Board24 are delighted to welcome Dominic Drew as their new Managing Director. Dominic replaces Richard McBride who, having led the business for over 12 years has now retired. Dominic worked alongside Richard during the majority of last year, as part of a thorough handover period. Dominic brings with him a breath of experience having been in the packaging industry for over 28 years.

Dominic started out his career as a technical engineer, before moving to an external sales role. He then became Managing Director at Priory Packaging, which later became part of DS Smith. As part of DS Smith, Dominic took on various roles, with ever increasing responsibility. Initially as Managing Director of the UK sheet plants sector, followed by Sales and Market Development Director in DS Smith’s Industrial sector. This was a role in which he managed the sales, commercial pricing, marketing and design of the sheet plants, sheet feeders and heavy-duty sites.

Dominic joined the Board24 team at a somewhat challenging time, as the country began its first lockdown. It has been a roller coaster first 10 months, seeing the market dynamics change during this time and he looks ahead to moving the business forward. Dominic keeps a constant eye on the marketplace, which has seen significant demand and growth over the last 6 months, something which the business is able to align itself with.

“During my handover period, I have been able to take the time to analyse the company to understand the strengths and weaknesses. Moving forward each of the three sites will be focused on a 5 year plan, with each site operating well, albeit at capacity. Coalville has already announced a new significant Phase 1 development plan, which happily opens up further growth opportunities. Preston also has further opportunities to develop further, as does Larkhall. There is potential at each of the sites to enhance its offering.”

Although one the biggest disappointment for Dominic has been his inability to meet with all members of staff personally across the sites, due to the restrictions in place. Dominic would have liked to have met with each member of staff and shake hands to introduce himself in person. This is something that means a lot to him and he will undoubtedly seek to do this when the restriction measures ease sufficiently.

Meeting people extends to customers too, sadly missing the opportunity to have been able to welcome customers on site to formally meet them, as well as visiting customers on their own sites to understand more about their businesses. The PR side of a company is something that Dominic not only enjoys, but sees it as being essential that the business is visible to all.

Dominic not only wants to see the sites progress in terms of productivity capabilities, but he also wants to see employees strive. Having built his career, he understands what it’s like to work for what you achieve and therefore wants to invest in employees through an infrastructure that allows staff to boost their goals and aspirations, giving them the platform to develop.

Dominic comments; “I am under no illusion that these plans will happen overnight. This will be a long term strategy over a period of years and I am looking forward to spending the time and effort to expand the business and build upon what has already been achieved so far. I am excited to be joining Board24, which has built an excellent reputation in the marketplace and has an excellent team. I relish the challenge of leading the business into the next phases of development.”

It is not all work and no play. Outside of the office Dominic enjoys staying healthy with regular gym sessions and dog walks. When restrictions are not in place, he can be found on a golf course or at the local pub playing in the darts team. He also enjoys some down time with his wife and three children.