Senior
Appointments at LMC Group
The
LMC Group, a UK glass façade and fenestration specialist, has
confirmed the appointments of a new Financial Director and a Director
to run its Skillbroker training and recruitment initiative.
Nicola Smith has been appointed Financial Director. Mrs Smith is a business
manager with a strong financial and business development background
and brings considerable experience to the Group. She joins from Luton-based
Telematic Ltd, where she was both Managing Director and Financial Director.
Prior to this she spent 10 years as Group Accountant for the Viridor
Group.
'The LMC Group has grown very rapidly and consists of a portfolio of
companies that each lead a niche market with very strong business opportunities,'
says Nicola. 'In particular, the Group is committed to innovation and
high quality. This is especially reflected in Skillbroker, a bold venture
into training and recruitment, and in Micropoint, a technologically
revolutionary glass fixing which features retaining bolts secured within
the glass with an undercut hole. My role is to maximise the commercial
performance of the Group and plan future growth. It is a terrific challenge
and I can’t wait to get started.'
Laurie Lourensz has been appointed Director of the newly launched Skillbroker
recruitment company.
Lourensz has 18 years’ experience in the training and recruitment
sector and joins Skillbroker from Pertemps, where he was Managing Director
of its Greater London office, responsible for generating new business
and opening a network of offices throughout the capital. Prior to this,
he founded and managed Pertemps’ Flexforce operation in Milton
Keynes.
'I am delighted to be joining Skillbroker and particularly look forward
to the challenge of, once again, launching a new business from a standing
start,' says Lourensz. 'Having undertaken some extensive research it
is clear that, as with many other skilled industries, the sector is
bedevilled by a shortage of highly skilled and experienced workers.
Our approach is two-pronged; to find and place the best people and to
raise standards throughout the industry by introducing levels of training
that far exceed the norm.
'Our immediate action will be to launch a national and international
campaign to attract the best candidates and place them either short
or long term to commercial organisations who value the need for on-going
training and who will participate in a programme of self development,
making sure that their employees are the best informed in the business,'
says Laurie.
'The Financial Director position is a key role for the Group and I’m
delighted to be confirming Nicola Smith to the position,' says LMC Group
Managing Director Rod Milicevic. 'The Group has experienced excellent
growth, mostly organically, and we have recognised that we need a heavy-hitting
Financial Director to provide strategic focus. Nicola has been very
successful throughout her career and we are confident that she has the
experience and acumen to carry the business forward commercially.'
'The appointment of Laurie Lourensz represents a real coup for Skillbroker,'
says Milicevic. 'Laurie is a proven quantity – he has excellent
experience and has been extremely successful in several very high profile
positions.'
The LMC Group is a newly established group of companies, developed from
more than 25 years’ experience with LMC and Metal UK. The group
comprises four constituent companies, Metal UK, Glass UK, LMC + and
Skillbroker, which cover the façade and fenestration market.
Tel: 01895 629940
Email: mailto:enquiries@metaluk.co.uk
Web: http://www.metaluk.co.uk
New
Products, New Sales Team for ARP
Aluminium
Roofline Products (ARP) Group has appointed a new sales management team
for its sectional guttering and building products division following
the successful launch of several new products at Interbuild last year.
39
year old Neil Rabbitts joins ARP as Northern Area Sales Manager for
the company. Married with 4 children, Neil hails from Stockton On Tees
and has over 17 years' experience in technical and commercial sales.
Having achieved his Higher National Certificate in Building Studies
& Civil Engineering, Neil went on become a qualified structural
design draughtsman and quickly progressed to technical sales positions
within the UK construction industry. Neil also gained valuable experience
working with metals in several technical sales roles before joining
ARP, including a position as Sales Projects Manager for The Expanded
Metal Co. Ltd and as Area Sales Manager for Alumasc Exterior Building
Products Ltd.
Working alongside Neil is Nigel Hancock, who joins ARP as Central Area
Sales Manager for the UK. Also 39 years old, Nigel has been involved
in the construction industry since leaving school in 1979, working his
way up from an initial position as Pricing Clerk for Travis & Arnold
Ltd - now Travis Perkins - to the role of Drainage Development Manager
for a leading drainage systems company. Nigel has also worked for Plumb
Center, Caradon Terrain and G & S Plumbing in various sales management
roles.
A keen sports fan who plays cricket and golf, Nigel has unfortunately
had to hang up his football boots due to a sustained injury, but still
sets time aside to support his beloved Leicester City FC.
