Who We Are
Explor Group is committed to building businesses through sustainable, profitable growth to better contribute to society and the world around us.
The experience, drive and ambition of the Explor Group team is pivotal in expanding our companies within their relevant sectors, taking them not just to a national stage, but to the international forum underpinned by practices and infrastructures which facilitate global scalability.
Our Board
Michael Heaslip
Managing Director
Michael has created and launched several multi-million-pound companies. In his early career Michael built up a strong network within the food retail sector in NI whilst working for a local independent food producer, all whilst balancing the responsibility of running his first company: North Down Tennis Academy. This equipped Michael with both the network and the knowledge to go on to form Food Stories in 2014.
Since 2014, Michael has gone on to create several award-winning snack brands which have secured listings throughout the UK and Europe.
Matthew Gaston
Operations Director
Matthew has over 7 years experience in managing global supply chain. He was previously the Group Purchasing Manager for Decora Blind Systems, managing procurement for multiple sites across Europe and responsible for an annual budget in excess of £50 million.
He has a background in accounting and economics and is degree-educated in both Northern Ireland and the United States.
John Heaslip
Chairman
John has a wide variety of business experience, originally in retail and distribution. As Managing Director of Coogan and Watts he developed the company into the largest manufacturer / distributor of flexible packaging materials in the north of Ireland.
John went on to spend 24 years at the helm of Business in the Community (BITC) where he attracted over 250 corporate members.
He was awarded an LVO in the 2006 Christmas Honours.