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A family-owned craft drinks B-Corp, an electric vehicle company and a rapid diagnostic tests specialist are among the 2024 winners of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Made in the UK, Sold to the World Awards  announced today. Now in their second year, the awards celebrate the international sales success of small-medium businesses across the UK and provide a stepping stone for further growth and opportunity. Winners include Warner’s Distillery, an independent, family-owned craft drinks producer that creates 100% natural, sustainably sourced products crafted from ingredients grown on its farm in Northamptonshire. Awarded in the Agriculture, Food and Drink category, the B Corp accredited business’s range of spirits and non-alcoholic drinks are listed in major UK retailers and sold in over 30 countries, including the United States, Australia, China, and nations across mainland Europe.  The awards come after new figures from the UN’s body that leads on global trade show the UK was the 4th largest exporter of goods and services globally in 2022, moving up from 7th in the rankings in 2021.   Minister for Exports Lord Offord, said: “We’re proud of our British exporters and these Awards highlight some fantastic businesses punching above their weight and selling UK-made products around the world." “I hope the winners serve as inspiration to others looking to get onto the exporting ladder and encourage more businesses to showcase the incredible talent and innovation of UK businesses selling abroad.” Cabinet Office Minister Ester McVey said: “Selling overseas is key to driving economic growth across the UK. As part of the GREAT campaign, it’s wonderful to celebrate these businesses who showcase the best of what Britain and Northern Ireland have to offer the world.” The winning businesses have been drawn from a diverse range of 12 sectors across 10 categories: Agriculture, Food & Drink; Creative Industries; Education & EdTech; Financial Services and FinTech; Retail & Consumer Goods; Consultancy & Professional Services; Healthcare; Infrastructure & Engineering; Low Carbon Energy; and Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing & Construction. The latter five categories have been introduced as new additions this year to ensure that businesses from all sectors could enter. In the Low Carbon Energy category, Glasgow-based Munro Vehicles was recognised for its next-generation, fully electric commercial vehicles that are designed to help essential but carbon-intensive industries transition to net zero. The company, which exported to 16 countries in 2023, ranks as Scotland’s only “volume production” car company and plans to build 50 vehicles by mid-2024 before shifting to a new purpose-built site near Glasgow later in the year, creating up to 300 jobs. The Healthcare winners are pioneers CIGA Healthcare, a leading UK company specialising in rapid diagnostic tests including fertility tests, blood pressure monitors and blood glucose monitors. CIGA Healthcare’s products are supplied to national health services and international brands, such as Walmart and AmerisourceBergen, and the company’s international reach extends to over 80 countries, including the United States, the United Arab Emirates, Australia, Canada, and nations across South America. Within each category, three additional businesses were also awarded highly commended status for their inspiring business stories and exporting prowess. Marco Forgione, Director General of The Institute of Export & International Trade (IOE&IT) and judge on the panel for this year’s awards, commented: “The calibre of businesses that entered across all categories has been incredibly high and selecting a winner has been a tough job. We are delighted to offer an IOE&IT membership to these winners alongside the businesses that are highly commended and look forward to working with this year’s companies, helping them to grow and expand through international trade." “These awards provide an important opportunity to recognise and celebrate the global trade success stories of small businesses from all Nations and regions – and we hope these winners will inspire even more budding business owners." “The evidence continues to tell us that businesses that trade internationally are more sustainable, more resilient, more innovative, employ more people and, ultimately, are more profitable. So, it is vital that these businesses are supported in their exporting journeys and that their success stories are celebrated.” In 2021, DBT launched the ‘Made in the UK, Sold to the World’ campaign to celebrate exporting success from across the UK and tell businesses’ stories. The awards programme builds on this to further recognise and celebrate the global trading success of SMEs from across the UK. Winning businesses receive an invitation to an evening Parliamentary Reception and receive a year’s free membership with the Institute of Export and International Trade (IOE&IT). They will also win a digital badge, physical certificate and trophy and enjoy promotional activity across DBT channels, including individual profiles to share their export success.

