People and Careers March 2006

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Promotion for Sales Manager Maria Franey

Conservatory Outlet member West Yorkshire Windows has recognised Maria Franey's commitment to the company and promoted her to Sales Manager.
Before taking up her new role at the end of December, Maria previously worked as a conservatory designer for two and a half years.

Maria says: ‘Thanks to the radio and internet advertising we receive as part of Conservatory Outlet's marketing support our showroom is busier than ever. And, homeowners associate us with a bigger brand. Conservatory Outlet has advised us how to make the best of our displays so we make a lasting impression on anyone who walks into the showroom. With the quality of leads, combined with staff and product training, we aim to improve our conversion rate to 1:2.’

Tel: 08700 802380


New Commercial Sales for GAP Leeds

GAP, the roofline stockist, has appointed Alistair Cathcart for Commercial Sales at the Leeds depot. Alistair will be looking after small- to medium-sized commercial contracts.

‘All our commercial customers enjoy the option of site visits, specification advice, a full quotation service from either plans or site visits, technical back up and advice on the best products to suit each installation,’ explains Alistair.

‘It's a hands-on role. Since joining GAP I have averaged a thousand miles a week visiting customers. So we find out what our customers really want. I have always worked in the construction industry but I was looking for a new challenge. When I first walked in to GAP for my interview, I knew I wanted to work here. And I haven't been disappointed.’

Tel: 01254 682888


Proskills Represented on Glazing Executive

Neil Robinson, who represents the Glass Sector for Proskills, has been seconded onto the Glazing Executive of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). Proskills is the Sector Skills Council working with employers and Government to develop skills in the process and manufacturing industries, including glass. Neil's appointment is therefore particularly significant as it formally recognises the importance of skills education to the future of the glass and glazing industry.

The Glazing Executive, which meets four times a year, consists of the chairpersons of each of nine specialist groups within the GGF, to discuss such key issues as Industry Health and Safety codes of practice.

John Agnew, MD Toughglass and Chairman of the Glazing Executive, commented; ‘To compete successfully in today's global economy it is essential that glass manufacturers raise the skill levels across the industry. I am delighted that Neil, who has considerable personal experience of our sector, has agreed to represent Proskills on the Executive, helping us to understand and access the assistance that is being made available to the industry as part of the Government's skills agenda.’

Web: http://www.proskills.co.uk


New Appoints for Sheppee International

Another batch of appointments has been announced by York based Sheppee International. Sheppee International makes production line equipment for the glass industry with over 75 per cent of its production going overseas.

And now the firm, which is based at Elvington near York, intends to build on that by making Stevan Grkinic its Sales Manager.

With three-quarters of Sheppee's output going for export, Stevan's experience of working in India and the Far East will be invaluable. He said: 'This company has a tremendous history and a good name - sales are doing really well and I'm looking at keeping that momentum going.'


(l to r): Katie Lewis, Stevan Grkinic and Mark Wilson

Living in Leeds and married with two boys, Stevan, 37, says he is looking forward to building on Sheppee's reputation and developing its rapidly expanding Latin America market.

Mark Wilson becomes the new Works Manager. Mark started with the firm straight from school and, apart from working for another York employer for a short time, has been with Sheppee ever since.

The 44-year-old started on the shop floor and is settling into his new role very well.

He said: 'I was a service engineer for a long time travelling all over the world installing equipment or fixing problems. I tell people I've been everywhere but seen nothing! That's because I was always in a customer's factory.

'But this new job means I ensure that the products are ready for dispatch on time and that they have been properly built and tested.'

He added: 'There's great variety and opportunity here for those who want it and I'm really pleased to be given this chance.'

The third appointment sees Katie Lewis, 28, return home to York after studying for two years in Australia to take up a role in the accounts department.

She said: 'This is a great company to work for because the things you do are appreciated.'

This announcement follows the recent promotion of two internal candidates to top posts.

Sheppee's managing director Jeff Yoward said: 'We are going from strength-to-strength and I know that all three of these new appointments will do their very best. They enjoy working here and I'm sure they've each got a great career in front of them.'

Tel: 01904 608999


New Face for Profile 22's Commercial Team

Eric Gale has joined Profile 22 as specification manager for the North of England.

Originally a joiner by trade, Eric has worked in the window systems industry since 1980 and, as well as a great degree of experience within profile companies, has held a number of external positions including roles in building inspection and architecture.

Eric's new role will involve dealing with commercial specifiers, architects, contractors, developers, Local Authorities, Housing Associations and registered social landlords (RSLs).

He says: ‘The commercial sector is growing tremendously and I am glad to be joining a business that has such a strong focus on it.

