People: Making Rooms; Epistem; Pierce & more
THE man appointed to lead Blackburn’s Making Rooms facility played a pivotal role in bringing the phenomenon of the Fab Lab to the UK.
Dr Eddie Kirkby, who has a PHD in optical fibre communication, will take the reins at the town centre technology hub in February.
The three-storey building is due to be open in early summer and will be a hub for creative, artistic, digital and technological innovation. It is being backed by Blackburn with Darwen Council, Arts Council England and Lancashire Enterprise Partnership.
As well as artist studios, flexible workspaces, a café, exhibition space and areas for workshops, it will house a Fab Lab where entrepreneurs can produce new products using state of the art machinery.
Fab Labs are places where entrepreneurs, makers and the public can use advanced digital manufacturing equipment which can include 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC machines at a little or no cost.
Kirkby is currently the charity operations manager at the Manchester-based Manufacturing Institute which introduced the Fab Labs to Britain from the US, where the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (M.I.T) first pioneered the idea.
He then helped set up the two Fab Labs in Manchester and Ellesmere Port and grew the network across the country where he helped train staff, install equipment and provided advice on issues like raising funding.
There are currently 17 around the UK with another six due to be opened in 2016 including one in Altrincham, Greater Manchester.
“It’s extremely exciting to have been part of this movement from the beginning,” said Kirkby.
“The rate at which interest in Fab Labs have grown has been amazing and the interest in them, from all walks of life, has been astounding.”
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MANCHESTER biotech company Epistem Holdings – the developer of tuberculosis testing system Genedrive – has appointed David Budd as its chief executive and director.
Budd has more than 20 years of commercial and operational experience in the diagnostics and medical devices field, launching multiple diagnostics products into international markets.
He joins listed Epistem from Leica Biosystems – a Danaher company – where he was general manager based in Amsterdam. He takes up his new post in April.
Epistem chairman Ian Gilham said : “David’s significant commercial and operational experience will be invaluable to the company as we continue to progress with the commercialisation of Genedrive, our next-generation Point-of-Care molecular diagnostic system.”
Budd said: “I relish the opportunity to lead Epistem at this exciting point of transition as the Company begins to scale up the commercialisation of Genedrive.
“I believe Genedrive is an outstanding molecular diagnostic system with significant near term commercial opportunities in tuberculosis testing and across a wide range of other applications in the future.”
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A SENIOR banker who supported hundreds of North West entrepreneurs during a 32-year career with NatWest has joined Pierce business advisory and chartered accountancy group in a newly-created business development role.
David Haslam joins Lancashire-based Pierce as business development lead, working alongside colleagues in identifying new opportunities within general practice, corporate finance and new specialist teams targeting specific industry sectors.
As well as continuing to support business clients requiring a range of services, Pierce is building on its specialist experience within four specific business sectors – property, legal support, manufacturing, innovation and renewables and social care.
Haslam has been NatWest’s commercial director for East Lancashire for the past 14 years. He spent 32 years at the bank in total, working up through their graduate placement scheme, into commercial management.
His role at Pierce will include managing and developing the general practice and additional business streams at Pierce, plus identifying new clients and opportunities. He will also help client companies with their funding requirements.
He said: “I’ve worked alongside Pierce for many years and am delighted to take up a position with the premier accountants in Lancashire. I hope to bring my commercial experience to help them further develop their professional offering.”
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RUNCORN engine specialist James Troop & Co is demonstrating its commitment to investing in the next generation to future proof the firm with the appointment of its newest recruit.
Sales representative Sean Dignam, 23, a business studies graduate from Manchester Metropolitan University, is set to work alongside the firm’s experienced business development manager Stephen Griffiths.
James Troop managing director Bob Troop said the appointment showcased the company’s commitment to a progressive, forward-thinking ethos.
“James Troop has a number of longstanding members of staff who know the company inside out,” he said. “We’re extremely proud of that continuity but now is the time for them to pass on that knowledge and expertise to the next generation.”
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WIGAN company 3P Logistics has appointed Mark Pawsey as commercial manager to further support expansion of its UK and international fulfilment and logistics services.
Reporting directly into the managing director Ian Walker and working alongside depot management the external facing role will oversee a number of key areas including sales, marketing and customer care.
“As more and more business opt to outsource their warehousing and logistics requirements it is vitally important that we strengthen the management team in line with increased demand,” said Walker.
“Operating at a senior management level for over 15 years Mark brings a vast wealth of senior logistics experience and commercial acumen underpinned by an insatiable passion for service excellence and we are indeed excited to welcome Mark to the 3PL management team.
Pawsey said: “3P Logistics is a vibrant and dynamic business with a bright future ahead. I look forward to adding my experience to the team whilst playing an integral part in shaping the future of the business and taking service delivery to the next level.”
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BROWN Shipley, experts in wealth planning, investment management and private banking, has appointed Gavin Wiggans as business development director reporting to head of Manchester office, Jon Sherlock.
In his new role, Wiggans will help further develop Brown Shipley’s relationships with the intermediary community, with a particular focus on accountants and solicitors.
Wiggans has extensive client facing and business development experience within the intermediary sector having worked in the financial services industry for 25 years’, including most recently 19 years with Standard Life.
Sherlock said: “Gavin is an excellent addition to our team and will play an instrumental role in helping us continue with our growth strategy. Furthermore, Gavin’s extensive experience of working with intermediaries, particularly in helping them develop their client propositions, will be invaluable, so we are delighted that he has decided to join Brown Shipley.”
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ARTHUR J Gallagher, specialists in risk management and commercial insurance solutions, has strengthened its business team in the North West by appointing development executive Matthew Hodgson.
The insurance broker, located on New Bailey Street in Manchester, has had a successful 2015 following its rebrand to Arthur J Gallagher from Giles Insurance and Gallagher Heath in late 2014.
It has spent the past year establishing and building the brand in the region, resulting in a solid performance during 2015, and a platform to hit the ground running in 2016.
Hodgson joins the business from insurance broker Marsh, and has 17 years of experience in the insurance market, supported by a strong understanding of the region. In his role, which has been newly created, he will work with the business team to identify and develop new client relationships.
Paul Fairhurst, branch director at Arthur J Gallagher in Manchester, said: “We place a huge emphasis on really getting to know our clients and it’s important for us to have people in place who can develop those special relationships.
“Having worked with Matthew in the past, I know he has good knowledge and understanding of the local market and our strong regional industries, which is important to our clients. His expertise and reputation in the region will help us educate clients of our capabilities in the corporate and SME arenas.”
