Levington-based precision engineering firm, BDK, is re-structuring its management team as demand for its products grows.
The company, which dates back to 1959 and started out as a small family-run firm, produces adhesive components for a wide range of sectors including the medical and healthcare, aerospace and automotive industries and supplies tapes and adhesives to a number of markets.
It is now a global supplier of engineered adhesive components, operating 24 hours a day and employing more than 80 people, and has seen a rising demand for pre-cut adhesive tape assembly solutions from industry.
Production manager Keith Buckles, who was with the firm for 37 year, retired in September. His work will now be shared across a number of roles and new posts are being created.
Managing director Nick Falconer will continue to be supported by his management team, with Paul Reeve, Mark Hill, and Neil Catchpool expanding their remits.
Merv Miller, who has been with the company for 36 years, will move from factory manager to production manager.
Ivan Childs has joined as factory manager, after previously working for E2V Cogent Technology and Hewlett Packard.
Managing director Nick Falconer said: “After 37 years, Keith will be missed, having been a core part of the BDK team for so many years. We thank him for all his hard work and professionalism and wish him all the very best in his retirement.
“Keith’s departure was the right time for us to look at our internal set-up and how we deliver every element of BDK’s business in the best possible way, to continue to service our growing number of clients.
“Demand for our specialist services has grown significantly in recent years and we are entering a number of new markets as manufacturers turn to adhesives as cost effective, high quality methods of production, light weighting their products, and enabling the creation of smaller and more accurate diagnostic devices.
“This is an exciting time and I’m confident that our re-organised senior team will continue to deliver the very best to our customers, offering advice and support from the design stage of product development right through to the marketplace.”
Associated British Ports’ (ABP) Ipswich team organised a series of events to celebrate the efforts of the port’s longest-serving employee, Alan Mason, who retired after more than half a century’s service.
Having started work at the Port of Ipswich in 1964, Alan retired as sales manager in August after 53 years.
To celebrate his achievements, Alan and his family were invited to Ipswich’s Town Hall where they met Ipswich Mayor Sarah Barber. ABP also hosted Alan and his wife Liz along with friends, colleagues and customers to see Ipswich Town Football Club play Norwich City on October 22, followed by a celebratory meal.
“The Port of Ipswich has been a huge part of my life,” said Alan.
“I have worked with so many super colleagues and great customers. They have made my career so enjoyable, and I thank them one and all. I am so pleased that the investments that ABP has made over the last 20 years have transformed the facilities on offer, and would also like to add a big thank you to all my ABP colleagues for the very special send-off.”
Divisional port manager Paul Ager said: “We are grateful to Alan for the important contribution he has made to the growth of ABP’s business during the decades he spent working as an integral part of our team.
“At ABP we are committed to creating a safe and pleasant work environment and we hope that Alan has enjoyed working with us and wish him all the best for the future.”
Manish Patel has joined Ipswich-based law firm Birketts as a senior associate in the commercial property team.
Manish, who has more than 10 years’ experience in both residential and commercial conveyancing with a particular interest in the purchase of care homes, new build developments, high net worth clients, and lease options, will work alongside more than 100 property specialists.
Manish said he was “delighted” to be joining.
Partner and head of the commercial property team in Cambridge Kath Herbert said: “Manish is a great addition to the team and brings a wealth of expertise to our well-established team at Birketts. His knowledge and understanding of the property industry complements the team’s key offering superbly.”
Manish will support colleagues across Birketts’ four offices in Cambridge, Chelmsford, Ipswich and Norwich.
Amanda Lawrence has been appointed as NatWest community banker for the Suffolk region.
Through a partnership with Suffolk Libraries, she will be holding regular fortnightly surgeries to support the community at Haverhill, Felixstowe, Woodbridge and Stowmarket libraries.
NatWest says it has introduced the new role in response to the changing ways customers choose to bank.
Community bankers will work in local communities recently affected by branch closures. As part of their role, they will provide customers with personal assistance in getting access to the right banking options for their needs.
“I’m excited to have the opportunity to develop a strong relationship with our customers in Suffolk, helping to ensure that NatWest remains an important part of its many thriving communities,” she said.
“The impact of technological changes on the way people bank with us has been dramatic but we’re also aware that not everyone is comfortable with these changes.
“In my role as community banker, I’m looking forward to hosting regular events at local venues to help educate customers on being financially fit, training them on the different ways to bank in a digital world and how they can protect themselves from fraudsters.”
Canadian oilfield service provider Simmons Edeco has appointed Niels Versfeld as its chief executive officer.
Niels brings in-depth management experience in the oil and gas industry, with particular emphasis upon building and leading growth initiatives, to the firm, which has a global network of bases, including at Great Yarmouth.
Board of directors member Jay Simmons said: “With his impressive track record in growing North American oilfield services businesses and ‘people first’ mentality, we’re confident that Niels Versfeld will build upon our traditions of exploration and service excellence, and lead the company to help us create value through growth and operational discipline.”
Niels has 14 years of experience in the energy industry, including 10 years managing sales, operations and business development for energy services companies.
Before joining the firm, he was general manager of Gibson Energy’s Environmental Services Division, during which time he was instrumental in expanding the company’s businesses in Canada and the United States. Before that, he was chief operations officer for Palko Environmental, until it was acquired by Gibson Energy in 2011.
A native of Calgary, Alberta, he has a degree in environmental science and an MBA in global energy management and sustainable development from University of Calgary.
Beresfords Colchester has a new branch manager at the helm.
Nick Webber has been part of the family-owned chain of estate agents for more than four years and his industry experience stretches back 21 years.
“I’m really excited to be joining the branch as manager,” he said. “I can already see what a talented and motivated team I have the privilege to lead in Colchester.”
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