After two decades in the materials industry, Jon Sellars has built a career defined by technical expertise, international experience, and a dedication to doing things the right way. As Managing Director of A-Gas Electronic Materials (A-Gas EM), he’s seen the sector evolve considerably. Here, Jon shares lessons learned, challenges faced, and the hopes he has for the future of an industry that’s more complex – and more rewarding – than many realise.
From the lab to leading a thriving business
I started in the industry at 18 as a lab technician at LeaRonal in 1985. I wasn’t the most academic, but I loved anything hands-on. My sixth form tutor told my parents I needed to get into the world of work – and he was right. I began with basic lab analysis, then moved into the pilot plant, and later specialised in processes like gold plating and electroless nickel immersion gold (ENIG) for printed circuit boards.
That early drive took me beyond the UK, installing and servicing processes across Europe, Asia, and the US. In 2003, I joined distributor Chestech Ltd, where I grew the PCB side of the business substantially before A-Gas acquired the company in 2008. As Managing Director, I’m proud we’ve grown turnover from £1.6 million to £10 million, built a strong team, and navigated major challenges like Brexit and COVID.
What we do at A-Gas EM
We’re a distributor of proprietary electronic materials across the UK and Ireland. It’s a common misconception that we sell gases because of our name, but what we actually supply are specialist chemicals used in making printed circuit boards (PCBs), semiconductors and electronic and industrial finishing (EIF).
Our work goes far beyond simply shipping products. We manage stock levels, store hazardous materials safely under strict legislative requirements, and provide technical advice. Our sales team helps customers choose the right materials, and our customer service team keeps everything running smoothly so production lines never stop. It’s easy to underestimate just how challenging and complex it is to store, handle, and transport materials safely; it involves detailed knowledge of regulations that constantly evolve, technical know-how and meticulous planning.
The principles I still rely on today
A lesson I learned early on in my career is to always turn up on time, or better yet, early. My old boss, David Williams, taught me that, and it’s stuck with me. David also helped me understand the importance of empathy. When I was younger, I was driven but quite rigid; he showed me how essential it is to listen, adapt your communication to each person, and engage properly. Those skills have been vital as a manager.
To this day, I still value lifelong learning. I continue my personal development through Nexus Peer Groups. It’s so important as a leader to keep improving if you want to inspire your team.
How the industry has changed, and what surprised me the most
Health and safety has transformed completely over my career. When I started, people were exposed to far more risks; today, employees are much better protected. Legislation has also changed massively. Many substances that were once commonplace, such as formaldehyde and cyanide-based plating, are now tightly controlled and heavily restricted. Others, like cadmium (except in military applications), hydrazine, and PFOS, have been banned outright, with upcoming legislation set to further regulate the use of PFAS across multiple industries. These regulatory shifts have driven major innovation across the materials supply chain.
One surprise was how quickly ENIG went from a tricky, unreliable process to becoming the industry standard. It revolutionised how PCBs were made, giving flatter surfaces and improving assembly, which made a huge difference across electronics manufacturing.
Navigating today’s challenges and building the future
One of the biggest ongoing challenges we’re facing is the continued uncertainty surrounding UK REACH. Despite years of consultation, the UK government is now proposing to delay the first registration deadline until at least 2029. This creates significant disruption for businesses like ours, who are still being asked to duplicate EU REACH registrations. The industry has been calling for a workable, cost-effective alternative for years, and the lack of clarity is stalling progress, investment and innovation. We work closely with the Chemical Business Association to stay ahead of developments and make sure our voice is heard. Another challenge worth noting is the phase-out of PFAS and PFOS chemicals, which will have a significant impact on materials used across many sectors.
Sustainability is already changing how we work. Our parent company, A-Gas, is sustainability-focused, and so we’ve taken steps like installing LED lighting, switching to hybrid and electric vehicles, and adding EV chargers at our site. I see opportunities in digitalisation, too, with automation and AI streamlining tasks such as internal processes.
Looking ahead, I believe the government needs to pay more attention to the PCB sector. There’s a lot of focus on semiconductors, but you can’t use a chip without a board to put it on. The UK needs a strategy for PCBs if we want to remain competitive in electronics manufacturing.
Hidden complexities and unsung heroes
People often think our job is just about moving boxes around a warehouse, but every product has unique requirements. Some chemicals need refrigeration, others must be kept away from incompatible substances, and there are strict safety and environmental regulations.
Managing dangerous goods regulations for road, sea, and air shipments adds another layer of complexity. Staying compliant with evolving legislation is a constant challenge that many people on the outside don’t see.
One part of our business which I believe deserves more recognition is our brilliant warehouse team. They’re not just moving stock; they’re ensuring hazardous materials are stored and handled safely and legally every day. Their attention to detail keeps everything running smoothly, and our customers are supplied without disruption.
I also think our industry’s trade association, the Chemical Business Association, does exceptional work. They liaise with the government to shape legislation that protects employees and the environment, keeping businesses like ours informed and compliant.
Finding joy in helping others succeed
Reflecting on my career, I’m most proud of helping my team succeed and building A-Gas EM into the business it is today. Years ago, I might have pointed to a personal milestone as one of my career highlights, but seeing others thrive gives me far greater satisfaction.
I’ve made plenty of mistakes over the years, but I’ve always focused on putting them right, and learning from them. That mindset has been critical to my success.
If I had to advise someone starting out today, it would be simple: work hard, have fun, and celebrate other people’s successes. Mistakes are inevitable – own them, learn and improve. That’s what keeps you motivated and makes the journey worthwhile.
My journey from an 18-year-old lab technician to Managing Director of a multi-million-pound business shows the power of practical experience, adaptability and a commitment to lifelong learning. Supplying materials safely and reliably is far more complex and important than many realise, and it’s an industry I’m proud to be part of.
Want to know more about our expertise here at A-Gas EM or how we can support your operations? Whether you’re navigating compliance, looking for technical advice, or exploring new supply partnerships, our team is here to help.
Get in touch via our contact page, or connect with Jon Sellars on LinkedIn for more insights and industry conversation.
