Celebrating Wellacre Alumni …. Cas Paton

Posted at 12:25 pm on 16th July, 2024

Inspiring Global Entrepreneur Visits Wellacre

Former Wellacre alumni and founder of global tech brand OnBuy.com, Cas Paton, has visited students to inspire young entrepreneurs.

Remembering being inspired by a visitor to Wellacre who shared their success story and journey, Cas wanted to come back to school to hopefully do the same! 

During his visit, Cas spent time in assemblies with both Wellacre’s CCF cadet unit and Year 10. He started with how it all started 23 years ago when he did not know what he wanted to do after leaving school!

Cas tried college but discovered it was not right for him, before joining the Royal Navy to meet people, travel and learn life skills. 

He progressed quickly after basic training, from Ratings to an Officer in just 4 years. During his time in the Navy, Cas trained as an Aircraft Engineer and a Pilot. 

Cas said:

“The key was hard work. On my first day I asked the Chief Officer how I could become an Officer myself and I worked really hard every day to improve and achieve something,”

Following the Navy, Cas decided to study Law at Bournemouth University and set up a business in the first year; by his third year he was employing 27 people. 

Cas set up eight different businesses prior to OnBuy.com, including a swimming pool business. He started OnBuy.com in 2014, which is now the fast growing e-commerce business in Europe, set to launch in 15 different countries and worth £200 million. 

Cas added:

“I did not have opportunities provided for me but life and hard work allows you to create them.  Everything I have earned has come from being driven to succeed and taking a huge leap of faith in myself.

“Listening to that business person’s story back when I was in Year 11, I really learned that the world is yours and he inspired me to leave school and make something of myself. If I can change just one person’s trajectory from my visit to Wellacre, I’ll be happy.”   

Mrs Sharrock, Principal, said:

“It was a pleasure to show Cas around his old school. He remarked how the culture had changed significantly since his school days. Cas was impressed with the questions the students posed and we hope this is a partnership we will continue to grow.”