People: Manufacturing expert hired; Technology growth specialist appointed; New commercial manager announced; and more

Manufacturing expert Kevin Diskin has joined Halifax engineering firm James Heal as manufacturing manager.

Mr Diskin brings over a decade of experience to his role at James Heal, which specialises in the design and manufacture of precision testing equipment and support services in the global textile industry.

He will manage a team of 34, assuming lead responsibility for the manufacturing division, heading the machine shop, sheet metal division and electro-mechanical build department.

Prior to joining James Heal, Diskin, who originally comes from Saddleworth, spent 11 years at Renold Gears (Part of Renold PLC).

After joining as an apprentice, he became a skilled mechanical engineer specialising in machining. He then progressed into a manufacturing engineering/project engineering role for several years, before becoming manufacturing supervisor with responsibility for three departments. He held that role for two years before joining James Heal.

He said: “James Heal has a world-class reputation as an engineering firm and a leader in global innovation, so to be joining such a progressive business is a great opportunity.”

With over 100 employees at its manufacturing and testing site in Halifax and supported by a global network of agents and distributors in over 60 countries, James Heal is an innovator and manufacturer of precision testing instruments, with expertise in materials testing across multiple sectors – from traditional textiles, to emerging sub-sectors of technical textiles.

Amanda McLaren, managing director, said: “Kevin’s recruitment is another key strategic appointment for 2019, bringing a wealth of manufacturing experience and technical expertise to the firm.

“Attracting and retaining the best qualified managerial staff with a strong strategic focus is really helping to reinforce James Heal’s position as a leading innovator in the global markets.

“Kevin’s appointment will assist the business to build on this enviable position in the marketplace and continue to wave the flag for British business at a crucial time in the manufacturing sector.”

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Data visualisation, reporting and analytics software developer Panintelligence has appointed Howard Bell, a seasoned commercial and technology growth specialist, as chair.

The appointment follows the firm’s successful Series A fundraising last month, which saw rapidly scaling Panintelligence secure £4.5m backing for UK and international expansion from investors YFM Equity Partners and Comhar Capital.

Bell has had a highly successful operational career, building and scaling a number of now market-leading US and UK digital brands. A founder member of PayPal Europe, where he steered growth from start up to £200m revenues, he was also a member of the leadership team that enabled UK cybersecurity venture, Content Technologies, to achieve a £650m exit, and part of the leadership team which achieved a £100m exit at JustGiving.

A former director and digital leader of international online payments at Barclaycard, Bell is currently a venture partner at Octopus Ventures and sits on the board of a number of fast-growth technology firms.

Led by CEO Zandra Moore, CTO Ken Miller and operations director Charlotte Bailey, Leeds-based Panintelligence was established in 2014 and employs 40 staff at its Leeds head office, opening it second office in Boston, USA in June 2019.

Bell said: “I rarely see an early-stage tech business with such a relevant, unique and targeted technology solution as Panintelligence, and the opportunity to help the founders in the next stage of growth was compelling.

“I am driven by helping great growth ventures maximise their potential, and from a really impressive platform of triple-digit growth in just a few years, we have a very ambitious plan for expansion in global markets, particularly the US.”

PanIntelligence’s CEO, Zandra Moore, said: “Howard is a hugely talented and experienced addition to our board, and we’re excited to have a chair who has a proven record of leading digital businesses through rapid growth.

“His background mirrors our journey from fintech start up to maturing specialist data analytics partner, and he really ‘gets’ what we want to achieve. I am confident Howard will help us make that happen in international and UK markets over the coming five years.”

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Victor Manufacturing, a food service and retail equipment supplier, has bolstered its UK-based team with the appointment of a new commercial manager.

Hayley Dean has joined the firm’s customer service team where she will be responsible for the internal sales office and customer support processes at the Bradford-based manufacturer.

Michael Inwood, sales director at Victor, said: “We have very ambitious growth plans over the next five years, and being able to offer industry leading customer service is vital to these expansion plans.

“Hayley’s experience and knowledge of the industry is a key element that will ensure our customers feel in safe hands. We’re very excited to welcome Hayley to the team and look forward to working with her to grow the department and the business.”

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A chartered architect and master planner is bringing added expertise to the board of a Yorkshire charity.

Polish born Magda Ballance has become a trustee of Turning Lives Around (TLA) which works to prevent homelessness and empowers people to change their lives and live independently within sustainable communities.

She said: “TLA’s trustees are largely business, legal and financial professionals and after speaking to Chief Executive Janet Spencer and Chair Ian Livingstone, I thought I could bring a new dimension with my construction and architectural background.

“TLA is a brilliant organisation doing a great job at enabling people in need to help themselves and get their lives back on track.

“Planning laws are changing and housing developers are being required to give greater consideration to mixed developments and provision for the homeless. This is something I’m keen to make sure TLA is well placed to take advantage of.”

Chief executive Janet Spencer welcomed Magda to the board of trustees. She said: “We are delighted to have recruited Magda to TLA’s trustees. She is a welcome addition to the team and with her wealth of experience and knowledge of the planning and development of the private and public sector housing sectors, a most valuable one.”