Entrepreneur in focus: David Lindfield driving Sovex forward

“I love what I do it’s as simple as that”, says David Lindfield, the passionate 66-year old founder and managing director of Sovex, the Wirral-based manufacturer of conveyor systems.

The group, which he set up from scratch in 2002, is in the midst of another record year with orders stacking up and a new subsidiary in Malaysia just launched.

Turnover is expected to top £20m in the next 12 months on the back of strong demand from the major distribution groups such as DPD, Yodel, UK Mail and DHL among its major customers, and which rely on Sovex’s machines and service teams to keep their depots running and their delivery vans and lorries on the road.

While accepting that setting up a new business at the age of 55 – when many of his peer group are perhaps looking forward to a non-executive career and more time on the golf course – is not the usual course, Mr Lindfield says the opportunity was simply too compelling to turn down.

He believes the Prenton-based business has developed a unique proposition of bespoke manufacturing and excellent service, which he is keen to roll-out into new international markets.

The only constraint on Sovex’s ambitions, is one of resource – Mr Lindfield said: “If we had a million pounds we’d be in North America next week and cleaning up. There is a fantastic opportunity there

“The business is in great shape – I just wish I was 20 years younger.  A major reason for our success is because we serve the parcel industry which has grown and grown because of internet sales from the likes of Amazon and eBay.”

Mr Lindfield is proud and delighted that Sovex is part of a reviving UK manufacturing sector, which is creating jobs and forging careers for young people.

Sovex’s growth has created some 30 jobs over the last two years and its workforce is now 105. 

Mr Lindfield is a big advocate of developing young talent, and says: “I believe we owe it to the younger generation to give them opportunities. I am very keen on apprentices and we have had some great people coming to us and have never had a disappointment. We have 10 working with us across all departments and I am very proud of them.”

His success with Sovex is all the more remarkable given that when he stepped down from his role with Danish engineering group Caljan to return to his native North West, his plan was to retire.

“We moved over to Nottingham and had lived there for a number of years, and we came back to the Wirral to retire, but that lasted about one month when a former customer rang me and asked for my help to refurbish and upgrade 60 vehicle loader machines.

“I am lucky to be able to say that I have a very supportive and understanding wife, “ he adds.

As well as its new Far East manufacturing facility – which it funded with the assistance of MSIF (Merseyside Special Investment Fund) – the company has a sales office in Holland serving the Dutch and important German markets, and a small sales presence in China too.

Mr Lindfield states that MSIF[has “been a great supporter” of the business, through both good times, and the more challenging periods during its growth.

After recognition in his local newspaper’s business awards programme, he was a finalist in this year’s prestigious Northern Entrepreneur of the Year awards run by EY.

Being ranked among the best business leaders in the North was an undoubted accolade, and also helped him make a number of useful contacts during the process.

“It was excellent, I have to say, I think I have just about forgiven them for picking another winner, “ Mr Lindfield jokes.

Unusually for an entrepreneur, he displays a distinct lack of ego during our conversation, and says that his vision for the future of Sovex is to build a strong team to take the business forward.

“Eventually I would like to become chairman, and maybe go down to three days a week, but I will always be involved. There are no firm plans and I’ll know when the time is right.

“There are no prima donnas in this business, if I need to come in on a Saturday I will, if there is a nut that needs tightening I’ll do it.”

Victoria Price, a senior manager at EY in Liverpool says the key to Sovex’s success is its flexibility and customer focus.

“What struck me about Sovex from the beginning was the way it went back to basics, listened to customers’ requirements and innovated to meet their needs.

“In doing so they have taken over the market and beaten competitors that have been established for considerably longer.  It is clear from getting to know David that the investment he puts in building relationships with customers is second to none.”