January appointments

Sir Peter Luff, NDI

Sir Peter Luff, MP for Mid-Worcestershire and former Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, is to become a Patron of NDI, the trade body representing companies involved in the defence sector.

The move comes just weeks after NDI’s ownership was taken over by EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, allowing NDI members to benefit from being part of the largest and most influential force backing UK manufacturing and engineering.

Sir Peter Luff’s ongoing involvement and now patronage will further boost the support and expertise that NDI is able to provide member companies, most of which are SMEs, to help them to develop and grow their businesses across the defence, security, aerospace and space sectors, both nationally and internationally.

Terry Scuoler, chief executive of EEF, says: “I am delighted that Sir Peter has accepted the role of being a patron of NDI.  NDI has an excellent reputation for supply chain solutions and now as part of EEF is ideally positioned to provide the business support and intelligence needed to unlock opportunity for British manufacturers. Sir Peter brings energy, interest and experience to the table and will be instrumental in making sure UK engineering benefits from NDI’s knowledge and expertise.”

Mike Maiden, chairman of NDI’s Advisory Board, says: “We are delighted and honoured that Sir Peter has agreed to become a Patron. He is already a member of NDI’s Advisory Board and, in that capacity, we have benefited enormously from his knowledge and experience – including as a former Defence Minister – as well as his enthusiasm for the engineering sector and the part which SMEs play within it.

“I look forward to working closely with Sir Peter and our other Patron, Lord Willy Bach to support the business aspirations of our member companies.”

Will Shepherd, LCP Consulting

LCP Consulting has appointed Will Shepherd to lead innovation and growth in the firm’s expanding manufacturing practice. He joins LCP’s senior team to focus on deepening the existing range of capabilities ranging from manufacturing platform optimisation, operations improvement, implementing global planning solutions (S&OP/CRM), across the end-to-end manufacturing supply chains and identifying critical business opportunities for its clients. Managing director, John Lockton, said: “Will’s extensive experience will help us to continue to deliver success for clients in this area. In addition his track record spanning both consultancy and the manufacturing industry – including automation – is an invaluable asset for our clients, bringing a unique perspective to what they really value.” Shepherd has delivered complex, accelerated change programmes in a number of sectors including aerospace and defence, hi-tec manufacturing, industrial products, life sciences, air transport and infrastructure and retail. He specialises in a number of business areas including supply chain, operational excellence, cost reduction/turn-around, post-merger integration, divestiture, operating model, and lean manufacturing.

David Latimer, Magnomatics

Magnomatics, the developer of magnetic transmissions and ultra-compact motors has appointed Dave Latimer as managing director. Latimer’s appointment comes following the departure of Chris Kirby, who was managing director for over nine years. Latimer joined with a focus on developing the market for the company’s MAGSPLIT product. MAGSPLIT offers significant efficiency and noise reduction benefits for hybrid vehicle powertrains and Magnomatics is currently in engaged with a number of interested vehicle manufacturers. Prior to Magnomatics Latimer was CEO of EVO Electric an electrical machines spin out company from Imperial College.  Mike Lloyd, chairman of Magnomatics commented “Over the last nine years Magnomatics has grown from University ideas and concepts to a high technology company employing over 30 highly qualified engineers with sufficient funding to bring several products to market. I am delighted that David has accepted the role of chief executive and he will lead the company in the next phase of our growth.”

Murphy, Taylor

Building materials industry expert, Brendan Murphy, has joined Worcestershire container and recycling solutions manufacturer, Taylor, as CEO in a move that is expected to further accelerate the company’s growth plans within the UK and overseas. In a career spanning over two decades, Murphy has spent more than 10 years with prominent Dutch plastic pipe manufacturer, Wavin, where he was responsible for the strategic commercial development of the £200m turnover UK & Ireland region. Murphy has spent the past two years as Group Sales Director for the market leading ventilation supplier, Volution Group PLC, where he oversaw the company’s expansion throughout the UK and Ireland. Continued international expansion and new product development will be Brendan’s key priorities on joining the business. Commenting on the appointment, Richard Sanders, director of London environmental investors Sullivan Street Partners, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Brendan to the business, pleased that Taylor’s senior team is now complete and excited about the opportunities that lie ahead.”

Pete Dunn, Flexi Narrow Aisle

Flexi Narrow Aisle – the manufacturer of Flexi space saving materials handling solutions has seen significant growth in its key articulated warehouse truck market in the UK. To keep pace with the growing demand they have appointed Pete Dunn as business development manager based in the Midlands. Dunn has extensive experience in product management in the materials handling industry, the forklift truck industry and specialist knowledge of the very narrow aisle systems sector in which Flexi’s innovative range of space saving and productivity enhancing products are developed. John Maguire, Flexi Narrow Aisle’s sales and marketing director, commented: “The market for articulated truck technology continues to grow – not just globally but also in the UK – and I am sure that Peter will enjoy considerable success with us and help us keep pace with the high demand for Flexi truck technology.  We have many new innovative Flexi products in development which Peter will help us bring to market over the next few years.”