Our Founder | Stevenage Packaging

Entrepreneurial journey.

Rob founded Stevenage Packaging in 1989 aged 23. Under his leadership, the business has won numerous awards, with Rob & Stevenage Packaging recognised as the pioneers of ultra-thin-films and several recyclable polythene packaging innovations.

In the fitness sector, Rob founded Genetics Gymnasium Ltd in Stevenage in 1992. After a dynamic period of highly profitable growth, he subsequently sold to Marco Goldschmied, business partner of Lord Richard Rogers in 1994.

Rob group of businesses recently acquired several other packaging companies and is the founder of Trumpington Estates Limited who specialise in office, warehousing, residential lettings, historic renovations and period new builds.

Rob & Stevenage Packaging have won a number of regional awards: New Business Enterprise Award, Against All Odds Award, Employee of the Year Award, with Rob awarded Business Person of the Year Award.

Rob at Genetics Gymnasium with former WBA Boxing world champion Barry McGuigan MBE.

Winning Business Person of the Year from Jonathan Ross in 1999.

With Andy Collins on BBC 3CR – listen here.

With former WBC Heavyweight Boxing world champion Frank Bruno MBE - watch here.

Community and Philanthropy.

Rob and Stevenage Packaging were founding members of the Stevenage Community Trust in 1990, and Rob has been a trustee, advocate and volunteer throughout the life of the Trust, now serving his 37th year.

Rob was the third Chairman preceded by Ken Follett CBE and the late Lord David Cobbold and became President in 2023 succeeding Barry Norman CBE and Ken Follett CBE.

Outside of the trust, Rob founded the volunteer only charity Uniqueness in 2003 and has personally spoken to over 6,000 students and works on a one-to-one basis with, young, prolific and persistent offenders. Uniqueness has worked closely with the Princes Trust, YMCA and the Hertfordshire Police.

Rob was also the former Chair of Solachra, representing residents from one of the most historic residential areas in Cambridge.

Rob alongside Aaron Bellchambers, a success story of the Uniqueness programme.

Receiving the Paul Harris Fellowship award from The Rotary Club.

With students at Nobel School, Stevenage for Uniqueness.

With former Team GB Olympic Silver Medallist Roger Black MBE.

Technology, innovation and sustainability.

Guided by Rob, Stevenage Packaging is a technology-first business, investing in new innovations, creating cutting-edge digital platforms, and integrating with like-minded tech-focussed businesses.

Stevenage Packaging's competitive edge resides in its internal digital engine and proprietary software developed over two decades, connecting the group and enabling more efficient workflows. Stevenage Packaging, through Rob, drive constant change - a mindset that has ensured the business remains agile, efficient and always leading.

These innovations extend outside of the packaging arena. More than 20 years ago, Rob oversaw the construction of a unique and innovative historical new build with 1 mile of vertical ground source heat pump boreholes at his family home. The eco friendly scheme included the installation of an air source heat pump, rainwater collection and recycling system, along with a bespoke water detection system. The home became renowned during construction as the most eco-friendly and sustainable house in East Anglia.

Time permitting his personal passions are Georgian architecture, construction, planning consents, cricket, and in his youth, he competed as a bodybuilder.

With best-selling author Ken Follett, CBE, FRSL.

With British winter olympian Eddie the Eagle.

Proven, trusted & endorsed.

"Rob, you are operationally the best supplier of any product or service to our £1.2 billion PLC company."

Stevenage Packaging Limited PLC Customer of 37 years standing

"I just wanted to thank you personally for giving up your valuable time at the Roadshow last Friday & for the very entertaining & motivating 'Rob Stewart Story'. The feedback has been fantastic."

Director of Procurement - Barclays Bank PLC

"I am writing to thank you for presenting the major awards. The bucket story was inspirational."

The Princes Trust

"Rob is a true entrepreneur, who inspires others through speaking about his experiences and dreams. He is passionate about what he does and shares the belief that the entrepreneurial spirit cuts across all cultures and faiths."

Business Link Hertfordshire

Our Founder.

Entrepreneurial journey.

Community and Philanthropy.

Technology, innovation and sustainability.

Proven, trusted & endorsed.