This week’s North West appointments

Sean Dignam, James Troop & Co

Runcorn-based engine sale and servicing company James Troop & Co has appointed a new sales representative.

Sean Dignam, a Manchester Metropolitan University business studies graduate, will work alongside business development manager Stephen Griffiths in his new role.

Commenting on the appointment, managing director Bob Troop said: “James Troop has a number of longstanding members of staff who know the company inside out.

“We’re extremely proud of that continuity but now is the time for them to pass on that knowledge and expertise to the next generation.”

He continued: “Sean brings with him the energy and enthusiasm of youth and will shadow Stephen Griffiths as he builds his understanding and expertise.

“He is also currently completing a number of training courses to boost his development – including online workshops with Volvo Penta.”

Matt Smith, Barrett Dixon Bell

Barrett Dixon Bell Ltd (BDB), the business-to-business marketing communications agency, has appointed Matt Smith in the role of managing director.

Matt, whose background lies in professional and financial services within the media, communications and technical sectors, has been hired to bring a renewed focus on client service and campaign delivery at the Altrincham firm.

He commented: “BDB has an unrivalled reputation in global b2b marketing, and stands out as having a 100% business-to-business focus.

“Unlike other agencies, where b2b can sometimes be a bolt-on, BDB’s has been a consistent and successful core focus for its 25 years in existence.”

Speaking further, Matt said that as managing director, he will assume responsibility for mapping out and driving the firm’s strategic direction.

BDB chairman Susanne Dixon said of Matt’s appointment: “We are delighted to have Matt on board.

“As BDB develops, we are confident that Matt will drive our business to success with continual enhancements to our capabilities for delivering excellence in international b2b marketing communications.”

Laura Partridge (pictured with Peter Simpson), N8 Research Partnership

The N8 Research Partnership, a collaboration between universities across the North, has chosen Laura Partridge for the role of innovation and engagement manager.

Working from the University of Manchester, Laura’s role will focus on engaging with academia and the private sector to develop relationships and increase N8’s presence.

Laura said: “Building multidisciplinary relationships across the N8 research network will maximise the potential of the already excellent research work going on in these universities whilst improving and building new bridges with industry across our focus areas.

“Working across and bringing together all of our research themes and to exploit the areas where they overlap will be key to making the most of the N8 partnership.”

Prior to N8, Laura worked at Cities@Manchester, an urban research organisation at the University of Manchester.

N8 director Dr Peter Simpson commented: “We are delighted to have Laura on board as innovation and engagement manager. Her experience in working across very different research areas and bringing industry and academia together will make her a fantastic addition to the N8 project.”

The N8 Research Partnership comprises the universities of Liverpool, Manchester, Lancaster, Sheffield, York, Leeds, Newcastle and Durham.

Andrew Saipe, Zilico

Manchester-based diagnostics device developer Zilico Ltd has appointed a new commercial director with 25 years of experience in medical sales.

At Zilico, Andrew Saipe will manage and develop the firm’s commercial relationships with its network of distributors, in addition to seeking out new markets for ZedScan, Zilico’s cervical cancer diagnostic system.

Andrew said: “With the growing real-clinic evidence of the benefits of ZedScan in the cervical cancer care pathway, this is a very exciting time to be joining the company.

“I’m now looking forward to using my knowledge of global healthcare to drive commercial growth for ZedScan in both established and emerging international markets.”

Andrew has been hired from manufacturer Purple Surgical, where he was responsible for international markets for eight years.

Zilico Ltd’s chief executive, Sameer Kothari, said: “Andrew has an outstanding track record in international healthcare sales and his experience will undoubtedly play a major role in the continuing growth of the company. We’re delighted to welcome him to the team.”

Andrew Coates and Anna Sills, ADVANCE

Freelancer accountancy company ADVANCE has strengthened its leadership team with two senior appointments.

Andrew Coates has joined the Chester-based firm in the role of group finance director, while Anna Sills has been promoted to customer service and communications director, a newly created position.

Andrew, who is a qualified FCCA accountant, commented: “This is an exciting time to be joining ADVANCE and I’m looking forward to helping the company grow.”

Since its launch in 2010, ADVANCE has achieved five consecutive years of growth, hitting a record revenue of £52m in 2014/15.

Andrew and Anna have joined MDs Tim Hunt and Shaun Critchley on ADVANCE’s senior management and strategy team.

Jemma Taylor, 1 Events Media

Event hosting firm 1 Events Media (1EM) has announced the appointment of a business development director.

In her new position with the Blackburn-headquartered company, Jemma Taylor will take on a key role in promoting events, including the upcoming E3 Business Awards, and assume responsibility for developing new customer relationships.

1EM’s managing director, Mubarak Chati, said: “This is a senior post that demanded someone with great connections within the North West business community.

“I had absolutely no doubt that Jemma was the ideal candidate. I’ve worked with her for many years, and her previous roles within HSBC and the Business Growth Service meant she had just the experience and contacts we needed.”

He added: “She’s going to be a great asset to us and I think we’re all looking forward to growing the 1EM brand over the course of 2016.”

Before her appointment, Jemma worked as a business development manager with the Business Growth Service covering Merseyside, Lancashire and Cumbria.

She commented: “I was delighted to accept the position of business development director at 1 Events Media.

“Having been involved with the E3 Business Awards for the last two years as one of the judges, I know how passionate Mubarak is about ensuring that 1EM continues to grow and develop.”

Mark Lyons, Bibby Line Group

Bibby Line Group, a Liverpool-based organisation comprising firms in logistics, shipping and financial services, has announced that Mark Lyons will assume the position of chief financial officer and main board executive director as of April 1 this year.

Mark is currently the CFO at glass manufacturer NSG Group, a position he has held since 2011.

He commented: “I am very much looking forward to joining Bibby Line Group once my work at NSG Group is complete.

“This is a great opportunity to join a forward thinking private company with fantastic growth opportunities across its diverse portfolio.”

Group MD Sir Michael Bibby commented: “I am delighted to welcome Mark Lyons to the executive team and main board in April this year.

“His commercial and financial experience in complex global operations will be an asset to the group.”

Paul Drechsler, chairman at Bibby Line Group, said: “I am delighted to add my welcome to Mark to the board of Bibby Line Group and very much look forward to working with him as chief financial officer and as a member of Bibby Line Group board.”