This week’s North West appointments

Andy Black, Innov8

Innov8, the North West construction design management company, has appointed a new safety advisor.

The firm, which has operations in Manchester and Birkenhead, has taken on Andy Black, a graduate of the University of Reading who has five years of experience working in health and safety.

Having recently returned to the UK after working in South East Asia and Australia for two years, Andy said he was drawn to Innov8 by the firm’s growth figures and reputation.

He commented: “My degree was in environmental science and I come from an oil and gas background so I am looking to offer something entirely new.

“It’s a terrific opportunity to be joining a young, thrusting and energetic business. I will be looking to make use of my skills by broadening Innov8’s offering.”

The MD of Innov8, which saw its turnover rise from £440k to over £700k last year, believes the appointment of its new safety advisor will help the firm increase its presence in new sectors. He said: “We have launched an ambitious three-year growth strategy aimed at increasing turnover to £1.6m by 2018.

“The appointment of Andy Black is a clear signal of our intent. Innov8’s recent expansion has been driven by a nationwide sales drive with project wins in the commercial, healthcare, maritime and education sectors the length and breadth of the country.”

Jonathan Powers, Bilfinger GVA

Property consultant Bilfinger GVA has welcomed Jonathan Powers as its newest senior surveyor.

Jonathan, who will be working with the firm’s lease consultancy team in Manchester, has worked in the commercial property sector for more than nine years.

In his new post, Jonathan will be responsible for lease renewals, lease restructures and rent reviews, working with clients such as the Ministry of Justice and First Choice Holidays.

Jonathan commented: “I am thrilled to be joining Bilfinger GVA. The team has a remarkable reputation both regionally and nationally, with a range of high profile clients. I am looking forward to my future within the firm.”

His previous experience includes work with Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council and dentist chain IDH Group.

Bilfinger GVA’s head of lease consultancy in Manchester, Shawn Ganguly, said: “Jonathan joins the expanding Lease Consultancy team following our success in winning the RBS contract, which has a portfolio of 530 leasehold interests.

“Our dedicated Lease Consultancy team in Manchester now has four experienced surveyors, making us one of the largest teams in the region with a best in class service.”

adept4’s senior team, from left to right: CTO Paul Talbot, COO Steve Cosgrove and CEO Peter Birkett

14 new starters, adept4

Warrington-based IT services firm adept4 has appointed 14 new members of staff since the beginning of the year. The organisation, which operates from Daresbury Park, has hired new starters in almost every area of the business since January.

The adept4 CEO, Peter Birkett, said: “Our people are the bedrock of our success, so we’re focused on ensuring that we win the talent battle and attract the best.

“In a very competitive employment market, we’re very pleased to be welcoming such a strong selection of people to our team and continuing to grow and develop the company at all levels.”

He added: “In addition to senior hires, we have also welcomed a number of junior staff, including two apprentices and are looking forward to seeing them grow and develop with the business.”

The new starters are Paul Bain as technical architect, Lynne Elliot as back office manager, Ceri Watkins as project manager, Ian Campbell as QA test manager, Shelley Jeffries as central project manager, Shazia Khan as service design technical analyst, Victoria Pemberton as client relationship manager and Bryn Jones as service transition technical consultant.

Further, adept4 also welcomed Mark Dennett, Angie Williams, Benjamin Worrall and Matthew Owen as first line service operations technical analysts, while Conor Parkes and Jamie Hunter joined the firm as service operations apprentices.

Five of the six new employees, from left to right: Shane, Peter, Michael, Liam and Anthony

Six new starters, Constant Group

In a recent employment drive, Oldham-based engineering and manufacturing firm Constant Group has taken on six new employees for its sheet metal fabricating business.

The new starters will assume a number of responsibilities, including welding and warehouse management.

Constant Group’s newly trained machine operator, Anthony, said: “I used to work at a furniture construction company, so had some basic experience of manufacturing. Constant have trained me up to learn the company processes and the technical skills in using the machines which I enjoy. The factory is always busy and I’m always learning something new here.”

Anthony’s new role will see him helping to manage the firm’s fleet of Trumpf equipment.

Constant’s operations manager, David Gilligan, commented: “The Trumpf TruLaser machine is worth £455,000, and we wouldn’t allow anyone to operate it solo if we didn’t have confidence and evidence of their skill in using the machine.

“It’s important for us to support the Oldham area with employment opportunities when we can. We’ve been manufacturing in Oldham for 45 years, and our new intake of lads are doing exceptionally well.”

He added: “Several are learning completely new trades which are setting them up for a long-term career at Constant which we’re proud to provide.”

Keith Hepplewhite, Glendale

Green services company Glendale, which is headquartered in Chorley, has appointed Keith Hepplewhite as its new health and safety and compliance director.

The position will see Keith ensuring the company adheres to legislative requirements, in addition to looking after the welfare of Glendale employees across the UK.

The MD of Glendale, Andy Corcoran, said: “Glendale is committed to achieving the highest standards in health and safety and compliance, and we have comprehensive systems in place which help to manage and reduce risks, protecting the company and our staff.

“Keith’s enthusiasm and determination will support and help to maintain our excellent health and safety record.”

Keith joined Glendale six years ago as the firm’s head of business development. Later, he became Glendale’s director for the North and the Midlands.

Commenting on his new role within the company, Keith said: “I’ve always been passionate about health and safety and I’m prepared for the challenges involved in this new role, including working towards achieving Occupational Health and Safety Assessment Series (OHSAS) accreditation, which is a real mark of efficiency and reduced risk.

“One of my first goals will be to help make all staff aware of the importance of health and safety, and continue to keep the workplace a safe place to be for all employees.”

Looking to promote your product/service to SME businesses in your region? Find out how Bdaily can help →