New Export Finance Advisor for the West Midlands

EXPORT support organisations UK Export Finance and UK Trade & Investment have appointed a new Export Finance Advisor to help firms in the West Midlands improve their chances of securing funding for overseas trade.

Phill Potter, who brings 34 years of experience in the banking industry to the role, will give local firms support on accessing finance and insurance for trading overseas.

His most recent post was at HSBC, where he developed the bank’s international trade strategy for the Midlands.

He said: “With my experience in the banking industry, I can give practical, impartial advice from the financial structure of a business to how companies can best approach banks when looking for finance.

“This is the first time since the closure of regional offices in 1991 that UK Export Finance, the UK’s export credit agency, has had a regional presence.  Working alongside UKTI advisers means we can offer an even more extensive range of free advice for exporters.

“I’m here to give firms an independent view on how to access finance, guidance on insurance when dealing in overseas trade and give help and support along the way.  Most of my time is being spent raising awareness of my role and the government support available to exporters, by both speaking at exporter events, but also travelling around the West Midlands region to meet companies looking for advice, particularly smaller companies.”

National Windscreens sees the way ahead with new director

SHROPSHIRE-based windscreen company National Windscreens has appointed a new director following the retirement of one of the founders of the firm.

John Smallman, left, first started with National Windscreens 21 years ago as a windscreen fitter. He worked his way up the promotional ladder to company manager during his 15 years’ service before leaving the firm to concentrate on his family.

Five years on the father-of-two has returned to the business after being appointed director.

Mr Smallman said: “It is a privilege to return to National Windscreens.”

He will work alongside fellow director James Morgan, son of business founders David and Janet Morgan.

James Morgan, who has worked with his father since leaving school said: “John and I have worked very closely together in the past and are both looking forward to the future of the company.”

Lorien invests in new process engineer

STAFFORDSHIRE-based Lorien Engineering has recruited a new process engineer to support its work in the brewing, food and sustainable energy sectors. Jonathan Cannon, left, joins the Burton upon Trent firm from Mars Petcare UK.

He said: “I chose Lorien because it is a progressive, forward-thinking company where everyone has the opportunity to develop according to their individual strengths. I’m particularly looking forward to the scale and diversity of projects I’ll be involved with, which is another key reason for my joining the company.”

Lorien director Steve Turner said: “It is widely known that in the UK the number of graduates choosing engineering as a profession has decreased dramatically.  At Lorien we are committed to nurturing the next generation of engineers and Jonathan certainly has a bright future ahead of him. His enthusiasm and willingness to learn are infectious and we’re confident the broad range of work we handle will offer him a fast learning curve.”