People: The latest East Midlands hires
A senior figure at a leading online flooring retailer has moved into a new role.
Josh Ashby has become UK Flooring Direct’s chief digital officer, having previously held the role of chief commercial officer.
The move reflects the company’s increasing investment in digital technology as it continues to expand at a rapid pace. In the past few months, UK Flooring Direct, which has its headquarters in Hinckley, Leicestershire, has opened a further 54,000 sq ft office and warehouse in Coventry, grown to nearly 200 employs and received funding of £8m from BGF.
Ashby will now oversee the company’s annual investment into digital enhancement, which will rise to £2.5m this year, as it strives further continued expansion.
He said: “I am excited to move into this new role and it has only been made possible by the fact that we have brought in so much incredible experience and talent to the senior management team.
“We have a solid foundation in this area as we are a digitally native E-commerce business but consumer demands are moving faster than ever before and this is stimulating opportunities for us to capitalise. By moving into this new, dedicated role we can ensure we maximise all the opportunities in front of us.
“We will work with partners to help develop new digital tools but I am also looking to bring in more people in skilled roles to support the growth of this side of the business.
“Digital technology moves so quickly that, if you stand still, you end falling further and further behind.
“This move and our ongoing investment shows our determination to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to digital and, ultimately, that helps us to grow our customer base and give them the outstanding service that we pride ourselves on.”
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Countryside, the mixed-tenure developer specialising in place making and regeneration, has appointed Daniel McGowan as chief executive to lead the company’s recently created Partnerships Midlands division.
Joining Countryside with more than 25 years experience in house building across the South West, Midlands and the North of England, McGowan will lead the division focusing on the delivery of flagship developments, including the £336m Drakelow Park development in Burton-on-Trent, £154.5m the Milard Grange scheme in Houghton Regis, the £78m Stonefield Edge development in Bilston and the £64m The Colleys development in Grantham.
Most recently, McGowan was the Northern divisional chair for Taylor Wimpey.
McGowan said: “Joining Countryside to lead the Partnerships Midlands division is a great privilege. Having worked across these areas for over three decades, I have been impressed by the business’ commitment in the region. I look forward to taking our journey to the next level ensuring we deliver on our promise to create places people love.”
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Recruitment specialist Thorn Baker Construction has made two senior appointments to its Nottingham office, brothers Simon and Chris Brend.
They join Thorn Baker Construction from Approach Personnel. Simon will be taking on the role of business development manager and Chris will be appointed as a recruitment consultant.
Group director Rob Ford said: “Thorn Baker Construction has successfully navigated the pandemic and we are delighted that we are in the position to recruit two highly thought of experts. We are another step closer to achieving the status of the go to agency in the Midlands.
“Simon and Chris match the focus of the Thorn Baker Group and I am delighted to welcome them to the team. We plan to support Demi Harman, who has done an excellent job over the past two years, with the top talent in the industry so she can further develop the team and also continue to deliver on her core business areas. I am excited about the growth of the team and look forward to supporting our clients and candidates.”
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A Derbyshire IT firm has bolstered its team by recruiting two new members of staff.
Axess Systems, which is based on the Denby Hall Business Park, has hired Ian Dickerson as a senior network engineer and Greg Cork, who joins as cloud services account manager.
Founded by managing director Ed Morton 20 years ago, Axess Systems employs 20 people at its head office in Denby and its regional office in Southampton.
