People: Headlam Group; Spencer Gardner Dickins; CBI West Midlands Council

Flooring distributor Headlam Group has made two appointments to its team as part of its broader transformation plan.

David Rose, who joined the company last year as operations transformation director, has been promoted to chief operating officer.

With over 30 years of senior leadership experience, Rose will oversee operations, supply chain and rug & sample manufacturing.

His extensive background in transforming supply chains includes roles at UK Flooring Direct, Keswick Flooring and Argos.

Chris Sutton has joined Headlam as contracts managing director.

With more than 20 years of experience in the contract flooring industry, Sutton previously held roles at Beaulieu International Group and Brinton Carpets.

He will focus on growing Headlam’s contracts business in the UK and internationally.

Chris Payne, Headlam’s CEO said: “We are delighted to have David and Chris as part of the team. Both bring invaluable flooring expertise and impressive credentials into the business and are well-placed to help deliver our customer-led growth strategy. It’s an exciting time at Headlam and we look forward to seeing their impact in their respective areas.”

A Coventry accountancy firm is set to embrace the potential of AI after adding a new member to its audit team.

Demsey Slater joined Spencer Gardner Dickins in December as a director, bringing with him 20 years of industry experience.

Slater is focused on driving AI-driven efficiencies and keeping the firm at the forefront of technology.

He believes that his approach will be well received by his colleagues, especially as the industry increasingly embraces data analytics and AI in audit processes.

Martin Chapman, director at SGD said: “We’re delighted to have someone of Demsey’s calibre and reputation join us. Being able to attract such talent shows how far we have come as a business and how attractive a proposition working at SGD has become. We expect Demsey’s methods to bring about real efficiencies, which is fantastic for us as a business and our clients too.”

Slater said: “We’re not trying to grow too quickly too soon, but growth is inevitable as I feel we can adopt most clients into SGD. It’s an exciting time not only for the business but the market as a whole. We’re delivering great client service because of our vastly experienced and client-focused team. I’m excited to be on the SGD bus during this time of upward transition.”

Chris Woolridge, managing director of Wedge Group Galvanizing (WGG), has been appointed Chair of CBI’s West Midlands Council.

Born and raised in Wolverhampton, Woolridge has served as managing director of WGG since 2014.

Headquartered in Willenhall, WGG is a hot dip galvanising company and subsidiary of B E Wedge Holdings, a family-owned business with interests in galvanising operations across the USA and Europe, as well as a UK-based manufacturer of galvanising equipment and services exported globally.

Chris Woolridge

Nikki Paterson, CBI regional director for the Midlands said: “We’re delighted to appoint Chris to lead the West Midlands Council. He brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in driving significant growth and innovation in a traditional West Midlands business. Chris has been a critical friend to the CBI over the years, providing valuable insights and constructive feedback that have helped shape our initiatives and policies. His deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing businesses in the region ensures that he will have a strong voice in representing West Midlands members.

“I would also like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to John Burton, Finance Director at ABP, for his two years of dedicated service as Chair. His steadfast support and leadership have been invaluable, especially through some challenging times for the business community. We are pleased to announce that John will continue to contribute as Vice Chair through 2025.”

Woolridge said: “I am honoured to be appointed as the Chair of the CBI West Midlands Council. This role presents a unique opportunity to champion the interests of our business community. I am committed to ensuring that the voices of our members are heard loud and clear. By having a strong voice, we can effectively advocate for policies and initiatives that support sustainable growth, innovation, and resilience. I look forward to working closely with the West Midlands and wider CBI team over the next two years.”