Our Trustees
Clive Banks
After completing his studies in Economics and Accounting, Clive acquired a commission in the Territorial Army, joining the City of London regiment of the Royal Regiment of Fusiliers.
He has since worked at number of large international banks in the UK and Australia and his current role as Global Head of Foreign Exchange at BNP Paribas see’s him active in fast moving markets and co-ordinating a team of five hundred people in forty different locations.
Outside of banking Clive enjoys challenging cycling events, sailing and is an active professional investor in small businesses.
Graham Holland
Beginning his career in the food commodities sector with Geest PLC, Graham developed their sales and marketing activity in the South West of England and was later appointed to the juice trading desk at a commodities house in the City of London.
Joining Cobell in 1995 as a partner, Graham has been instrumental in the company’s sales and marketing activity.
Graham has a young family of four and enjoys equestrian activities, tennis and swimming. As well as being a Parabottle Trustee, Graham supports many other charities local to him.
Paul Mattin
During his career as a Royal Marines Officer, Paul has worked extensively in operational and training appointments leading teams both in the UK and abroad.
Operationally, he has deployed on most of UK’s national commitments in recent years, and worked alongside the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) during the Kosovo/Albania Refugee Crisis, as well as many of Europe’s leading Aid agencies.
Paul has an extensive pedigree for operating in extreme mountainous, jungle and desert environments, and brings this broad survival knowledge to Parabottle. He also directs his own company; Wilderness Solutions Limited and is based in Exeter.
Will Michelmore
Will holds the position of Senior Partner at Michelmores Solicitors, one of the largest law firms in the South West, with practices in Exeter and London.
As Head of their Private Client Team who were awarded UK Private Client Firm of the Year 2010, Will specialises in Trusts and Tax and acts for hundreds of Trusts and Landed Estates across the country
Will is married with two sons and lives in Devon. He enjoys sailing, tennis and golf.
David Pearce
After a thirteen year career with Stage Electrics, David left the company as Head of Commercial Affairs, having helped to boost their annual turnover five-fold.
Joining Cobell in 2004 as Managing Director, David’s expertise lies in effective business and systems management and strategy which he hopes to extend to Parabottle.
David lives in Somerset with his wife Nicci and their three children. He enjoys walking and swimming and is a follower of the Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club.
Ian Taylor
After studying French and Russian, Ian spent several years living and working in Ukraine and France before entering the fruit juice industry. He joined Cobell in 1997 and has worked as a partner and Director since 2006.
Ian successfully uses his linguistic skills to build relationships between suppliers and customers across different continents and has an in depth knowledge of fruit distribution and packaging industry.
Ian lives in Hertfordshire and enjoys an active family life with his four young children.
Nick Sprague
Following his early military career Nick started work in the fruit distribution and packaging business. Founding Cobell twenty years ago, Nick has successfully expanded the business to supply many countries worldwide and also includes Frobishers Juices.
From his extensive career in the industry, Nick brings a great deal of practical knowledge to the difficult task of producing and distributing food and drink products internationally.
Nick lives in Devon with his family. A keen sportsman Nick is a follower of Exeter Chiefs Rugby Club.
Ali Sprague
After a ten year career with Johnson & Johnson in Ascot, Ali set up Cobell in 1999 with husband Nick Sprague. At Cobell she is responsible for controlling all international financial payments in various currencies and acts as company secretary.
Beginning her humanitarian fundraising work in aid of Ethiopian famine whilst still at school, Ali is now responsible for all of Parabottle’s supplier payments in the UK and abroad.
She lives in Devon with husband Nick and their two children.
Jake Sprague
Following his keen interest global political issues past and present, Jake is studying for a degree in International Relations at Loughborough University. When he finishes his studies he hopes to apply to Sandhurst Military Academy to embark on a career as an Army Officer.
Jake’s participation on a summer sports tour of South Africa, during which he was given the opportunity work in a local township has sparked his interest charity work.
He enjoys playing rugby and is a keen follower of his home team the Exeter Chiefs.