Logistics boss joins Shropshire chamber board

THE managing director of logistics group Global Freight has been appointed to the board of the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce.

Nicole Howarth has headed up the firm since its launch in 1996 and has specialist knowledge of the export process having gained hands-on experience throughout her 16-year career, including the award of qualifications such as a Diploma in Export Management and an Advanced Certificate in Overseas Trade.

Richard Sheehan, the chamber’s managing director, said: “We were eager to invite Nicole to join our board as we all felt that her knowledge, combined with her passion for local business, and her fresh approach would be of real benefit to the organisation as a whole.

“We recently won the International Trade Delivery for Shropshire and will be starting our work in April, so Nicole’s appointment could not have been better timed.”

Global Freight is an independent, specialist freight forwarder and won a Shropshire Business Award in 2010 for Best Small Business.

Ms Howarth said: “I was delighted to be approached by the Shropshire Chamber of Commerce and asked to join the board. I very much look forward to assisting businesses across the county to exploit export opportunities.

“We have some fantastic companies in our region however many of them are still seeing barriers to moving outside the domestic market. I know that the board is committed to helping break down these obstacles and I’m determined to do all I can to assist.”

Energetics grows Midlands operation with new appointments

UTILITIES connections specialist, Energetics, has announced three key appointments for its new Coleshill office as the company continues to put its Midlands expansion plans into action.

The company, which is working on the electrical infrastructure at the New Street Gateway project, owns and operates more than 1,000 utility networks across the UK.  Headquartered in Glasgow and with an office in Warrington, the company opened its base in Coleshill last year to support growth in the Midlands.

The appointments see Sally Appleyard joining the company as Sales Manager.  Jackie Morgan and Darryl New have both been appointed as Project Managers.

Bill McSheffery, Major Developments Manager for Energetics, said: “Energetics is building on its presence in the Midlands by recruiting a strong team with the ambition and determination to really make an impact in a competitive marketplace.

“These latest appointments demonstrate Energetics’ ongoing commitment to growth and expansion – and we are not stopping here.  This year, we will be focused on our target of increasing the number of electricity and gas connections we make in the region by a third.”

Holland & Barrett awarded major retail honour

MIDLANDS-based health food retailer Holland & Barrett has been awarded Speciality Retailer of the Year at a national awards ceremony.

The award, made by trade magazine Retail Week, is a first for the business, which it said recognised its strong growth and development.

During the last 12 months, the Nuneaton firm has introduced a number of in-store incentives while it has increased its estate by 60 outlets across the UK. In addition, the firm has created 50 new jobs for young people initially taken on through work experience programmes.

Holland & Barrett currently employs 150 people at its Nuneaton head office at Eliot Park, with a further 275 at its Burton upon Trent packing and distribution plant on the Centrum 100 development.

The company is owned by NBTY Europe, which also operates the GNC and Julian Graves health food brands.

Peter Aldis, NBTY Europe’s chief executive, said: “To have our achievement recognised by the retail industry is a real tribute to our staff. The commitment they show in providing exceptional customer service to the high street is second to none.”
Mr Aldis and chief operating officer Martin Moran were presented with the award at a ceremony at the Grosvenor House in London.