Ian William Winfield – Career
Ian is a dynamic, highly regarded and successful entrepreneur who has demonstrated his ability to add exceptional value to businesses and to implement changes which result in tangible and long term benefits, primarily in the Equestrian and Leisure sectors, over the past 30 years. Ian has built up a multi-million pound business empire by transforming underperforming businesses into profitable ventures including pubs, night clubs, restaurants, hotels and Oldencraig Equestrian Centre. Throughout his career to date, Ian has applied the rigour and attention to detail which he developed during his military service to ensure that each business or project he has been involved with has fully achieved its objectives and has been completed within the required timeframes and financial budgets.
Main Areas of Expertise
Ian’s primary areas of expertise include:
- All aspects of the establishment, development and on-going operation of world class equestrian centres
- Similarly all aspects of the establishment and operation of leisure facilities including hotels, restaurants, night clubs and public houses
- Development of sales and marketing capabilities across all sectors
- Corporate business and hospitality events
- Printing services
- After dinner speaking and Master of Ceremonies services
Clients
Ian’s clients include some of the most prestigious business enterprises around the globe, namely:
- Castle Leslie in Northern Ireland, UK
- The Atrium in East Grinstead, owned by Morris Swatch of Belgravia, London, UK
- Palm Beach International Equestrian Centre, USA
- Centennial Parklands Equestrian Centre in Sydney, Australia
- Arrezo Equestrian Centre in San Zeno, Italy
- The Hong Kong Equestrian Centre
- Gleneagles Equestrian Centre in Scotland, UK
Ian has also carried out a number of significant developments for his own companies and personal use including:
- Oldencraig Equestrian Centre
- Morley Manor
- The Cock Inn
- The Game Bird public house
- Zenith Discotheque
Further details of Ian’s engagements in these areas can be found here
Early Life, Military Service and Career Summary
Ian started life as a Barnardo’s boy and struggled throughout his early years in a challenging environment. Ian was well advised by a local policemen to join the British army and subsequently had a highly successful career in the 2nd Battalion The Queens Regiment. Ian completed distinguished tours of duty in Londonderry Northern Ireland, the Falklands, UN Peacekeeping in Cyprus and many tours in Berlin and other parts of Germany.
Ian has been awarded a number of medals recognising his military service including The Queen’s Golden Jubilee medal, The UN Cyprus medal, The General Service Northern Ireland medal and The Accumulated Campaign Service Medal Northern Ireland.
On leaving the army, Ian started working as a body guard for celebrities, royal families and diplomats. From there he moved into owning and running pubs, entertainment focused fun pubs, nightclubs, hotels and restaurants.
Ian then developed a passion for horses and equine sports which led to him acquiring Oldencraig Equestrian Centre in Lingfield, Surrey and developing it into the world class training and competition establishment it is today. Oldencraig is consistently rated one of the top 5 equestrian centres by The Financial Times, and British Dressage have voted it the top show centre for the past 13 years running.
Most recently Ian has been restoring his current home, the stunning 15th century Grade II listed Morley Manor near Horsham.
Personal Life
Ian has been happily married to Vicki Thompson, Olympic dressage rider, trainer and 20 times British Dressage National Champion, since 2008. Vicki continues to enjoy a highly successful career in dressage and Ian actively supports her in this.
Ian is very involved in raising funds for a number of charities which reflect his background including Barnardo’s, the Army Benevolent Fund, Help for Heroes and hosts army related events. Reflecting his equestrian interests, Ian also supports and raises funds for The Emilie Faurie Foundation, World Horse Welfare, Hickstead and the British Dressage Supporters Club. In addition Ian supports a variety of local schools and charities.
In his spare time Ian likes to be physically active and enjoys the gym, boxing, running and cycling. He also likes to go for long walks with his British bulldog Maximus, and being an animal lover Ian has 2 beautiful cats, 2 parrots and 2 miniature donkeys as well. In addition Ian has a collection of sports cars which he drives regularly.
Ian also enjoys going to the theatre, ballet and music concerts.
