Britplas announces two new Divisional Managing Directors

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Britplas (EOT) Limited, a specialist in secure glazing and façade solutions, is pleased to announce the appointment of two new Divisional Managing Directors, marking a significant milestone in the company’s strategic evolution and future growth ambitions.

Jason Cross has been appointed as Managing Director of Britplas Facades, where he will lead the division’s operations, innovation, and client delivery. Having held senior positions in previous roles including a period as MD, Jason brings extensive experience in façade systems and project management. His leadership and experience as Operations Director in the current team is expected to further strengthen Britplas Facades’ position in the market.

Chris Kennedy will take on the role of Managing Director of Britplas Secure, overseeing the development and delivery of secure glazing and perimeter solutions. A chartered surveyor with a strong background in construction and security products, Chris’ experience as Commercial Director at Britplas means he is well-positioned to drive the division’s next phase of growth.

John Blackwell, Group Director, commented:

“We are delighted to see Jason and Chris step up into their new roles. Their appointments reflect our commitment to investing in the talent within the business and providing leadership for our teams that aligns with our values and ambitions. As an Employee-Owned business, this is a pivotal moment in our strategic journey—one that supports our long-term aspirations for sustainable growth, innovation, and shared success.”

The appointments are effective immediately and represent the next phase in Britplas’ strategic direction, reinforcing its dedication to empowering its people and delivering exceptional value to clients and stakeholders.

Design in Mental Health award win

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We are delighted to have been recognised at the Design in Mental Health 2025 awards with a win in the Service User Engagement category.

In conjunction with Kingsway Group Global and Gilling Dod Architects, the Trauma Informed Innovation Room is a full-scale concept bedroom, co-produced with Experts by Experience and NHS Trusts.

This concept project aims to challenge the norms/constraints of CAMHS inpatient bedroom design and open the process to broader drivers such as neurodiversity, Autism and Trauma informed care. The project was aimed at evolving the conversation around designing for personal space and creating a healing environment.

Located in Greater London, the concept bedroom has now been visited by industry professionals from across the globe since opening in June 2024.

Find out more here 

 

Its a Win-Win for Britplas Recornect Partnership

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Renowned for our expertise and unrivalled experience in providing specialist products for the mental health sector we are partnering with Recornect, technology experts in the mental health and correctional facilities market. The partnership will give us exclusive rights to the sales of the CoWin product range in the UK, with Recornect still providing the installation element of projects on site.  And the collaboration will ensure an outstanding level of customer service by utilising the domestic and international expertise of each market leading business.

As a  manufacturer of aluminium windows, doors, and curtain walling, we have become one of the foremost names in secure products for mental health environments, leading the market with our innovative anti-ligature and anti-contraband Safevent window.

Netherlands based Recornect have implemented their advanced technology product into numerous mental health and custodial environments in the UK and across Europe. The level of interest in their ground-breaking technology to date is set to change the therapeutic landscape in the sector. Our local knowledge and expertise within NHS Trusts provide an invaluable extension to their product expertise.

The CoWin interactive panels have been developed to de-escalate challenging situations quickly and effectively and can be tailored to individual needs, fostering a sense of dignity and reducing the risk of further incidents. At the same time, they empower staff for effective crisis prevention and management by allowing them to tailor the digital environment to the specific needs of each service user, supporting person-centred care. CoWin also enables safe communication during challenging or high-risk situations, ensuring engagement and therapeutic contact can continue.

Commenting on the partnership, Jeroen Kratz, CEO of Recornect,

“It was really important to engage with a partner who has the level of experience and reputation in the UK market. It’s great to see that Britplas have the same approach to product development as us, continually innovating to ensure that our products set the bar for the market”

John Blackwell Group MD of Britplas said,

“We have been aware of the CoWin product since its inception and are delighted to support Recornect in the UK to maximise the opportunity and reflect the success they have had in Europe. Their dedication to product enhancement together with the successful UK implementations solidified our confidence in the product.

We are looking forward to a long relationship with the team at Recornect and to helping further improve the outcomes for service users in mental health and custodial environments.”

We are now officially employee owned

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We are delighted to announce that our owners have transferred their equity to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT), marking a momentous shift in our ownership structure and a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainable growth and employee empowerment.

An Employee Ownership Trust is a legal entity that holds a stake in a company on behalf of its employees. The transaction was completed on 5th September 2024, and owners Kevin Gorman and John Blackwell have transferred 100% of their equity in Britplas companies to its EOT.

Our head office and manufacturing facility are located in Warrington, and we are renowned for our groundbreaking Safevent anti-ligature window which was specially developed for use in mental health environments and has been at the forefront of the industry for two decades both domestically and internationally. We also designs, manufactures and installs glazed façades for commercial buildings nationwide.

Established since 2004, we have earned numerous accolades over the past two decades for our commitment to product innovation, excellence, and client satisfaction. We have also experienced remarkable growth, seeing expansion in the UK and international markets and now boast a group turnover of more than £30 million.

Former Britplas owners Kevin Gorman and John Blackwell will continue to lead the business with the same management team ensuring continuity of service and ongoing commitment to the company’s vision and established values.

John Blackwell, Britplas Group Managing Director, commented,
“The move to an EOT model is a hugely positive step for Britplas and its employees, which now stand at over 100. I am immensely proud of what our team has achieved, and we are already seeing that by further empowering our employees as stakeholders in the business, we are helping to promote a strong sense of shared purpose and responsibility which will create a platform for further growth.”

Kevin Gorman, Chairman of Britplas, expressed his excitement about the transition, stating,
“We are delighted that 100% ownership will be given to the trust on behalf of our staff, allowing them to share in the future success of the business. We have always been committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and shared prosperity. This new chapter represents an immense opportunity for the team and a renewed commitment to our shared values as a business.
Ours has been an amazing journey of development, and I have no doubt that the company will continue to go from strength to strength.”

