Experience

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  Ccsb

  Jan 1988 - Jan 1991

  Team leader & shift manager

  Part of the team that built the largest soft drinks factory in Europe at the time. Responsible for the preparation of bulk drinks using a skilled workforce. The project was realised on time and in budget. Once the factory was running, I ended up as Acting Shift Manager when my Shift Manager was seconded to projects

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  Nalco

  Jun 1991 - Jan 1994

  Technical sales executive

  Sales of refinery chemicals to major oil refineries in the North of England. These included corrosion inhibitors, desalting chemicals and anti-foams as well as some water treatment chemicals. I grew sales to established customers in my time there and won a company quality award for developing field reporting software

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  Hays chemicals

  Jan 1994 - Jul 1998

  Product manager

  I was responsible for the buying and marketing of a range of commodity chemicals, including sodium hypochlorite, sodium hydroxide, sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and a variety of other water treatment chemicals. I was also responsible for the purchase and management of the company's fleet for reusable drums and IBCs.The role gave me significant experience in trading chemicals, commercial contractual knowledge and also introduced me to UN approved packaging.

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  Francis ward

  Jul 1998 - Jun 2015

  Managing director

  • Manufacturing business strategy, direction and planning• Driving business development and growth• Clear judgement and controlled, consultative decision making• Management, direction, support and motivation of direct reports and employees• Able to institute strong financial and administrative systems and structures• Driving acquisitions and mergers, leading to stable, profitable business• Production management and plastic moulding experience

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  Nba business group

  Jan 2012 - Dec 2012

  Chairman

  I chair a group of Yorkshire business executives who meet over breakfast every six weeks, sharing best practices and inviting speakers to present on a range of business topics.

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  Halgan pty ltd

  Jul 2015 - Dec 2015

  General manager
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  Look up consulting

  Jun 2016 - now

  Manufacturing mentor, coach, trainer and consultant

  I provide transformational manufacturing support to SME manufacturers across the North of England and the wider UK. I am a qualified coach and mentor and create growth and development with business mentoring, manufacturing training and a range of consultancy services to help SMEs and their owners achieve spectacular results.With over 30 years experience in manufacturing, from Team Leader to MD in many different organisations, I know what is needed at the coal-face of manufacturing SMEs. Working simultaneously on systems, processes and people, I have delivered transformational change in manufacturing companies.Coaching and Mentoring: I work with senior executives and middle managers to help them to reach their full potential and give maximum value to their companies in their roles. Harnessing the individual's resourcefulness, facilitating discussion, and promoting accountability will pay dividends in the performance of individuals at all levels in an organisation.Training: Working with other companies in the industry, I deliver high impact, high energy training programs or workshops, either off-the-shelf or bespoke courses. I can provide training in Team Leadership, Communication, Delegation, Time Management and other management areas.Manufacturing Consultancy: Over 30 years of experience in manufacturing organisations of different sizes gives me the skills and knowledge to provide process optimisation in SME manufacturers. I can support a company's work in culture change, stock management, 5S implementation, SOPs and debottlenecking and other areas. Show less

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  The manufacturers' alliance

  Mar 2017 - now

  The Manufacturers Alliance has a proven track record in supporting manufacturing leaders in achieving their ambitions of personal and business growth. We have a range of peer groups across the North of the country for manufacturers only. They are all facilitated by two experienced Chair people from the manufacturing sector. As a member of the Manufacturers Alliance, you will be part of one of our peer groups, where you will meet monthly to gain and share ideas / best practice with other ambitious leaders within your region. You will learn and share with others who have been there and have the t-shirt… no more reinventing the wheel.Our goal is to support the growth of a sustainable manufacturing base in the UK. Help manufacturing businesses in developing a clear strategic direction, with a capability and culture to support profitable growth. This is one of the greatest benefits to our members who, prior to joining, may have felt isolated as business leaders, and in need of help to achieve their goals.Here are a few words from our members on the benefits of being part of an Alliance group: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PimSJs6T0QA&t=5s When you join as a member you will be joining your own peer group of 10-12 other non-competing manufacturing businesses. Our approach enables a route to clearer thinking and better decision making for our members, as well as, many business improvement ideas from the other businesses in your group, so if you are an ambitious manufacturing leader that considers yourself a life long learner, we would like to meet you. Show less

  • Trainer

    Oct 2018 - now

  • Chair (West Yorkshire)

    Mar 2017 - Sept 2022
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  Kemps general store

  Mar 2017 - now

  Operations manager
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  Sparkfund

  May 2020 - Sept 2024

  Assessor for the sparkfund innovation grants
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  York & north yorkshire local enterprise partnership

  Jun 2020 - Sept 2024

  I am a Main Board member of the York & North Yorkshire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), a private-public partnership between business and local councils, that creates industrial strategy for our region. My manufacturing background means I am often making sure that the particular challenges of this sector are represented at the Board.As a Board member, I am responsible for creating overall industrial strategy for the region and for overseeing the distribution of millions of pounds of public money to achieve those strategic goals. Board Members have the responsibility to oversee the day-to-day performance of the LEP Executive team, holding them accountable for delivery on key objectives and supporting them where necessary. Show less

  • Business Board Member

    Mar 2022 - Sept 2024

  • Board Member

    Jun 2020 - Sept 2024
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  Kemps on the corner

  Jul 2024 - now

  Director

  Leading the amazing team at the latest iteration of Kemps Bookshops and General Store, Yorkshire's finest book and gift emporium.