Management changes at BLC

BLC Research have announced changes to the structure and management of the organisation. Since September 1, 2005, two separate divisions have been operating under the auspices of the holding company BLC Research. The two divisions will be the internationally renowned BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd and the UK Leather Federation (UKLF), the re-branded trade association representing the leather manufacturing companies in the UK. UKLF members will benefit from an organisation dedicated to providing a comprehensive range of UK specific support. This change will reinforce the level of service to both groups. The development of separate divisions also has an impact on the senior management team. Michael Parsons, managing director, left the organisation on August 31, 2005. BLC would like to acknowledge Mike's achievements in moving BLC into a more commercial arena and his dedication to ensuring the development of the organisation through its staff and international reputation. Paul Pearson will take on the role of director of the UK Leather Federation, stepping down from his role as a director of BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd. The growing international profile of BLC Leather Technology Centre as a provider of services to the global leather supply chain will continue, with a tighter focus on essential services including testing, problem solving, training, consulting, technical services and research. The management team of BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd will comprise Adam Hughes, sales director, Dr Vikki Addy, technical director, and Andrew Richardson, financial director, with William Shannon continuing his term as executive chairman. Commenting on the changes, Jonathan Muirhead, chairman of BLC Research, said: 'In an increasingly competitive market, we feel that BLC will now be better placed to operate more effectively and to ensure the continued provision of the key commercial services demanded by our diverse customer base.'