REG ATKINS founded Park Cameras in 1971, at the age of just 21, and he built the business into one of the UK’s biggest independent photo retailers. He died in February after a long battle with pulmonary fibrosis. Reg was a larger-than-life figure and throughout his life he was a huge supporter of AP, and his influence on the UK photo trade cannot be underestimated. Here, his friends and colleagues pay tribute to him.
Reg Atkins was a huge pillar of the photographic trade, and one of the most unique characters you could ever wish to meet. A shrewd businessman, and an even better human being. It was an honour to get to know Reg as the AP advertising rep for Park Cameras on and off for 20 years.
Reg was never short of a terrible joke, mind-boggling bit of sporting trivia, or an off-the-wall opinion. Usually followed by his trademark enthusiastic laugh. He was an absolute delight to do business with and will be terribly missed by all that knew him. His contribution to the photographic industry, and photographic retail, cannot be understated – bravely expanding Park Cameras’ bricks and mortar retail offering at a time when the future of retail seemed to be predominantly headed for the internet. RIP Reg.
Reg was one in a million. He was honourable, passionate and dedicated. I was first introduced to Reg when I took over as business manager for the Photo Independents. He was tough and demanding but he kept every promise he made and in business that’s a rare commodity. We got to know each other well and shared many drinks and laughs over the years. We’ll miss you, Reg.
The industry has lost a legend. We are all indebted to Reg for his phenomenal contribution to the UK photographictrade. His charisma, cheery spirit and twinkling eyes were such a delight. Our European president, Horie Masahiro, who met Reg more than 20 years ago on his first expat assignment from Japan, reflected, ‘Reg-san was so kind to educate me about the UK imaging industry when I came to the UK and I learned a lot from him.’
I’ll always remember the first time I met Reg Atkins. I’d heard so much about his larger-than-life character since moving into the photo trade. I had been tasked with developing a series of events for dealers and manufacturers and so organised an advisory panel, to which Reg was duly invited. I found someone with real passion and drive who lived and breathed the photo trade and was deadly serious in supporting me in achieving my goal. I probably learned more about the photo industry in that first meeting with Reg than I did for many moons thereafter. His support never faltered over the next decade and I will be forever thankful for his guidance.
