Pictured: The family team at WN Security Shredding, from the left, Dennis Gardner, Lou Gardner, Scott Gardner and Diane Gardner

The co-founder of W.N. Security Shredding - Shropshire's largest independent security shredding company - has returned to the ever-growing family business to lead its sales and marketing activity.

Lou Gardner was asked to return by her mother, Diane Gardner, the managing director of the Shifnal company - to take on the role of sales and marketing manager.

Diane said: "We have been very busy, taking on new clients and expanding our range of services so Lou has re-joined us to build on these opportunities and develop our sales and marketing strategy.

"It's great to have her back. She's a bundle of energy and knows the company inside out. We're also very proud to be a family-run business and are passionate about giving a premium, friendly and reliable service."

Scott Gardner, Diane's son, also plays a key role in the business, managing its recycling activity. Her husband, Dennis, is also a director.

Lou said she was excited about returning WN Security Shredding. She added: "My role will focus very much on our online marketing activity and services. But we won't lose our personal touch. One of the strengths of family businesses like ours is the close relationship we develop with customers and that will continue."

WN Security Shredding provides a secure shredding service, including mobile shredding and electronic data destruction, across Shropshire, Mid and North Wales, Staffordshire, the Midlands, Chester, Manchester, Worcestershire and Herefordshire. 

Lou co-founded the company, called Waste Not Want Reclamation, in 1989, with her then partner. The focus was on reclamation and recycling using a single van to collect bottles and cardboard from pubs and shops.

Later, the company moved into data destruction and became WN Security Shredding. Ironically, it is now returning to its roots by offering a wide range of recycling services to complement its successful confidential shredding services.

Diane joined the company in 1996, prior to Lou going on maternity leave. Then, 15 years after Lou created the company, a twist of fate led to a change of career. She was first on the scene at a fatal road accident which inspired her to join the ambulance service.

Following her successful qualification as an ambulance technician, Lou unfortunately suffered ill health, which ended her ambulance career. So she re-trained as a college lecturer and most recently worked for West Mercia Police.

Lou said: "WN Security Shredding has come a long way since we started with one old van and a wing and a prayer. I'm proud of what we've achieved as a family and I'm confident we are well placed for the next stage in the company's development."