New head of sales bolsters Britplas secure products division

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Britplas is pleased to announce that it has restructured its secure products sales team including the promotion of Matthew Gorman to head of sales.

Matthew leads a team comprising three specialist technical sales managers and two internal account managers who together are responsible for servicing Britplas’ extensive existing client base within the mental health sector as well as developing new business. 

“Matthew joined Britplas in 2017 and has built excellent relationships with many of the UK’s NHS mental health trusts as well as private providers and the sector’s specialist supply chain” commented Group MD John Blackwell. 

“He brings an excellent level of technical expertise to the role, and supported by a dedicated team, we are pleased to be able to offer an impressive level of service to both new and existing customers.”

Chris Kennedy promoted to commercial director

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Britplas is pleased to announce that it has boosted its leadership team with the promotion of Chris Kennedy to group commercial director.

Having joined the business in 2020 as group commercial manager, Chris stepped into his new role at the end of 2023 and takes overall responsibility for the busy Britplas commercial and procurement department which spans both Britplas’ secure products business, including the Safevent window, and also Britplas Façades.

“Chris’ promotion to commercial director is a testament to his authentic leadership, impressive commercial acumen and dedication to developing his team and department” commented Group MD John Blackwell.

“We are delighted to see him progressing within the company and look forward to working with him to continue to drive the business forward.”

Ben Woodward appointed sales and estimating director

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Britplas has announced the appointment of Ben Woodward to the new position of sales and estimating director.

Ben, who has been with the business since 2015 and previously led the pre-construction and estimating department, will be responsible for the overall sales strategy for the Britplas Group, heading up the sales and estimating teams and leading new business development.

Having doubled its turnover over the last five years to some £27m, Britplas carries out the design, manufacture and installation of glazed façades to large commercial developments throughout the UK and also supplies a specialist patented window to the mental health sector.

Current commercial projects include the £250m Kampus mixed use development in Manchester City Centre and the new Edinburgh St James Quarter for main contractor Laing O’Rourke.

The new role will oversee the sales functions of both the commercial and healthcare divisions of the business for the first time.

“Ben has been an integral part of the senior team at Britplas for some years now” commented Britplas managing director John Blackwell. “He has an in-depth understanding of our markets and shares our vision for future business growth. I congratulate him on this well-deserved promotion.”

Ben commented “I am delighted to be stepping up to the position of sales and estimating director. Despite what has been a challenging year for most businesses, we have a firm strategy in place supported by an excellent team and I am looking forward to the next stage of our development.”

New group finance director joins the Britplas team

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Britplas is delighted to announce the appointment of Richard Lincoln to the new position of group finance director.

Richard has extensive senior management experience, having been a finance director for various businesses over the last 18 years. He has worked mainly in the manufacturing and distribution sectors and also had a spell in support services working for Toyota Tsusho.

In his most recent role he was finance director for Tedd Todd, one the UK’s leading hardwood flooring specialists, which is based just around the corner from Britplas at Chesford Grange.

Richard said: “I am extremely pleased to be joining an organisation that has a clear vision and an excellent reputation in its sector.

“I look forward to working to ensure the Group is optimally structured and maintains its financial strength to deliver its ambitions.”

Richard is married with three children and lives in Southport where he moved to 18 years ago from Shropshire.

Britplas appoints new group commercial manager

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Britplas is delighted to announce the appointment of Chris Kennedy to the new position of group commercial manager.

Chris joins Britplas from Laing O’Rourke where he started his career in 2007 as a trainee Quantity Surveyor, obtaining his degree on a day release basis and achieving MRICS status shortly afterwards.

Over a 13 year career, Chris worked his way to a commercial manager position working across various sectors for both public and private clients including the NHS, Transport for Greater Manchester and Manchester City Council. Chris has gained extensive experience in both pre and post construction activities leading numerous tenders and framework submissions as well as delivering complex and prestigious projects such as the redevelopment of Wythenshawe Hospital, Altrincham Interchange and Nr 2 St Peters Square in the centre of Manchester.

Chris will be responsible for leading the Britplas commercial department and working closely with our estimating, pre-construction, procurement and operational teams to develop and implement the group commercial strategy.

John Blackwell, managing director of Britplas Group, said: “Chris brings considerable commercial leadership experience to our business and I am delighted to welcome him to the team. I look forward to working with him as we continue to drive our key strategic objectives and deliver continued growth across the group.”

Tour de Youth Zone: complete!

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Last week Britplas’ Design Manager Neil Tattersall and 18 other supporters of Onside Youth Zones set off from Carlisle Youth Zone and travelled 471 miles in 5 days, before reaching Legacy Youth Zone in Croydon, London

Somehow blessed with a week of dry weather in what was otherwise a very soggy week for the UK, every rider reached the days checkpoint without fail, an outstanding achievement given that for many this was the first time attempting such a long, hard ride. Over £40k was raised, all of which will go into front line services helping young people up and down England.

Neil commented “I rode with some real characters – Youth Zone workers, Team Leaders, CEO’s, Fund Raisers as well as Onside Charity and patrons from the private sector – all of whom proved to be very inspirational, very entertaining and very determined ride companions which made for a great and fascinating all-round experience. Some people were literally at their physical and mental limit with tears w shed and some instances of extreme fatigue, but, very much to their credit, every participant managed to complete the challenge.

The triumphant ticker-tape reception at almost every Youth Zone quickly made it clear that the suffering had been very much worthwhile, and each could relax safe in the knowledge that the money raised by their efforts will be well utilised to improve opportunities and the health and wellbeing of young people up and down the country.”