Mr Welch hopes his portrait – commissioned as part of the unique project bringing together art and business – will be passed down from generation to generation and, hopefully, one day, be of both sentimental and financial value.
“It would be great if it was passed down and for the kids to think, what a handsome guy,” he joked.

“Who knows, it may be a Picasso and worth something one day.”

The portrait is part of the Face Forward project, which captured the stories of 10 business leaders and clients of independent financial and business advisory company Armstrong Watson on canvas, to celebrate its 150th anniversary.

The business teamed up with award-winning professional artist Helen Perkins and in-Cumbria to deliver the project.

“It was really cool to see it,” he said. “A lot of people on the night commented that Helen had really captured my likeness and in a relaxed pose.

“I don’t think I’ve ever sat still for so long in my life, and there were a few times when my backside went numb, but it was a great experience. It certainly isn’t something you normally do.”

Mr Welch founded UK Industrial Tapes with his wife Ruth two decades ago this year, and has seen it grow in to a major supplier exporting across the world from its base in the village of Throckley on the outskirts of Newcastle.

Customers and staff will be able to see the portrait for themselves when they visit his office – it will take pride of place next to his framed Manchester United shirt, a controversial choice of football team, which was included in the portrait.

He said: “There was some discussion about it going in the house, but it will go in the office. I’ll just have to move the Man Utd shirt over a bit. It will definitely be taking pride of place in there.”

Mr Welch added that he was delighted to take part in a project, having been asked by Armstrong Watson partner Tony Bullock.
“It is a great creative idea and something that will last for a long time. It was great to be asked to be part of it by Tony,” he said.

“Armstrong Watson is a great outfit and Tony Bullock knows our business inside out. He has been tremendous to work with and has really helped us over the years. I can’t praise him and his team enough.”
The unveiling event in Hexham brought to an end a tour of the portraits.