Metalforming confederation set for shake-up with new CEO

A WEST Midland-based engineering trade association is set for a strategic shake-up following the appointment of a new chief executive.

The Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM), based in West Bromwich, is one of the UK’s leading trade associations.

The new head of the organisation is Dennis Kent, best-known in the industry for transforming Leicester-based Carlton Laser Services from a loss-making business with just 15 workers, into a profitable venture employing five times that number, with high-profile contracts throughout the UK and Western Europe.

He is also a former president of the East Midlands and Mid-Anglia branch of the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF).

Now, having sold Carlton to an MBO team, Mr Kent said he was eager for a new challenge.

“I’m involved with several organisations in the East Midlands, developing links between schools and industry, trying to attract youngsters into engineering, and looking to increase the number of apprenticeship schemes, and after I’d sold Carlton, I expected to do more for those groups,” he said.

“Then, I was invited to take part in the CBM’s strategic review, which began after the previous chief executive retired.”

He began by asking member companies and staff what they thought of the organisation and what amendments they would want to see.

”I needed to find out what made the place tick, to see if everyone’s skill-set was right, and to judge if they worked together as a team,” he said.

Three months later, he had compiled a sizeable dossier of comments, suggestions and strategic options.

“What pleased me most was that almost everyone thought the CBM was doing a really good job, but we did need to get closer to our customers. It was also clear that we had to raise our profile, and have more of a national presence,” he said.

”I learned from my time with the EEF just how important it is that trade associations have a voice at the top table, and that their opinions are really heard inside Westminster.              

“It’ll take a little while before the new strategies can bed in, but I think we are all now heading in the same direction, and it won’t be long before our customers can really see the difference.”