A hotel employee has notched up a century of customer and colleague testimonials for going the extra mile in her work. Ilse Bujok, the reception manager at The Wild Boar near Windermere, is the first person from English Lakes Hotels Resorts & Venues to reach the milestone as part of the hotel group’s +1 initiative. The customer service led programme is designed to raise standards and encourage creativity and innovation amongst team members. The +1 initiative is all about recognising the small acts of extra care, service and kindness occurring each day across its venues. Perhaps a bit like a player of the match award in sport, it seeks to recognise the efforts of staff to go over and above normal service for guests and colleagues. Every month team members are nominated for activities or performance that exceeds guest or colleague expectations. Ilse is the very first member of staff to attain 100 +1 award nominations and the first recipient of English Lakes Hotels Platinum award for reaching that milestone. She has also been rewarded with £250 worth of English Lakes Gift Vouchers to mark her customer service excellence achievement. Highlights along the way have included Ilse finding a guest’s lost wallet which they had left at Windermere golf club, and rescuing a stray dog which ran into The Wild Boar on its own. Giving the stray a bowl of water, Ilse’s first thought was to ring around the local farmers and sure enough, she managed to find the owner. English Lakes Hotels managing director Ben Berry explains: “We all know how good it feels when someone highlights a good piece of work you have done.  Now  imagine that happening 100 times. It’s quite an achievement and a real feather in the cap for Ilse and the team at The Wild Boar.” “The +1 award scheme is a great source of motivation for me,” adds Ilse. “It’s nice to hear from colleagues or guests that they think I’m doing a good job.” The hotel group also awards silver, gold and champions awards to team members who achieve over 10, 25 and 50 +1 nominations respectively.

A property finance firm has dived in to support a giant mermaid-themed art trail aiming to raise vital funds for local children’s hospice care. Thousands of families will be able to follow The Great Tail Trail next year thanks to sponsorship from businesses including Poole-based lending specialist MSP Capital. The public trail, featuring 40 sculpted tails in locations across the Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole region, is a fundraising initiative for Julia’s House children’s hospice charity. Mermaid tails have been specially chosen as they represent the Mermaid Suite at the charity’s hospice in Corfe Mullen, where families can spend time together when their child is at the end of their life. Once the trail is finished, the sculptures will be auctioned to raise vital funds to support the life-changing care Julia’s House provides across Dorset and Wiltshire. MSP Capital’s Community Committee chose Julia’s House as one of its core charities to support in 2024, continuing a relationship going back over several years. Speaking after a launch event in the Rockwater restaurant at Branksome Chine beach, MSP Capital’s Associate Director of Credit, Lee Merrifield, a Community Committee member, said: “This trail promises to be a lot of fun for children and families. The designs will be beautiful, decorative and colourful, and the tails will become landmarks and talking points." “We already support Julia’s House, for example through our annual beach volleyball tournament in Bournemouth, and everyone in our team is thrilled to be on board with The Great Tail Trail." “Aside from being part of a fun, summer initiative, we know the fantastic work that Julia’s House does for children and families and we’re keen to do what we can to support them." “With all the business sponsorship of the trail, and the auctioning of the sculptures at the end of the trail season, hopefully The Great Tail Trail will raise a substantial sum towards essential local children’s hospice services.” Delivered in partnership with public art specialist Wild in Art, the 40 giant tails will be designed and completed by specially commissioned local artists later this year, ahead of the trail going live across the BCP area for eight weeks from 5 April to 1 June 2025. Eleanor Collins, MSP Capital Marketing Executive and, like Lee, a Community Committee member, said: “We’re supporting The Great Tail Trail to help bring fundraising and sponsorship to Julia’s House, while creating a family-friendly focal point for residents and visitors to be inspired by art. The more visitors it attracts, the more money comes into the local community, benefiting all." “We’re really looking forward to selecting our design and seeing the sculpture on display alongside the others on the trail. Julia’s House is such a fantastic charity and one that we’re pleased to support through our ESG strategy Foundations for Better Futures launched last year. A key strand of Foundations is to support our local community and the charities that operate in it.” Caroline Attreed, Corporate Fundraiser for Julia’s House, said: “The Great Tail Trail will be one of the biggest interactive public art trails that BCP will have ever seen, sparking imagination and adventure among those taking part." “We couldn’t hold such a huge, family-friendly initiative without the support of companies such as MSP Capital. They are one of our long-standing supporters and their help, as ever, is incredibly important.” Founded in 1981, MSP Capital is a principal bridging and development lender offering funding solutions to property professionals up to £20 million.

