New general manager appointed by corporate clothing supplier

EXPERIENCED corporate clothing executive Steve Ciuffini has been named as the new general manager at Incorporatewear, the UK’s leading corporate clothing supplier.

He takes over from Mike Tozer, one of the Coleshill company’s founders.

Ciuffini has more than 15 years’ experience in the industry. He first worked for Incorporatewear from 2000 to 2005 when he established national accounts with blue chip organisations. He returned last year as head of international accounts and, in his new role, will continue to drive the company forward with plans for substantial growth.

Commenting on his appointment, he said: “It is important to continue to deliver the strategic development of the business while ensuring that our core DNA of design and innovation remain at the forefront of the services offered to our clients.

Recently purchased by Wesfarmers, Incorporatewear supplies corporate wardrobes to blue-chip organisations, including Marks & Spencer and Nationwide, with an international wearer base of more than 350,000 people.

EEF brings in new training centre manager

EEF, the manufacturers’ organisation, has appointed a new manager at its multi-million pound Technology Training Centre in Aston.

Christine Chapman takes over from the previous centre manager, Ian Grant, who has left to take on a newly-created role designed to boost EEF’s apprenticeship management support for Jaguar Land Rover in the North West.   
The centre was purpose-built to train the next generation of the UK’s manufacturers and engineers and boasts world-class training facilities.

Ms Chapman will be joining in July and will be working alongside Technical Training Director, Peter Winebloom, and his team. She brings a wealth of experience to her new role, having been a degree-qualified engineer, manager and lecturer.
 
She started her career in engineering as an apprentice at Rolls-Royce, going on to gain a degree in Mechanical Engineering and completing a Masters in Business Administration. She left Rolls-Royce and has since held a number of senior level roles in engineering companies.
 
For the last two years she has worked at Dudley College where she was the centre manager for Engineering. She has previously worked at a number of other colleges having completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education.
 
Peter Winebloom, technical training director at EEF, said: “Christine comes with a blend of hands-on and academic experience that will be very valuable in her role here. The fact that she started her career as an apprentice and went on to complete both a degree and a Masters makes her uniquely placed to both understand and inspire ambition. She’s proof positive that an apprenticeship can be the start of a rewarding and sustainable long-term career and will be a great addition to our team.”  

Pallet-Track appoints regional director 

LOGISTICS network Pallet-Track has appointed a divisional director to assist with the strategic growth of the business.

Working closely with the Wolverhampton-based logistics company’s depots, hubs and other divisions, Steve Butler joins the team having recently left a role with rival pallet network Palletline.

With more than 25 years’ experience in the industry – working in-house for a number of transport and logistics companies, as well as in similar roles at blue chip organisations – Butler will directly support managing director Nigel Parkes and operations director Lisa Burrows. 

He said: “I’m really looking forward to being involved in the strategic planning of Pallet-Track’s future expansion. The network already has more than 80 members, and that’s growing steadily.”

Crofts & Assinder beefs up its sales team

BIRMINGHAM-based handle and architectural fittings manufacturer Crofts & Assinder has appointed a new regional sales executive.

Alyn Davies joins the Digbeth family-run business with 30 years’ experience in the manufacturing industry. His previous roles include UK director for a German manufacturer and national sales manager for a Leicester-based handle supplier.

As well as being responsible for sales throughout Wales, the South West and Ireland, Davies will work closely with the Crofts & Assinder sales team to support and expand its growth overseas, which has already surged by 15% this year.

Davies said: “I’m delighted to have joined Crofts & Assinder at a time when the business is flourishing. I’m keen to apply my previous experience and expertise to support the business growth in both domestic and export sales, and make sure our customers get the solutions they require.”

Alex Crofts, CEO of Crofts & Assinder, added: “This year Crofts & Assinder celebrates its 140th birthday and we have high aspirations for the company.

“ I have no doubt Alyn will support our business and help us achieve our goals over the next five years.”