ARP's Sales Director Darren Wood believes that Neil and Nigel's combined
experience in the construction industry will provide them with a valuable
head-start in building the ARP brand and its products:
'We had an extremely successful Interbuild this year thanks to a number
of innovative new products, including a range of gutter extrusions designed
to provide an even greater choice for roofline product specifiers and
a new 'bull nose' aluminium fascia and soffit system for bespoke applications.
I believe that, in Neil and Nigel, we now have the ideal team in place
to build on this success within the building contracts sector.'
Tel: 0116 289 4400
Email: mailto:sales@arp-ltd.com
Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com
Top
Degree of Technical Support
Industry-specific technical IT support is now available to fabricators
of the Aztec conservatory roof system.
The Haydock based company has recruited Andy Lang to manage its customer
and internal IT support.
Andy joins Aztec from First Degree Systems, where he was responsible
for programming and installing computer software for conservatory fabricators.
Prior to that, he worked as factory manager for a company making windows
and conservatories.
The combination of his experience means 36 year-old Andy can give Aztec
fabricators a wealth of experience in running roof design software,
and understands the possible problems they face both within the factory
and on site.
Colin Bennett, Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems managing director, comments,
'We are delighted Andy has decided to join us. His expertise in both
conservatory fabrication and system software means he will be able to
give our customers some of the best technical support available, helping
them produce roofs even more quickly and easily.'
Contact: Colin Bennett
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
Natur-Al
Develops new Business Opportunities
Natur-Al
Conservatories has appointed Tony Poole as new Business Development
Manager to expand and support the company's dealer network. Tony joins
Natur-Al from one of the UK's leading trade fabricators and in addition
to his extensive industry experience, he has a proven track record in
the provision of effective dealer support strategies.
In his new position, Tony will be responsible for communicating the
benefits of the Natur-Al system specifically the differentiation of
the aluminium exterior combined with the natural timber interior. His
other prime role will be to recruit installers with the necessary experience
and commitment to quality to become Natur-Al Licensees. Tony will also
be involved in assisting new dealers with lead generation, implementing
individual marketing programmes and providing technical and sales back-up
as required.
'The Natur-Al system offers an exciting new sales opportunity for the
right companies and, with a support package that's tailored to their
needs, I believe we can help those companies maximise that opportunity
and grow their business,' comments Tony.
Tel: 01706 863800
Profile
22 Appoints Hardware Specialist
Profile
22 has appointed Graham Pearce as Hardware Product Manager in a newly-created
role to bring specific expertise to developing its hardware range.
Graham
brings more than 22 years experience in the window and door industry,
primarily in technical sales, manufacturing and business growth. A qualified
engineer, he has an extensive background in product design and development,
management and innovation.
He says: ‘We shall be developing our hardware product range and
service to customers to maintain our market-leading position. New specifications
have to be met due to recent legislative changes and it is vital that
our hardware range continues to meet these requirements.’
Graham will be working alongside Profile 22’s technical and purchasing
departments and Product Manager Nic Rossano who is responsible for the
company’s general systems and product development.
Outside work, Graham is a Level Two Ice Hockey Coach and Ski Instructor
having taken up the sports through his teenage children, James 16, and
Stephanie, 17.
Contact: Keith White
Tel: 01952 290910
Web: http://www.profile22.co.uk
New
GQA Board Appointment
The
Glass Qualifications Authority Ltd (GQA) offer a range of NVQ/SVQ qualifications
covering many occupations within the glass and related industries. Its
Automotive Glazing NVQ/SVQ qualifications are extremely popular and
a decision was taken to appoint a new Board Member that was able to
represent this sector.
Mr Peter Fanning of RAC Auto Windscreens has been appointed a GQA Board
Director. Peter's role within RAC Auto Windscreens is Human Resources
Director and he has over 15 year's experience of working within the
sector.
RAC Auto Windscreens is one of the leading training companies with a
Modern Apprenticeship scheme for new young workers. Hundreds of new
and established Automotive Glaziers have been registered on GQA Automotive
Glazing NVQs.
RAC Auto Windscreens is continually developing its training and qualification
implementation plans and hence Peter Fanning is seen as a valuable addition
to the GQA Board.
Tel: 0114 272 0033
Email: mailto:gqa@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.glassqualificationsauthority.com
National
Sales Manager Appointed at Newdawn
Midlands-based
conservatory roof manufacturer, Newdawn and Sun, has appointed Alan
Cockayne as National Sales Manager.
Alan,
who has over 18 years experience in the conservatory market, heads up
the sales function within the Alcester-based company. Previously, he
has been responsible for the design, manufacture and installation of
both timber and PVCu conservatories for a number of leading companies
and has also worked for a major systems manufacturer.
