Strictly Shears as new Business Development Manager makes her move

Ballroom dancer Julie Mudd has waltzed her way into a senior role at Shears Bros (Transport) Ltd as Business Development Manager.

With a wide-ranging career in logistics, she brings more than 20 years’ experience from her roles in international shipping, the parcel industry and hazardous freight.

Julie, who took up her new role earlier this year, is now getting to grips with the pallet distribution sector.

Outside work she has competed in various amateur dance championships around the UK including contests at the famous Blackpool Tower Ballroom.

Bournemouth-based logistics company Shears, an owned operation of Pall-Ex (UK) Ltd, has seen significant growth in recent years.

Paul Bulpitt, General Manager, said: “Shears continues to develop its range of services to suit the evolving needs of its customers in the Bournemouth area.

“I have every confidence that Julie will continue to work well with the rest of the team and further support Shears’ growth over the coming months.”

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Just the ticket for David as Flowbird’s UK Managing Director

Flowbird Group has announced the appointment of David Thompson as Managing Director of Poole-based Flowbird Transport Intelligence (UK).

The business is a global leader in transport ticketing and payments technologies.

He takes over from Owen Griffith, who assumes a new role focused on business strategy and growth.

David, pictured left, joined Flowbird in 2002 and has been General Manager of the company’s APAC region based in Australia since 2009.

Bertrand Barthélemy, President, Flowbird Group, said: “David takes over the leadership of our UK-based transport operations at a time of significant opportunity in the mobility landscape, as authorities and operators look to transform how they meet the needs of citizens through the greater integration of transport services and payments.

“His experience and expertise will be invaluable as we bring forward our vision for integrated and sustainable mobility.”

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Agincare appoints top training expert as Non-Executive Director

Independent care provider Agincare has boosted its Training Now board.

It has appointed care sector training and learning expert Andy Tilden as a Non-Executive Director.

Andy, pictured right, will attend board meetings and also offer support, advice and challenges to the Training Now team.

The team delivers courses to Agincare’s own workforce – some 3,500 people nationwide-– as well as learners from other organisations across the country.

Andy’s most recent position was Operations Director with Skills for Care.

As a member of the leadership team he was responsible for the strategic and operational running of the company.

Other roles have included starting up a learning and training company, working with the NHS, and course manager, lecturer and tutor for care at Weston College.

He possesses a Master in Business Administration from the University of West of England, and sees his appointment with Training Now as a return to an early career spent in wide-ranging social work roles after graduating from Bristol and Birmingham universities.

Raina Summerson, Agincare’s Chief Executive, pictured left, said: “The portfolio of skills, expertise and knowledge that Andy brings will be a great asset to our Training Now organisation as it continues to grow from strength to strength in the future.”

Family-owned Agincare has its head office at Portland.

It has been providing care for more than 35 years, including live-in care, home care, residential care and nursing homes nationwide.

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Emily named Farm Educator of the Year

Emily Gascoigne of Synergy Farm Health in Evershot has been named Farm Educator of the Year in the Ceva Animal Welfare Awards.

Emily, who is a RCVS Recognised Specialist in Sheep Health and Production, is known for going the extra mile to share her knowledge with local farmers as well as other vets.

Her commitment to training is shared by her practice, Synergy Farm Health, a locally owned independent practice which provides veterinary services to farmers across Dorset, south Somerset, east Devon and Wiltshire.

The team at Synergy offers courses and workshops to help farmers improve animal health and welfare and translate this into better business results.

The Ceva Farm Educator of the Year Award celebrates a remarkable individual who dedicates their lives to research and education on improving farm animal welfare.

As a practising sheep vet Emily, pictured right, is actively involved in research, and she also leads some student teaching as well as steering sheep farmer training at Synergy Farm Health.

She also regularly contributes to the farming and veterinary press and plays an active part in several veterinary associations.

Commenting on her success, Emily said: “I’m delighted to be named Farm Educator of the Year.

“Training is a huge part of my role that I really enjoy, and it’s wonderful to gain this award to celebrate that.”