‘Profile 22 has the tools, expertise and resources to really help its customers get the best from business opportunities in the sector, and I am looking forward to being part of that process.’

Eric was previously commercial manager for Eurocell. He lives in Garforth, Leeds and has been married for 35 years.


Parlez Vous Francais?

Becky Gibbs has joined Cheltenham-based door panel manufacturer Portal Products to enhance its customer service and administration team.

Fluent French speaker Becky's responsibilities include liaising with Portal's growing customer base across the UK and Europe.

Her language skills and customer service experience were gained from many years running her own bar and restaurant in the Southwest of France.

Haydon Statham, Portal's sales and marketing manager, says: 'Having a bilingual member of staff improves communication with our customers and helps us with our business expansion into Europe. I am very pleased to welcome her on board'.

Portal Products has seen record growth within the European PVC-U door panel market, especially in France, Spain and Hungary, over recent years.

Its wide ranges of panels go through rigorous testing to ensure they meet and exceed the latest regulatory requirements.

For further information on Portal products range of panels and decorative glass options please contact Tel 01242 267000 or visit the website: http://www.portal-products.co.uk


Synseal Sets its Sights on the Commercial Sector

With the addition of Legend70 to the Synseal portfolio of products, Synseal has set its sights on the commercial sector. And a new position has been created for Jerry Brookes as Synseal's Commercial Sales Development Manager.

‘I have worked in the commercial sector for many years,’ explains Jerry.

‘As I was National Sales Manager at PFL at the time of acquisition, existing customers will get continuity of service. And I also bring with me knowledge of the products and marketplace.

My new role is to develop commercial sales for Synseal through new and existing customers.

This is a great opportunity for me, working in my area of expertise for the market leader in windows.’

Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director, adds:

‘We have the right products and the right people to move Synseal forward in the commercial sector.

We are delighted to have Jerry on board.’

Tel: 01623 443 200


New Area Sales Manager for Synseal

Synseal newcomer Simon Walker is looking forward to his role as Area Sales Manager for East England.

‘I've worked in the window industry for 14 years,’ explains Simon.

‘And I've seen how Synseal has grown in a difficult market.

That's why I believe my move to Synseal is excellent for my long term future.

My new role is to help customers in the east of England, from Hull down to Brighton with new products and sales and marketing support.

I'm excited about working with a forward thinking company.’

Tel: 01623 443 200


New Appointment for Norvik

Taking advantage of the January transfer window, Norvik PVCu Window Systems Ltd has signed new player manager, Nick Hibberd for an undisclosed fee.

Nick, 44, from Thurgoland, Sheffield, has played in a midfield position as PR & Marketing Manager for one of the UK's premiership window and conservatory companies at the top of its game for more than nine years in total. But with Norvik, as well as supplying a more managerial role by developing the PR & Marketing strategy, he will provide a striking partner with the existing front man, David Whitehouse, as they look to score new business throughout the UK and Europe.

Steve Day, Managing Director of Barnsley based Norvik, said: ‘We have produced good results week in week out since being founded in 1988. But, as the game gets tougher it is important that we maintain our position at the top of the league. That means investing in new players with new and different skills.

‘We feel that Nick brings a lot of new and proven ideas into our game, which can only be of benefit to Norvik as well a selection of existing Trade and New Build customers, many of which have already started to tap into his marketing knowledge and creativity.

‘Norvik is a Duraflex fabricator and, by being sensible in the way the company has invested and grown, it has been able to set its costs at the right level to meet the current demands of a very 'price sensitive' market.’

In his new role as PR front man for the Company, Nick went on to say, ‘I am very fortunate to have gained such a wide and 'hands on' experience of the many different markets available to today's fabricators and installers. Not only does this include all aspects of the Trade and New Build sectors, but as a 'Partnering champion', I am fully aware of the demands of the Social Housing market. I've even got hands on experience of researching and developing new markets overseas.

‘To begin with, however, I am going to focus on our core window business. I have been given a list of both existing and past customers who I will personally survey to get a better understanding of how the industry perceives Norvik as a window fabricator and to determine what they expect from a fabricator in today's competitive market.

‘Only then can we develop a very targeted PR & Marketing strategy that will not only raise the company's profile and generate new enquiries, but will actually help us to increase sales through our existing customer base,’ he added.

Tel: 01226 340182
Email: nhibberd@norvik.co.uk


Williams Heads the Shepley Group's Commercial Division

Award-winning PVCu fabricator Shepley Window Systems has appointed John Williams as Commercial Manager to spearhead the Group's entry into the commercial market.

