Movers and shakers Autumn 08

Movers & Shakers

Promotional products franchisor, Recognition Express, has appointed Wayne Cherry as corporate clothing manager in a bid to increase its share of the UK’s £1 billion corporate clothing market.

Wayne has over a decade of decorative garments experience where his previous clients include Henri Lloyd. He stated: “We are in a strong position to take a leading role in this market and I’m sure the franchisees will embrace this opportunity.”
 
Managing Director of Recognition Express, Nigel Toplis, added: “There are times when only the best is good enough, and that is why we’ve appointed Wayne. He is the ideal front-man for our new corporate clothing strategy.”

Caroline Joyce has been appointed as the new head of franchise sales for on demand print and design specialists Kall Kwik and Prontaprint.

With 18 years’ experience in franchising and nine years working across both Kall Kwik and Prontaprint in an HR and franchise sales capacity, Caroline will be responsible for strategic planning, selection and recruitment of franchisees and management of the re-sale process.

Kealan Lennon, Chief Executive Officer of On Demand Communications (ODC), which encompasses the Kall Kwik and Prontaprint brands, said: “Caroline has an impressive portfolio of experience across franchise sales, HR and training and development, as well as an unparalleled knowledge of both company networks and the franchisees that operate within them. She is a well-respected and valued member of the ODC team and we wish her every success in her new role.”

Goodyear Dunlop Tyres UK has announced Chris Kisby, a former HiQ retail director, as the first successful bidder for a regional franchise zone.

Chris, who has 30 years experience in the tyre industry and has held a number of key positions within the Goodyear group, including UK Sales and Marketing Director, European Brand Director and Managing Director for Russia, Belarus and Central Asia, is the leader of an investment group, which has been named as the preferred bidder for the South Midlands, East Midlands and West Midlands zones of the HiQ franchise programme.

Chris commented: “I am now fulfilling my ultimate ambition of running my own regional tyre retailing business. I know that there is huge potential to grow this business and drive the network forward.”

Mark Brickhill, Group Managing Director, stated: “I am delighted that Chris is the first successful named bidder. He has been an integral part of our success and, in particular, HiQ’s growth for many years.”  

As part of Chemex International’s continuing expansion, James Trahearn has been appointed as a Non-Executive Chairman and Ron Hutton as Sales Director.

James Trahearn’s previous experience includes corporate finance and business development, and brings a wealth of experience complimenting the skills of the existing team. Ron Hutton was formerly Head of Franchisee Recruitment at Rainbow International and joins the group to manage sales both in franchising and national accounts.  

It is an exciting time join Chemex International, as Operations Director Sean Derrig said: “The business continues to grow despite the doom and gloom of the credit crunch. Our franchisees are experiencing strong sales in the first quarter of 2008 and in some cases record sales are being achieved.”

Britain’s biggest blinds store chain, Apollo Blinds, has appointed a new general manager, Gary Chambers.

Appointed from within Apollo Blinds’ parent company, Hunter Douglas, the world’s biggest manufacturer of window blinds, Gary will head up the company, which has more than 85 franchise stores in the UK and Ireland.

Gary stated: “Apollo Blinds is a strong and robust franchise operation that has been trading very successfully for more than 35 years and has enabled franchisees to run very successful and profitable businesses using the Apollo Blinds brand.”

Kees Ekelmans, Hunter Douglas’s General Manager for Wholesale Europe, added: “Gary is a very motivated individual and has the full backing and support of Hunter Douglas to achieve the massive potential for growth and development that Apollo Blinds has in the UK and Ireland.”

Christian Lister, Founder and Director of fast-growing X-Press Legal Services Ltd, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Genesis Initiative, an umbrella organisation representing the interests of some 400 different groups and trade associations in the SME sector.  

Christian commented: “I am delighted to accept this exciting new challenge. Genesis has a powerful position within the UK with active supporters in both the House of Commons and House of Lords. Being able to speak directly to those who can facilitate change is important and not many small businesses have the opportunity or ability to do so, but Genesis makes it very possible.”
    
Alan Cleverly OBE, Executive Director of the Genesis Initiative, said: “This is an important and exciting time. We have gained good momentum and Christian’s appointment reflects the future strategy for Genesis. Small business is the backbone of the British economy – when it does well, the whole country does well. We are delighted Christian has accepted the position.”