New supervisory board for BLC

To make the BLC quicker and sharper in decision-making, the 23-man council has been dissolved and replaced by a six-strong supervisory board comprised of leading lights from the leather industry. The introduction of a new board structure at BLC heralds a new phase in the evolution of the organisation. Now, under the leadership of Jonathan Muirhead, the supervisory board of BLC Research (the holding company of BLC Leather Technology Centre) will provide the operational team with constructive guidance, support and a wealth of experience. The supervisory board will be made up of senior industrialists: * Jonathan Muirhead, chairman, Scottish Tanning Industries Ltd * Johannes Borge, managing director, Borge Garveri AS * John Ettling, managing director, Hutchings and Harding Ltd * Reg Hankey, managing director, Pittards plc, glove leather division * William Shannon, managing director, International Leathers (NI) Ltd * Mike Parsons, managing director, BLC Leather Technology Centre Ltd The composition of the board reflects the growing emphasis on international issues and relationships, a balance between SMEs (small-to-medium enterprises) and large global players as well as representing the interests of both the bovine and small skins sectors. In a climate of perpetual change, this move on the part of BLC is designed to facilitate an increase in commercial activities with particular emphasis on the international arena and all aspects of leather supply chain management. It will also allow the decision-making process to be simplified, actively enhancing the role of the operational team and supporting the operational board as they strive to meet the industry challenges identified in a recent customer survey. The new structure reinforces the commitment of BLC towards a strategy of increased customer focus and responsiveness - building for the future. Jonathan Muirhead said: 'I am looking forward to working with the new supervisory board and supporting the operational board of BLC Leather Technology Centre in developing and implementing strategies that will realise BLC's potential as an international centre of excellence for the leather industry.'