with his own personal brand is a feature of many of the memories shared by those he met.  With his personal commitment and undoubted sacrifice, Don was able to grow Air Sea into a well-respected international business.

As with any business, there can be troubling times and challenges which will test the mettle; the words ‘Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm’ featured on a picture of a ship sailing in open water behind Don’s desk.  It was there, perhaps, as a reminder that with great success would come great adversity and in understanding that Don would always remain a grounded individual who never let his success run away from him.

Over 60 years of business experience developed Don’s instincts, trusting decisions he made and the people around him, earning that trust would become an absolute privilege.  From the responses already received on his passing, there is a common theme from his peers and others developing their own businesses, an inspiring man who was respected for his entrepreneurial talent and ability to engage with anyone at any level.

Being consistent, making opportunities happen, investing and building strong foundations that have allowed us to grow will be some of the things we shall always remain incredibly grateful for.  Enriching lives of those that knew him, learning from his experiences, it is without doubt he created a legacy respected and admired by many far and wide.

When Air Sea Containers moved into its current home, Don, a keen family historian, was persuaded reluctantly to ensure his family name would be forever at the heart of the operation.  Fittingly, this message is written from within the place he saw potential, named Staniford Building – home to Air Sea Containers, a lasting reminder of his legacy, forever in our thoughts and never to be forgotten.

To mark the passing of Don the office will be closed on 16^th December, the day of Don’s funeral and will reopen on 17^th December.