STARTING working life breaking in race horses in Texas helped prepare Elaine Ball for taking the reins at the family business in York.

Elaine, managing director of laser measurement technology specialist, Measurement Devices Ltd (MDL), York, worked on a stud farm breaking in horses then sold to racehorse owners.

“That experience of being in control – even if it was only a horse – helped prepare me for this although, for me, management is all about teamwork,” she says.

MDL, founded in 1983 by her father, Steve, in Aberdeen, where the company has its Marine Centre of Excellence, is at the forefront of the global laser measurement industry.

Under Elaine’s leadership the company, which develops and supplies eye-safe laser measurement and positioning technology for the quarrying, mining, civil engineering and marine industries, has grown from 45 staff in 2010 to 74 today.

Her dad, Steve Ball, ensured that Elaine started by gaining secretarial qualifications in Aberdeen before working in the local businesses as a temp.

She joined MDL aged 19 as marketing assistant, became marketing manager in 2001 and stepped up to marketing director three years later. She became joint managing director with her father in 2008 and has been in sole charge since 2009.

As well as gaining a business management degree on the way and becoming a chartered marketer, Elaine is also a member of the Institute of Directors (IOD) in Yorkshire where she holds the Certificate in Company Direction and sits on the IOD Director of the Year Awards’ judging panel. She is also a non-executive director of a Harrogate business.

She says: “My father is a highly-skilled technician. We are changing from a technology-based family business to a global corporation and he appointed me because he believes my people skills are right to take us forward.

“We have built a great team. My approach is to involve them all in the vision for our global growth so they all know the part they can play.”

Which job (other than your own) would you like to have and why?

An art painter; painting horses in the wild; painting in motion, that is, watching freedom. It’s calming and wonderful.

Greatest achievement?

Leading MDL’s growth.

Biggest mistake?

Firing off an email impulsively without sleeping on it. Never assume.

What makes you most angry?

I dislike it when people put milk in my tea when the tea bag is still in the cup. Nothing else specific gets me angry.

What do you need to make life complete?

It’s pretty complete now... maybe another one or two horses.

Why do you make a difference?

I care about people, I lead and manage people, it motivates me to see them improve and develop, which is all part of a successful organisation. That’s my greatest difference.

Your epitaph

“Bubbly and outgoing with a great love for the outdoors and horses.

A great leader with passion, drive and respect for people.”