He says: 'Newdawn is something of well-kept secret and I'm looking forward
to promoting the quality and versatility that the Newdawn products offer.'
2002 is Newdawn's Silver Jubilee, the year it completed Phase Three
of its expansion plans which offers increased manufacturing space and
state-of-the-art training and meeting facilities.
Contact: Louise Kotka
Tel: 01789 764444
Email: mailto:sales@newdawn-sun.co.uk
Web: http://www.newdawn-sun.co.uk
New
Faces 'In the Frame' at MPH Windows
Two
'new faces' at MPH Windows - the Preston-based manufacturer of uPVC
windows - are Sharon Burke and Tammy Mulholland. They have joined the
135 strong workforce as receptionists in newly refurbished Reception
Suite.
MPH Windows director Greg Kane said; 'I am delighted to welcome Sharon
and Tammy to our team. They are both friendly, knowledgeable, local
people who are going to be a great asset to MPH Windows. They will be
making customers feel welcome and providing tea and coffee facilities
in the well-equipped Show Centre at our Ward Street premises. Sharon
and Tammy will be welcoming customers to the Show Centre, which features
a superb product range of quality windows, doors, patios and conservatories
- all in the latest designs.'
Tel: 01772 463694
Web: http://www.mphwindows.co.uk
Photo caption; Welcome to MPH Windows - say Sharon Burke and Tammy Mulholland.
Graduate
Rejoins BWF to Manage Fire Door Scheme
In
a move by the British Woodworking Federation to maintain the development
momentum of its BWF-Certifire Fire Door & Doorset Scheme, Sharjeel
Khawaja has been appointed Product Manager with direct responsibility
for the Scheme.
Sharjeel re-joins the BWF having completed a degree in Business &
Management Studies from Bradford University School of Management. As
part of his degree course he had previously spent year with the Federation
on an industrial placement as a Trainee Scheme Product Manager.
In his dedicated role looking after the BWF-Certifire Scheme, Sharjeel
expects to build on what he learned during his placement, offering a
high level, value added service, which will go even further towards
establishing the BWF-Certifire Fire Door & Doorset Scheme as a leading
industry body.
During his placement with the BWF he worked extensively both on the
BWF-Certifire Scheme and on the BWF Timber Window Accreditation Scheme.
The latter is now managed by his colleague, Adam Frankling, who also
undertook a placement with the BWF and rejoined after completing his
studies.
BWF Director Richard Lambert said 'The level of activity in both the
Schemes now justifies a full time dedicated staff resource. I'm delighted
that two such able people as Sharjeel and Adam have been so enthused
by working for the BWF as placement trainees that they want to launch
their careers with us.'
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:info@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
Duraflex
Develops Commercial Base
PVCu
systems supplier, Duraflex, has appointed Frank Yorke as Commercial
Sales Manager. Frank's role involves developing the company's fabricator
network across Southern Britain.
Frank joins the Duraflex commercial team from a leading building products
supplier, where he was responsible for business development. His experience
of working with both regional and national housebuilders should prove
invaluable in his position at Duraflex, as new build is recognised as
a high growth sector for PVCu doors, windows and conservatories. His
responsibilities also extend to local authorities, housing associations
and building contractors, and he will be looking at developing further
business opportunities in these areas through Duraflex's commercial
fabricator base.
Commenting on his appointment and the market in general, Frank said,
‘The majority of private and social housing specifiers now choose
PVCu because it offers so many benefits, such as low maintenance and
excellent insulation, compared with other materials. In fact, the Duraflex
Diamond Suite and particularly our Featured System, is already proving
particularly popular in this market because it combines 'kerb appeal'
with full Part L compliance, and I'm keen to build on that success.'
Tel: 08705 351351
Email: mailto:duraflex-info@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
Hallmark
keep it in the Family
With
so much in the news about the pressures of family life and children
growing up seldom seeing their workaholic parents, it's refreshing to
see that Hull-based Hallmark Group are doing their bit for family values.
Dennis Mitchell. Hallmark's sales representative for the South East
area for the last six years, was finding his expanding territory too
much to handle. With customers ranging from Kings Lynn to Southampton,
rising sales meant that Dennis needed some assistance with the volume
of work.
Hallmark agreed to appoint another sales representative to assist Dennis
but he and the company had very specific ideas as to the kind of calibre
of person they were looking for - someone pretty much like Dennis in
fact.
So when Hallmark's Sales Director John Rolland found out that Dennis's
son Lee was looking for a career change, he could think of no one better
suited! And, although at 24 years old Lee is hardly a latchkey kid,
father and son have become the ultimate sales team, with Lee already
making his mark by bringing in new customers and receiving plenty of
compliments from those he has taken over from his father.
