Paul Harmer
CEO
As the Managing Director of DAU Components, Paul brings an impressive 38-year career marked by dedication and perseverance. He has worked his way up through every role in the company, from admin and sales to leadership, gaining invaluable experience along the way. However, it was his early days as a barrow-boy at Butlins that instilled in him a strong foundation in resilience.
Under Paul’s guidance, DAU Components has emerged as a leading UK distributor of electronic components, playing a vital role in supporting world-class innovations. He takes immense pride in knowing that every payment terminal worldwide contains technology that DAU Components has helped develop.
When he’s not at the helm of the business, Paul enjoys watching his youngest son compete on the go-karting track or engaging in friendly chess matches with his eldest son, even if he doesn’t always win!
Sophie Patten
Managing Director
As the Sales and Operations Director, Sophie oversees the company’s sales team and ensures that operations align with the business’s strategic direction. She brings years of experience from the component industry and previously worked at an aircraft parts company, supporting world-wide airlines. Before that, she gained valuable sales management experience at Monarch Airline Group, where she led a diverse team of sales, administration, and non-operational crew members.
At Monarch, she learned essential skills from the Managing Director that continue to influence her leadership style today, including effective communication, team cohesion, and strategic thinking. The key accounts she established throughout her career reflect her exceptional ability to foster lasting relationships.
Sophie’s tenacity shines in her personal life as well. Whether she’s engaged in spirited board games or bouncing on a pillow at a farm park with her children, her competitive spirit is always on display.
James Thompson
Finance Manager
As our Finance Manager, James oversees financial operations, cash flow forecasting, and reporting. Before joining DAU, he dedicated his career to supporting small to medium-sized businesses and sole traders in Sussex. At DAU Components, James is particularly passionate about helping business customers comply with the Government’s Making Tax Digital initiative, which aims to simplify the tax system.
When he’s not immersed in spreadsheets, you can find James hiking, painting, working out at the gym, or enjoying a board game or two.
Charlotte Ballantyne
Sales Manager
Charlotte has been the Sales Manager at DAU Components for several years, serving as the hub of the sales and account management team. Known for being an approachable and effective manager, she fosters strong internal and external relationships that contribute to her successful account-building efforts. Having moved from the bustling business hubs of South Africa to the picturesque Sussex countryside, Charlotte actively supports the growth of the business with a passion for delivering excellence and developing her industry expertise.
When she’s not in the office, Charlotte embraces life in the UK by walking with her daughters and grandson, discovering charming country pubs, or whipping up creative vegetarian dishes at home.
Lesley Higgins
Logistics Manager
As our Logistics Manager, Lesley is the go-to person in the office, ensuring that our clients’ requirements are met with her exceptional organisational skills and keen attention to detail. One of our longest-serving employees, Lesley takes great pride in her remarkable 40 years at DAU Components. Her ability to retain large amounts of historical information continuously amazes the team, making her an invaluable resource.
Steadfast, driven, and a joy to work with, Lesley brings a positive energy to the workplace. Outside of work, you can find her spending quality time with her family, enjoying long walks, and socialising with friends.
Vicky Redden
Senior Account Manager
Our Senior Account Manager, Vicky, oversees customer service operations and responds to the needs of our clients. With years of experience in account management, she joined us from a military aircraft company, where she excelled as an expert in export and compliance. Vicky has a strong work ethic, is a great team player, and consistently strives to achieve the best outcomes for her customers.
In addition to her role at DAU, Vicky was an ambassador for Weight Watchers, guiding clients as they worked towards their goals. Outside of work, she enjoys walking, running, and exploring her passion for interior design.
Jack Cox
Key Account Manager
Jack plays a crucial role in building client relationships and delivering effective solutions for projects. His skills in ensuring cost-effective and reliable results for his customers make him an invaluable asset to our team. Before joining us, Jack honed these abilities in the recruitment sector, where he worked as a consultant with clients around the world.
For Jack, expanding his portfolio of new clients is a key career motivator. And what better way to break the ice than by mentioning that he was the number 1 buyer of Sainsburys Ice lollies 3 years in a row? Jack also enjoys football, spending time with his family, and participating in pub quizzes.
