Glazerite announces new MD and restructure as part of long term plans for growth

Tags: | Added: 29 July 2020

Leading trade fabricator, The Glazerite UK Group Ltd, has announced a board-level restructure as part of its ambitious plans for growth. The move includes the appointment of Robert Brearley as Group Managing Director, with former Group MD Jason Thompson taking on the newly created position of Chief Executive Officer. It follows Group Chairman John Hewitt’s decision to take a step back from the business to focus more time on his recently founded suicide prevention charity, We Mind & Kelly Matters, in memory of his late daughter.

Jason Thompson says: “Glazerite has gone from strength to strength since John and I founded the business 20 years ago. Today, we are one the UK’s leading trade fabricators thanks to the hard work and dedication of our team, and the support of our customers and suppliers.

“Though we are sad to see John step back, he still remains an integral part of the company as Group Chairman and majority shareholder. However, the day-to-day running and strategic longer term planning for Glazerite will rest with myself, Robert and the current board going forward.

“Robert joining us is a real opportunity given his wealth of industry experience. It’ll strengthen both our board and the business in general, and his manufacturing, continuous improvement, and commercial sales knowledge will be a real asset for Glazerite.”

Robert, who joins Glazerite on 24th August, says of the appointment: “I’m really thrilled about joining such a forward-thinking business as Glazerite. As we head into the next generation of the business, we have some exciting plans in place to further strengthen and grow our market position. With such a strong, experienced team already in place, there will be some fantastic opportunities ahead.”

The news follows 18 months of investment for the fabricator, including site expansion at its Northwest plant in Bolton, and new machinery installation across each of Glazerite’s four manufacturing facilities.

Jason adds: “In spite of the March and April lockdown due to Covid-19, our sales for June/July this year are up 30 per cent in comparison with the same period last year. Our restructure will further strengthen our position as market leaders and allows us to build our offering and manufacturing capability further, in line with our own plans and the ambitions of our customers and suppliers.”

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Our apprentices take centre stage

Apprenticeships are back in the spotlight for National Apprenticeship Week 2024, with our chance to celebrate our past and current apprentice hard work, dedication and success. Our Group Managing Director, Rob Brearley, believes apprenticeships are the perfect solution for businesses looking to welcome new talent and fill skills gaps, and an ideal route into rewarding careers for individuals at every age. Rob says: "Apprenticeships help employers build a workforce with future ready skills. We have apprentices working in range of positions across the group, from purchasing and IT to marketing. A number of our employees have also undertaken apprenticeships themselves and found them extremely valuable. Every one of our current and past apprentices are making their mark and contributing to the success of our business." Jack Rutter is a Purchasing Administrator Apprentice at our North West Division. Jack explains: "I chose to do an apprenticeship because it offers practical, hands-on experience in the workplace in addition to qualifcations, with the added bonus of getting paid. I have developed my time management, communication and software skills and boosted my confidence in a supportive and friendly environment." Meanwhile Lucy Neville is working in our Head Office customer service team as a Business Administrator Apprentice. She says "I like the balance of gaining experience and a qualification. My role has helped me develop so many skills, including customer service and IT, as well as listening and patience. It's been really rewarding." George Willdig, 22, who joined us as an Apprentice IT Systems Administrator in 2022, is set to complete his apprenticeship shortly. George says: "I have really enjoyed my apprenticeship. It's been the perfect way to start my career and a really good opportunity to learn useful skills and grow as an individual. I've become skilled in problem solving as I'm often challenged and encouraged to operate autonomously and handle my own tasks." Mathews Joshy is working as a Procurement Apprentice and studying for his Business Admin NVQ, which he is due to complete next month. He says: "I chose to do an apprenticeship with Glazerite because I felt it would be the best way to get some practical, real-world experience and learn skills that I wouldn't be able to in a classroom. I hope to move into a permanent purchasing role with Glazerite and work my way up into a management role." Oli Knaggs is a Digital Marketing Apprentice, studying for his Level 3 in Digital Marketing. He says: "After I finished college, I needed to make the choice between university or finding a job in something I enjoy.The apprenticeship with Glazerite really appealed to me as it was the perfect opportunity to learn and develop my practical skills. Since I've been here, I've improved my marketing skills, and have worked on everything from design software and social media templates to email marketing." Oli's Manager, Lauren Edwards adds: "Apprenticeships are the perfect place to start our in careers like marketing, with the opportunity to build and develop skills and gain confidence in a range of areas. It's been fantastic to see Oli excel in his role and bring a fresh perspective to marketing projects." Rob concludes: "Apprenticeships are a valuable way for people of any age to get a foot on the employment ladder, or to switch to another career. We're delighted to have been able to attract some real talent to Glazerite via this route and we hope we can continue to help all our apprentices reach their full potential."

	sales@glazerite.net
	(01933) 443222
	The Glazerite UK Group Ltd. 39-43 Rixon Court, Finedon Rd, Industrial Estate, Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, NN8 4BA