'We have found the ideal solution with the recruitment of Lee in that
he already has experience in sales and of course knows about the company
through his Father,' says John, who has known Lee since he was a child.
'With our training we can clone him into another Dennis!'
Tel: 01482 781111
Email: mailto:hallmark-panels.demon.co.uk
Web: http://www.hallmark-panels.com
Alcoa
Appoints David Shuttleworth as Managing Director of Kawneer UK
David
Shuttleworth has been appointed to the position of managing director
of Kawneer UK Ltd.
David
joined the company in 1997 as finance director, assuming the additional
role of European finance director for Alcoa's Building and Construction
Services business unit following the acquisition of Kawneer by Alcoa
in 1999.
Commenting upon his appointment, Shuttleworth says, 'Kawneer UK is a
highly successful business operation, enjoying a market leading position
and a strong and growing customer base. It provides UK architects and
specifiers with innovative, high performance facade and fenestration
solutions, as well as specialist advice to assist them in better understanding
the impact of design decisions on the thermal and structural performance
of their buildings.
'Because we are part of a major building and construction-focused business
unit within Alcoa, Kawneer UK has access to significant additional physical
and financial resources, as well as technological expertise, which I
shall be leveraging to continue the aggressive introduction of new products
in the UK. Another priority will be driving a major investment programme
aimed at rapidly introducing the Alcoa Business System throughout the
UK operation. This is a proven business tool used by Alcoa world-wide
to drive operational efficiency and quality.'
Prior to joining Kawneer, Shuttleworth spent eight years with US construction
equipment manufacturer Ingersoll Rand, initially as UK financial controller.
For the last four years of his time, his responsibilities were expanded
to include the role of European Controller within the Ingersoll Rand
Group.
Tel: 01928 502500
Email: mailto:kuk.kawneer@alcoa.com
Web: http://www.kawneereurope.com
Ultraframe
Technical Support Heads North
Ultraframe,
the designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems and ancillaries
has announced the appointment of a new Technical Support Manager for
Scotland and the North.
Mick
Rowley, 33 and from Clitheroe, Ultraframe's head office location, has
over 10 years experience in the glass, glazing and conservatory industries.
Previous positions at Ultraframe include roofing fabricator, a supervisor
in the pre-fabricated roofs section and most recently, Ultraframe's
Chief Technical Advisor. Mick's role is to provide technical, manufacturing,
administrative and commercial support to Ultraframe's direct customers
and their customers in turn. This will also include assisting and advising
on installation of appropriate IT software; arranging and conducting
training courses on fabrication; and supporting installers on resolution
of site problems.
Mick is married with two children and is a keen rugby player. Mick says:
‘I am very much looking forward to this new challenge. Ultraframe
prides itself on its technical innovation and expertise and I will be
able to drive this forward for the benefit of our customers in Scotland
and the North.’
Tel: 01200 443311
Email: mailto:sales@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
Ultraframe
Appoints new Regional Sales Manager for South East
Ultraframe,
the designer and manufacturer of conservatory systems has strengthened
its sales support network by appointing a new regional sales manager
to look after customers in the South East of England.
Jane Blanchard has over 14 years experience in technical support within
the electronics industry and spent the last three years as a Project
and Key Accounts Manager.
Jane says, ‘I was initially astounded by the extent of the product
range and even more amazed at the quality and sheer attention to detail
that existed in every product and service within the Ultraframe portfolio.’
Jane will work with customers throughout the South East to help them
with advice on products, implementing sales and marketing initiatives
and help grow the market for conservatories.
Tel: 01200 443311
Email:
mailto:sales@ultraframe.com
Web:
http://www.ultraframe.com
New
Appointments Reflect Focus on Quality at Siegenia
Manufacturer
of window and door hardware and ventilation solutions, Siegenia-Frank
(UK) Ltd, has appointed a new regional sales manager as part of a restructuring
of its UK technical sales force.
Chris Collins joins Siegenia with 11 years of field sales experience
in the hardware industry. In his new role he will be responsible for
developing sales throughout central England as well as providing a dedicated
point of contact for technical advice and support for Siegenia customers.
Developing Siegenia's reputation in the hardware sector is a task Chris
relishes. He says: 'I look forward to putting my experience and knowledge
of the hardware sector to good use with a global company that is such
a key player in the industry.'
As part of an ongoing commitment to supporting the Siegenia distribution
network, former regional sales manager Mark Aspin takes on the role
of key accounts/distributor manager. In the first of a number of support
events, Mark will be running product training sessions across the company's
UK distribution network in the coming weeks and months.