An historic building at the heart of Cheltenham’s stunning spa town, rescued and refitted in a multi-million-pound renovation project, is ready to welcome its first tenants. Pressworks on Ambrose Street is now available for let after owners Boultbee Brooks Real Estate stepped in to refurbish CPS House and gave the building a new lease of life. With a total of 14,606 sq ft of modern, state-of-the-art, office space available, the site offers three fully self-contained units, set over three floors and comes complete with a new roof-top terrace. Each unit has a contemporary design, constructed with premium finishes and materials, and has smart phone access control and fibre pre-installed ready for occupation. Described as the brightest new workspace in the city, the building – set between Ambrose Street and Chapel Street – has a long history of being home to many local businesses, ranging from a series of automobile garages to a coach painting firm and latterly a printers. Situated within a Central Conservation Area, the significant renovation works were supported by an Initial Heritage Appraisal report which stated that the old building ‘did not enhance the historic character or appearance of the area’ and that it had ‘a negative impact upon (the area’s) character and appearance’. The £3m renovation has completely transformed both the exterior and interior, while also maintaining the aesthetics of the surrounding area. Initially the site for a group of houses, they were steadily sold and turned into business premises with the likes of Avery’s Automobiles setting up in 1929 before Mann’s Motors took over in 1938 and then both Cheltenham Re-Finishing Co Ltd and Prior’s Garages operated in the 1950s. Taylor & Young printers eventually developed the ‘Printing Works’ on its current footprint through the 1960s and 1970s and it had been used as offices before being purchased by Boultbee Brooks and transformed into a modern office hub. Lancer Scott carried out the renovations, complete with fully air conditioned and comfort cooled offices, high spec toilets, LED lighting with daylight dimming, shower rooms, car parking and a feature lift. The ground floor provides 5,737 sq ft of office space, the first floor 6,232 sq ft, while the second floor is 2,637 sq ft. James Whitcher, managing director at Boultbee Brooks comments: “Set in this pretty and historic spa town, Pressworks has been brought back to life with a stunning renovation that fits in perfectly with its wonderful surroundings." “We are delighted with the results. This is an historic building in the heart of the town and we have been able to transform it from the old, tired building that it was, into a modern and state-of-the-art office complex." “Cheltenham may be full of beautifully preserved Regency Architecture, and boast a thriving cultural scene packed with a wide range of independent and International festivals, but it also has a thriving business community and Pressworks will sit nicely within that.”

Inspirational achievers have been named among the finalists in the sixth Ladies First Network Business and Inspirational Women Awards. Finalists, selected from hundreds of nominations from across the UK, were invited to an independent judging day in Leamington Spa, ahead of a prestigious awards ceremony at Dallas Burston Polo Club, in Warwickshire, on June 13th. New categories are also among those being contested this year, including Sustainable Business Leader, Trailblazer of the Year and Inclusivity Leadership with a special Inspirational Women Award going to The England Women’s football team, The Lionesses. The Awards were unveiled at The House of Commons in January and are headed up by Ladies First directors Tracey McAtamney from Balsall Common and Karen Massey from Leamington Spa. Tracey said: “With over 300 nominations entering this year, each and every finalist should be exceptionally proud of their achievements." “We strive to make every finalist feel special and like a winner, with goodie bags, certificates and professional head shots on interview day. A huge thank you to Mallory Court, the Awards Team, all of our judges and sponsors Edwards Wealth Management Ltd, Alsters Kelley Solicitors and Pertemps for a fabulous day!" “We are beyond excited to announce that we are presenting our 2024 Inspirational Woman Award to the England Football Team." “The Award is in recognition of their outstanding leadership which embodies true spirit, determination, unity and excellence. Also, for their profound impact on the world stage, inspiring and capturing young hearts around the globe!” Vying for to top Business Woman of the Year award are: Elinor Perry - Pentlands Accountants and Advisors, in Leamington; Jackie Allan – Revolve, in Leamington; Jaide Ellery-Martin – Jaide’s Stage Studios Limited, in Rugby; Louise Adkins – Share Haulage, in Rugby and Marie Quarterman – The Education Network, in Birmingham and Nina Attfield – Lustrelash in Wellingborough. For the full list of finalists visit here: This year’s awards are also supporting The Giles Trust Brain Tumour Fund, established in 2015 by former England cricketer Ashley Giles MBE and his wife Stine, who was diagnosed with three brain tumours over 12 years. The charity raises funds for research, pioneering equipment and support for patients. Photo credit: Karen Massey Photography.

