All change at Kingspan as managing director steps down

KINGSPAN Access Floors has overhauled its board as it prepares for the departure of its managing director at the end of March.

Terry Newman, who joined the Hull-based business in 1985 and became managing director five years later, is set to retire at the end of the month.

Former finance director Paul Allon has been appointed general manager of the £45m-turnover company, which was founded in 1903. The role replaces the duties of managing director.

He said the company, which specialises in raised access floor panels, is “confident about strong growth in the UK commercial office sector”.

Mr Allon added: “Our R&D facilities are among the best in the UK and we will continue to invest in this important area to help us to continually drive new product development.”

Mike Burton has joined the company to fill Mr Allon’s previous role following his promotion. Mr Burton spent 12 years as finance director at Doncaster-based manufacturer Palram, and also worked in finance at Hallmark Cards.

Kingspan’s most recent accounts showed continued growth in the year to December 2014, with revenue up 5% to £45m and pre-tax profit up 6% to just under £5m.