Alastair Wheeler becomes project manager for aluminium and ventilation
from his previous role as regional sales manager. Alastair will use
his expertise and technical knowledge in these growing markets to provide
service and technical support .
Says Lèann Hearne, Siegenia's UK general manager: 'I'm pleased
to welcome Chris to the team and Alastair and Mark to their new roles.
Our focus, as ever, is on service and quality and the new sales team
structure will allow us to build on our strengths, continuing to provide
customers with the highest quality products backed by expert technical
advice.'
Tel: 024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:si-uk@siegenia.com
Web: http://www.siegenia.de
New
Technical Appointment Boosts BWF’s Member Services
The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has strengthened its technical
services team by appointing Tom Rogers as Technical Officer to deal
with the spiralling demand from its Members for information and assistance.
The
Federation’s increased Membership and the continuing expansion
of its two major schemes – the Timber Window Accreditation Scheme
and the BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door & Doorset Scheme – means that
there are more people using the service. The BWF believes that
the newer Members also make more use of it.
'BWF Members of all sizes tell me that the Federation’s technical
expertise is our most valuable benefit. We have seen the demands
for technical assistance expand greatly over the past few years, which
in itself is an indication of how successful we are as a Federation.'
said BWF Director Richard Lambert. 'Tom will take primary responsibility
for the advice line, dealing with the day-to-day technical inquiries
we receive from BWF Members, consumers and professional organisations. The
number of inquiries we receive means that this has become a job in itself.
We hope he will also build on his interest in developing and running
training courses.
'Tom will be able to rely on the support of the Federation’s Technical
Manager, John Hedgecock, who will now have more time to devote to providing
direct technical services for members and his work on national and international
standards committees.'
Tom Rogers has a strong background in the industry, first in building
where he served an apprenticeship and subsequently as a carpenter and
joiner with Luton Borough Council.
He also has the benefit of having been self-employed for nearly 10 years,
a situation the BWF sees as being of considerable help as a high percentage
of its membership is small companies or sole traders. Before joining
the BWF Tom was a technical engineer with Trend Machinery, one of the
UK’s leading manufacturers of routing and cutting tools.
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:windows@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
Tremco
Appoints European Glazing Manager
David
Higgs has joined Tremco Ltd, the glazing sealant specialist, as European
Glazing Manager.
Based at the company's European headquarters in Slough, he will spend
much of his time on mainiand Europe, operating out of Tremco's Northern
European offices. He will also be liaising closely with Prosytec, through
whom Tremco distributes its products in Southern Europe.
Davids main brief is to secure specifications for Tremco's range of
architectural silicone structural glazing products including Proglaze
II (a two-part silicone sealant and adhesive), Spectrem 2 (a single
component silicone sealant), and JS 562 (a two-part insulating glass
silicone sealant).
David joins Tremco from Dow Corning where his responsibilities ranged
over quality assurance, R & D and as a specialist in fire protection,
civil engineering and
curtain walling sealants. He has previously been based in Belgium and
the United Arab
Emirates, being responsible for markets in the Eastern Mediterranean,
the Middle East and Africa, subsequently becoming Technical Sales Manager
responsible for the Gulf Region.
David lives in Fleet in Hampshire, is married and has three sons.
Tel: 01753 691696
Web: http://www.tremcoeurope.com
New
Director Appointed at Northern Trade Windows
Nick Bastow has been appointed a Director of Pudsey-based trade fabricator
Northern Trade Windows.
Nick has been Trade Sales Manager at the company for seven years and
this promotion recognises his significant success.
In the past year, for example, Northern Trade Windows has enjoyed a
20% increase in sales to customers throughout Yorkshire and north Derbyshire
from Richmond in the north to Chesterfield in the south.
Nick joins John Cosgrove and lan Mercer on the Board of the company
which fabricates PVCu windows and doors using Rehau's S706 70mm system.
Tel: 01989 762600
Email: mailto:window.enquiries@rehau.com
Web: http://www.rehau.co.uk
Portal
Appoints New Area Sales Manager
Portal
Products has appointed Phill Harber as Area Sales Manager for the South
West with responsibility for new and existing customers.
Phill previously worked in sales and estimating for an aluminium systems
company, and more recently for a PVCu window and door systems supplier.
In his spare time, he enjoys playing golf.
He replaces Manda Kennor who has left the company to travel round the
world for a year. Everyone at Portal wishes her well in her travels.
Tel: 01242 267000
Email: mailto:sales@portal-products.co.uk