A message posted by the RAFSC & TSW (Royal Air Force Servicing Commando and Tactical Supply Wing Association) has gone viral, resulting in hundreds of cards being sent to mark Group Captain Stanley Clarke’s milestone birthday. The message posted on the Association’s Facebook page, followed by 1,200 people, asked supporters to send Stanley a 100th birthday card with the message "let's fill up his care home with cards". A fabulous response meant that Stanley, a former Servicing Commando, RAF Pilot and Station Commander of Swanton Morley, awoke on his 100th birthday to over 850 cards sent from former service men and women, supporters and well-wishers from as far afield as the USA, Canada and Australia. The initial post was shared over 34 times, attracting over 72 likes and a comments section filled with gratitude for Stanley’s years of service. The post was also shared across multiple military veteran sites across all services. One comment summing up the thoughts of many and drew on the spirit of the Royal Air Force motto “through adversity to the stars” - “HBD have a fantastic day sir! Per Ardua Ad Astra” Reflecting on the response to his birthday, Stanley said, "I just want to say thank you so much to everyone who sent me these wonderful cards and gifts, this was totally unexpected and overwhelming but very much appreciated" Stanley joined the Royal Air Force as an electrical fitter apprentice at 16 in 1940. He volunteered for Commando training in 1942 and then spent the war in North Africa and Europe. Stanley retired from the Royal Air Force in 1979 and now lives at Harcourt Gardens care home in Harrogate, North Yorkshire. Alongside the unprecedented number of cards received from people nationwide, Stanley also opened his card from King Charles III on his birthday. Stanley celebrated his big day with a party with friends and family who travelled from Australia and Canada and an afternoon tea was arranged by staff at Harcourt Gardens. Adelina Pangilinan, home manager at Harcourt Gardens commented, “The cards just kept on coming, it was quite amazing. “Nobody knew just how well the request would be received and it was absolutely wonderful to see the look on Stanley’s face when we delivered him the cards." “It’s clear to see that Stanley, alongside all the other brave and admirable veterans are part of a very tight knit community and it’s wonderful see the support and admiration for him.”

British Airways will operate a daily flight from London Heathrow to Abu Dhabi all year around, using Boeing 787-9 during summer 2024. The new route adds to our extensive global network and strengthens connections between UAE and UK – whether customers are travelling for leisure, business or to visit relatives and friends. Flight BA073 to Abu Dhabi departs London Heathrow at 22.25, arriving in Abu Dhabi at 08.30+1. The inbound flight to London (BA072) departs at 10.10, arriving London Heathrow 15.20. Elena Sorlini, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer at Abu Dhabi Airports, said: "We extend a warm welcome to British Airways as they start operating at Zayed International Airport with a daily schedule that promises to enrich connectivity and invigorate both business and tourism. Our new award-winning and cutting-edge terminal offers visitors an unparalleled introduction to the vibrant UAE capital, where they will be greeted with Emirati hospitality at its finest." Calum Laming, Chief Customer Officer at British Airways said: “We are really excited to be celebrating our Abu Dhabi route launch. The new daily flight connects Abu Dhabi with London Heathrow and beyond, providing our customers with another amazing destination within our expansive global network and further growing our connections with the UAE." "With four cabins to choose from, including First, we are confident customers will enjoy our exceptional and original British Airways service brought to life by our incredible colleagues." "And on a personal level, it is an honour to return to the fantastic city and Emirate of Abu Dhabi where I was lucky to live for the best part of a decade."

Croxsons’ long-lasting partnership with Yarty, known for its unique and handmade premium cordials and vinegars, continues to evolve. The ongoing collaboration demonstrates the value the leading glass packaging firm places on aligning with brands that share its vision of excellence. And despite challenges like sourcing bottles post-Brexit and COVID-19, the relationship between both parties has thrived, ensuring a continuous supply of quality packaging. Yarty is known for creating drinks of exceptional quality, with each cordial being handmade from the finest fruits. Showcasing their commitment to craftsmanship by bottling and labelling each product by hand, their drinks are favoured at prestigious events and by corporate clients. Croxsons supplies Yarty with high-quality glass packaging in 250ml and 750ml sizes that perfectly complement Yarty’s cordials. These include the elegant 250ml mountain bottle, the 750ml soft drink bottle and the 250ml king quadra bottle for oils and vinegars. Additionally, Croxsons provides various screw caps that ensure the longevity and quality of the product. Yarty’s Violet Cordial stands out as a symbol of this partnership's success. It connects back to a historic recipe made for royalty, now enjoyed by modern consumers, including King Charles himself. Recreated for the King’s coronation in 2023, Croxsons was honoured to contribute to this tradition by supplying the necessary packaging. David Mugridge, Yarty's co-founder and marketing director, commented: "Our partnership with Croxsons is invaluable. Their commitment to quality and understanding our needs ensures that our cordials are presented beautifully, reflecting the mastery that goes into each bottle." Tim Croxson, CEO of Croxsons, added, "Working with Yarty is a testament to our shared values of tradition and quality. We are proud to supply them with packaging that meets their high standards and celebrates their artisanal products." For more information on Croxsons, visit here .