John has a 28-year track record covering every level of the commercial window industry from surveying and design to fabrication, installation and contract management. He is also a member of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme to contract manager standard.

Shepley Managing Director Gary Torr said: ‘John's appointment, backed by support staff, marks a major step forward in addressing more specifically the needs of housing authorities, house builders and construction companies. The Shepley Group, comprising of Shepley and Interframe, is widely recognised as a leading supplier to retail installers and is committed to this sector. With John's expertise, we now also look forward to manufacturing for the commercial market’.

Shepley's complete commercial service covers survey and design, including structural implications, technical drawings, wind load analysis, tenant liaison service as well as contract, project and health & safety management.

Celebrating 20 years in the industry and now fabricating the highly specified Veka frame system, alongside the successful Deceuninck 2800 series, the Group has the capacity to produce over 8,000 frames per week.

For more information on Shepley's range of products and services please call on 0161 339 2433.

Web: http://www.shepley.com


Commercial Success Drives Duraflex

Duraflex is strengthening its penetration of the commercial market with a new addition to its commercial sales team. Mike Maltby joins the systems supplier with ten years experience in this demanding sector. He will be responsible for generating business opportunities and supporting customers throughout the eastern side of the UK.

Mike and his colleagues in the commercial sales team are all dedicated to raising awareness of the Duraflex brand among local authorities and housing associations as well as national and regional housebuilders. ‘I'll be in constant contact with architects, specifiers and contractors in my area promoting the Diamond Suite and generating leads and tender enquiries for our commercial fabricators,’ explains Mike. In addition, customers can call on Mike and the team for any advice they may need to secure a contract.

With the decline in the replacement market the commercial sector is seen as a major growth area for PVC-U systems like the Duraflex Diamond Suite. Duraflex's continuing investment in this market is helping the company's commercial fabricators to maximise potential opportunities.

This includes new foiling machinery to provide a wider choice of colours and developments such as a Low Threshold option aimed at social housing refurbishment. Investment also covers additional resources to give fabricators the technical and marketing support they need to succeed in today's highly competitive environment.

Products that satisfy all the latest industry regulations is another key to success in the commercial market, which is why Duraflex regularly updates its test procedures to keep one step ahead of fast-changing legislation.

As well as assisting those already operating in the commercial market, Duraflex is equally keen to help customers looking to diversify into growth areas, such as new build. Sales Director Ian Cowan concludes: ‘By focusing our investment in areas of the market which currently offer the most potential, we can achieve sustainable growth and profitability for both the company and its customers.’

Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk


Carl F Expands Marketing Team

A new addition to the marketing team at Carl F Petersen will support brand development of the company's established hardware range and assist growth of the direct catalogue of professional tools.

Jas Bains has been appointed Marketing Assistant and Louise Lai, who formerly worked in the assistant role, has received promotion to the new position of Marketing Executive.

With a BA Hons Marketing degree from Northampton University, Jas gained wide ranging expertise in marketing communications, internet marketing and branding.

In his position at Carl F he supports print, publishing and Web promotional activities.

For Carl F Petersen hardware enquiries: Tel 01536 401155
For Carl F direct enquiries: Tel 08453 665566 or visit http://www.carlfdirect.co.uk


Lennart Evrell takes over as new CEO of Sapa, Kåre Wetterberg is Leaving the Company

Kåre Wetterberg is leaving Sapa after 32 years in the company. Wetterberg has held several senior management positions, such as head of Sapa in Germany, head of operations at the Vetlanda plant and, in the last two years, as CEO of the entire Group. Lennart Evrell will succeed him as CEO.

The Board of Directors expressed its strong appreciation of and gratitude for Wetterberg's efforts on behalf of the company. 'Kåre Wetterberg has played a pivotal role in developing Sapa into one of the leading aluminium profile companies in the world,' says Board Chairman Ole Enger.

Sapa's new CEO will be Lennart Evrell, formerly CEO of Munters, the world leader in products and services for humidity control.Evrell (51) has been a member of the Board of Directors of Sapa from 2001 up to the present. He has a degree in engineering and business economics, and has worked for Asea, Atlas Copco and Sphinx Gustavsberg.

Kåre Wetterberg leaves Sapa 1st of August 2006, when Lennart Evrell is taking over.

Sapa will face significant challenges in the months and years ahead, in an industry characterised by substantial overcapacity and hard-pressed margins. Sapa intends to meet these challenges by intensifying its improvement programmes with a view to increasing efficiency throughout the value chain and providing customised solutions. The company's decentralised decision-making and organisational model will remain unchanged.

In the Board's opinion, Lennart Evrell has the qualities required to continue Sapa's successful achievement of high growth combined with satisfactory profitability.


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