People: Senior Architectural Systems; Han Law; Roberts Mart; and more

Senior Architectural Systems, the UK’s largest privately owned manufacturer of aluminium windows, doors and curtain wall solutions, has appointed Mark Rossouw to the newly created role of major projects manager.

A familiar face within the construction industry, he brings with him over 15 years’ experience of helping to design and deliver multi-product fenestration packages and previously worked for Senior as one of the company’s regionally based architectural advisors.

He re-joins Senior as major projects manager to support the company’s growing order book of larger and more complex contracts, and further develop its supply chain partnerships with national main contractors, architects and fabricators.

In his new role, Rossouw will work with Senior’s national specification manager to oversee Senior’s involvement in the many high-value and longer-term contracts the company has secured across the country, with a particular focus on London and the South East.

This pipeline also includes large-scale regeneration projects and mixed use residential schemes where Senior can provide a package of thermally-efficient fenestration systems manufactured using fully recyclable low carbon aluminium.

Rossouw said: “It’s great to be back with Senior and to be able to take on a brand new role that will allow me to draw on my existing experience and knowledge but also challenge me to continue to find new and innovative solutions for our customers.

“This is a really exciting time for Senior as we take on larger and longer-term contracts and I’m looking forward to working with the wider project teams to see them successfully brought to fruition.”

With its head office in Denaby, South Yorkshire, Senior also has facilities in Rotherham and Livingston, Scotland.

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Halifax-based Han Law has appointed Haley White, founder of Menospace, as a consultant who will support the firm in delivering niche menopause-related training, consultancy, and accreditation to employers.

The Menopause Support Packages will include consultancy and insight, strategic and legal advice, employee surveys and analysis, dedicated workshops, and accredited training for managers.

Hannah Strawbridge, CEO and founder of Han Law, said: “There are over 6.5 million menopausal women in the UK workforce and almost one million of them have left their jobs due to inadequate support.

“After conducting our menopause at work survey, we weren’t just paying lip service to the issue of how it affects so many women in the workplace.

“We intended to create a solution and bringing Haley on board is the perfect way to execute that. She is already leading the way in menopause support solutions for employers, so it’s a perfect collaboration.

“Together, we want to improve the working lives of women, at the peri and menopause stage of their lives. Now we aim to bridge the gap between employers and employees with this new offering.”

White added: “Menospace teaming up with Han Law is a game-changer for organisations. Together, we bring the perfect mix of expertise to help create inclusive and legally compliant workplaces.

“Combining our training with their solid legal advice, this partnership will ensure workplaces are menopause supportive, inclusive, and up-to-date with employment regulations.”

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John Roberts, chairman at Leeds-based flexible packaging manufacturer Roberts Mart, is celebrating 60 years of service with the family firm.

He began his career in the print industry in 1961, embarking on a diploma course at Leeds College of Printing and Technology, joining the family business in 1964 at the age of 20.

Founded in 1852 by William Roberts, Roberts Mart is a sixth-generation business. John worked for over 30 years with his father, Peter, taking over operational control in 1974.

John Roberts said: “In the sixties Roberts Mart was essentially a letterpress and litho printers. We set type by hand, we were binders, we made paper bags – all that’s gone. Now we print flexographically reel to reel on big, huge presses that run 24 hours a day at high speed.” 

Widely recognised for modernising the firm, with significant investment in both plant and equipment, in the mid 1970s he introduced the production of polythene bags with the company’s first polythene bag making machine. 

This was followed in 1983 by the purchase of a polythene extrusion business.

He also masterminded the moving of the Roberts Mart headquarters from its landmark site of 120 years at Bank Mills to a new purpose-built facility on the outskirts of Leeds, close to major transport routes.

In 2009, after 45 years at the helm, John handed over the day-to-day management of the firm to his two sons, William and Ben, remaining very much a part of the business as chairman.

William Roberts, managing director, said: “This is a remarkable achievement for my father. His dedication and forethought have made the company what it is today. Both Ben and I are proud to follow in his footsteps.”

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Associated British Ports (ABP) in the Humber has welcomed Laura Wood as its new head of Commercial.

She will head the team responsible for ABP’s range of customer relationships central to the company’s mission of “Keeping Britain Trading” across its four Humber ports of Grimsby, Immingham, Goole and Hull.

Wood joins the Humber team after working as business development manager across ABP’s portfolio looking at opportunities for the energy transition, fuels of the future and products of the future.

The role involved working with senior stakeholders across both business and Government to build partnerships to progress complex projects in areas such as alternative fuels and carbon capture.

Simon Bird, regional director of the Humber, said: “We are happy to welcome Laura to the Humber. She brings with her a wealth of expertise and skills to the role, and has already had an established background in the ports sector before she joined ABP.

“Laura’s appointment is the next step in a refreshed, focused and reinvigorated Commercial team.”

Prior to joining ABP, Wood worked for Peel Ports at the Port of Liverpool where she was part of the commercial team helping to boost freight volumes using the Manchester Ship Canal.

She has also worked for Frontier, a crop production and grain marketing business.

She said: “It’s exciting to be heading up the dynamic Humber Commercial team who are experienced across multiple sectors and focused on delivering customer solutions.

“I am also looking forward to working alongside our property team and optimising what we can do in the port to bring customers supply chain solutions that combine ABP’s unrivalled land holdings, operational experience and port infrastructure.

“ABP have shown real commitment to supporting me in developing my career including through maternity leave.

“My experience is that they have broken the mould when it comes to supporting women in their careers.”

Wood isn’t completely new to the Humber, having previously worked in the Port of Immingham when she brought the hydrogen fuelled Terberg terminal tractor project to the container terminal.