Joseph Nemeth-Ward has been announced as the newest Mini Master Model Builder, crowning him as the country’s best under 18 LEGO builder. 13-year-old Joe, from Loughborough, landed the dream title after beating out over 750 opponents in a bricktastic competition, where he participated in a series of timed builds and challenges at LEGOLAND® Discovery Centre Birmingham. Speaking after being crowned the winner, Joe said: “I’m over the moon to be named the UK’s Mini Master Model Builder! I was very shocked when I found out, I’m really pleased to have been chosen and I’m excited that so many people will see my creation displayed in MINILAND." “I can’t wait to start as the country’s new Mini Master Model Builder and inspire other young LEGO builders across the country!” The competition, which took place at both LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham and Manchester, was on the hunt for young LEGO enthusiasts who were encouraged to step away from the instruction booklet, let their imaginations run wild and build the LEGO creation of their dreams for the chance to win the esteemed title, alongside four Merlin Gold Annual Passes and a LEGO shopping spree in the attractions bricktastic store. Once LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham and Manchester’s regional winners were chosen Joe and Louie were pitted head-to-head in an intense final challenge to see who would take home the coveted title. Joe’s final showstopping build, which took him hours to create and features three intricate scenes depicting mythical beasts taking over MINILAND was chosen as the overall winner earning him the title of the UK’s Mini Master Model Bulder. Joe’s intricate build included a Minotaur chasing someone up the side of a building (inspired by King Kong), a Kraken taking over the canal, and a stunning mythical dragon (inspired by JRR Tolkien) taking up home in Digbeth. Joe has enjoyed LEGO for as long as he can remember: “I was fascinated by mythology and legends when I was smaller – in fact, I still am – so I wanted to incorporate this into the build. I also knew the bull was a symbol of Birmingham so wanted to include this somehow." “I was about five years old when I first started playing with LEGO, and I’ve always loved that you can use your imagination to build crazy things!” While his first build was a fire station that his uncle bought him, he has since built a huge variety of bold and impressive creations, including his favourite build – a Star Wars ship that he designed and built out of spare parts. Joe entered the competition after seeing it promoted on YouTube: “I thought the competition looked really fun, and along with the title I was also motivated by the prize of £500 of LEGO which I’ll be spending on my favourite range – Star Wars!” Amy Langham, General Manager at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Birmingham said: “We’re thrilled to announce that Joe is the UK’s new Mini Master Model Builder. “We saw so many talented LEGO builders come through our doors and enter the competition, but the passion and detail in Joe’s work really shone throughout the competition. We can’t wait to see his next wonderful creation and have his build on display in our MINILAND this year!”

Leeds-based independent marketing services group, Audience Collective has invested £260,000 to support the launch of an innovative insights app. Driven by Spark Market Research, an agency acquired by Audience Collective in 2020, LifeStars is an ‘always-on’ research app – offering businesses unprecedented access to their customers in a quicker and more cost-effective way than traditional market research methods. Audience Collective was founded in 2020 and is now home to six specialist agencies. The group has recently strengthened its leadership team to support ambitious growth plans. Having worked with leading household brands, including Kelloggs and Pizza Express, Spark recognised an opportunity to capitalise on rising market demand for quicker research to bring customers closer. Rob Wescott, CEO of Audience Collective, said: “This is an extremely exciting milestone for our group and we’re looking forward to rolling out the software." “From our own research, 80% of senior business decision makers agree that access to quicker market research would improve efficiency." “Each of our agencies is driven by consumer insight, and with LifeStars we can now offer quick first-party data to our clients. This gives them and us a real competitive edge and will strengthen the work of each agency.” Founder of Spark Market Research and Managing Director at LifeStars, Justin Healy added: “We spotted a gap in the market to develop a platform that enables quicker, smarter and more cost-effective market research, which brings brands even closer to their customers." “With the investment from Audience Collective we are able to deliver a platform that will benefit not only our client base, but other agencies in the group meaning we can deliver even better research solutions for our portfolio of clients.”

