Kirby Sebastian appoints new commercial director

BUSINESS-to-business bathroom brand Kirby Sebastian (KS Bathrooms) has announced the appointment of Andrew Bullingham as its new commercial director, as it reveals ambitious growth plans.

KS Bathrooms, based in Coventry, was launched in 2011 and recorded impressive sales figures in its first year. Its product portfolio includes taps, mixer showers, radiators, shower enclosures, baths, suites and furniture.

Bullingham, a well-known figure in the bathroom industry with more than 15 years’ experience, joins KS Bathrooms after a spell with MX Group to whom he had sold his own shower tray business, Aquatora, in 2011.

KS Bathrooms, part of the Luxury for Less group, has revealed an aggressive growth strategy, aiming to at least double turnover year-on-year over the next four years, hitting £30m by 2016.

Two new faces delivered to APC Overnight

APC Overnight, the UK’s largest independent parcel network, has announced two new senior appointments, as part of its on-going growth strategy.

Tara Barnes, formerly of DHL, joins as head of sales and marketing, tasked with improving national brand awareness and providing strategic marketing direction for the company. 

Former Cluttons IT director Mark Clemence has also been recruited as head of IT to develop the company’s information technology systems, ensuring it maintains its leading position.

The Cannock-based courier firm, announced the appointments following its posting of a 30 per cent rise in pre-tax profits for last year and the unveiling of its new £15m delivery hub in Cannock earlier this month.

CEO Syed Ziaullah said: “APC Overnight is at a key point in its development as a business, having seen record growth over recent years. Both appointments will see us build on our current strengths and develop strategic plans for the future.”

Local MD becomes Semta chair for West Midlands

THE managing director of a local engineering company has been appointed regional chair of a national body set up to support the manufacturing and engineering industry.

Semta (the Sector Skills Council for Science, Engineering and Manufacturing Technologies) has appointed Jim Griffin of Automotive Insulations as the new chairperson of the West Midlands regional council.

Griffin’s company specialises in the design and manufacture of acoustic and thermal insulation materials for the automotive industry amongst others. He has led the company to a 140% increase in turnover since a management buyout in 2006.

Semta, which is funded by the UK Commission for Employment, aims to support growth and productivity within industry through skills diagnostics, strategic workforce planning, consultancy, funding and training programmes.