Two Harrogate friends & colleagues have already raised thousands of pounds for charity ahead of taking on the ‘challenge of a lifetime’ at this weekend’s London Marathon. Bridget Moore and Amy Cresswell of Alchemy Media will tackle the 26.2-mile trek through the streets of the capital on Sunday having secured more than 85% of their £5,000 target for Macmillan Cancer Support. While admitting they have only ever attempted the odd 5k Park Run and a 10k Yorkshire Warrior event in the past, the two work colleagues have taken on a dedicated training regime to get themselves ready for what promises to be an emotional day. Raising funds for Macmillan is a cause close to both their hearts with Amy’s father recently losing his battle with cancer and Bridget witnessing first-hand the devastating impact it has had on close friends. Managing Partner Amy was keen to ‘give something back’ following the support that Macmillan provided to her family, and Founder Bridget was only too happy to sign up and join her as they plod their way past many of London's best landmarks including, The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf, finishing on the Mall by Buckingham Palace. The date of the marathon also happens to land on the 18th birthday of the business, Alchemy Media, which is based in Windsor House, Harrogate. Founder, Bridget Moore said: “I wanted to do something significant for the business turning 18 and the London Marathon actually falls on our birthday. So , it feels like this was meant to be. We also wanted to raise some money for a worthwhile cause and something close to our hearts, it has been so heart-warming to see the generosity of our family, colleagues, friends, clients, partners and suppliers in supporting our cause." “Preparations have been going well. We have followed the Chris Evans ‘119 days to your first marathon’ training plan which means we have been running three or four times per week since Christmas, including an increasingly long run each Sunday. “It has been a big commitment as the runs have got longer, taking up most of Sunday in terms of planning, fuelling, running and recovering. But having a clear plan has definitely increased our confidence, resilience and recovery rates, so we know we’re in good shape for the big day." “We’d like to come in just under 5 hours – although to be honest this really is the challenge of a lifetime and just finishing will be reward enough." “We have never done anything like this before. A team of us from Alchemy Media took part in Yorkshire Warrior to raise funds for Yorkshire Cancer Research a few years back, so a 10k obstacle run is about the limit to our experience." “We are looking forward to sampling the atmosphere on the day and do feel like we’ve planned for quite a lot of the variables, so the scariest things are the bits outside of our control – the weather and how busy it will be on the day.” Amy added: “My lovely, incredible, dad recently passed away from cancer. At the time that I applied for a charity place with Macmillan Cancer Support, we were one of the lucky families experiencing the amazing care that Macmillan provide to people living with cancer." “I can’t thank them enough for the kindness and support they showed us during my dad’s last months and weeks which made what was a very difficult time, easier for all of us. For that I will be forever grateful." “Bridget has shown the ultimate support for me by offering to help me raise money for this amazing charity, so I’m hugely grateful to her for this.” Alchemy is a Media Planning & Buying Agency, advising clients on where, when and how to spend their advertising budgets to focus the investment on reaching the right people in the right ways, and buying their media space for them at the best possible price. Working with a varied client roster across sectors including FMCG, retail, leisure, hospitality, utilities etc Alchemy looks to ensure that advertising is delivered in the most impactful and memorable ways across traditional and digital media to drive short term sales and long-term brand health.

Kim Palmen-Koop has been named Group Innovation Director at the Permasteelisa Group. An innovative leader with extensive cross functional experience in Innovation, Project Management and Operations, Kim joins the business after spending more than 30 years at Rockfon, part of the Rockwool Group. Kim joined Rockfon in 1993, taking on various roles including Product Development Manager, International Project Manager and finally Head of Research & Development – a role she held from 2019 until now. Educated at Utrecht University in the Netherlands, with a degree in geology, she has an in-depth knowledge of the construction sector, particularly the ceiling market, having enjoyed a distinguished career at the global acoustic specialist. Passionate about building and managing teams, Kim has experience in stakeholder management and a strong business acumen which has helped her transform the functions she has worked in, turning ideas into opportunities. She comments: “I am delighted to be taking up this position and I look forward to working with the team to further enhance its reputation as a leader within its field." “With more than 30 years’ experience within the construction sector, I am excited at the prospect of utilising the knowledge I have gained as we drive Permasteelisa Group on to even greater success.” She will report directly to Jalal Fitoury, Group Chief Technical Innovation Officer and a member of the Executive Committee. Jalal comments: “In this new position, Kim will be instrumental in articulating our Group’s Innovation strategy, identifying opportunities to drive future market demands, and shaping new market spaces across our industry." “With her extensive leadership experience Kim brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise and a successful track record of driving impactful change.” Permasteelisa Group is the leading global contractor in the design, engineering, project management, manufacture, installation and after-sales service of technically advanced building envelopes. Visit here .