Ballyclare adds new hires to grow UK firefighter PPE market

Ballyclare has announced the appointment of four new team members as part of a strategy to increase its share of the UK firefighter personal protective equipment (PPE) market.

According to Ballyclare, the company has recruited experienced personnel from Bristol Uniforms to support contracts with Fire and Rescue Services (FRSs) across the country.

The Cheshire-based company reported that the appointments follow a decade of expansion in Europe, with continued operations in Poland, Benelux and Germany.

Ballyclare said the new hires are intended to support upcoming tenders under the collaborative procurement frameworks used by UK FRSs.

The company stated that these roles were created to enhance its in-house capabilities and maintain high levels of service across PPE design, supply and support.

Senior staff bring experience from Bristol Uniforms

The company said all four appointments were recruited directly from Bristol Uniforms.

Philip Tasker has joined Ballyclare as Global Sales Lead for Fire and Security.

Tasker worked at Bristol Uniforms for 23 years, most recently as UK and Ireland Sales Director.

Edward Shepherd has been named Supply Chain Lead and will oversee production and distribution.

Shepherd was previously Service Operations Director at Bristol Uniforms for 18 years.

Ian Mitchell, who served as Joint Managing Director at Bristol Uniforms and Managing Director at Bell Apparel, has joined as a Consultant.

Alex Williams has taken up a Sales and Customer Support position following a 12-year tenure supporting Joint Managing Directors at Bristol Uniforms.

UK appointments support wider European growth

Ballyclare stated that the new appointments follow its expansion in Europe, including support for over 200 brigades in Poland.

The company reported that it delivers managed PPE services in Germany, including for the city of Hamburg.

According to Ballyclare, Hamburg alone accounts for 5,500 professional and volunteer firefighters currently served through its systems.

The company added that it operates in-house manufacturing in North Africa and offers full lifecycle garment services across the UK.

These include product design, production, washing, repair and end-of-life services.

Ballyclare leadership highlights collaborative approach

Ballyclare Director Hansjürgen Hübner said the company’s approach is based on listening to end-user needs and providing tailored support.

Hübner said: “Our strength at Ballyclare has always been in collaborating closely with customers, listening to their needs and applying our expertise, working in partnership with them to deliver tailored solutions.

“We’ve achieved exceptional success with this formula in Europe.

“Now it’s time to bring that expertise to the new UK collaborative framework that will be out for tender later this year.

“We’re delighted to have gathered a team with deep UK market knowledge and excellent industry connections so we can deliver a level of quality, customer service and value for money unmatched by any other supplier.”

Ballyclare noted that its senior UK team already includes Deborah Hudson, Head of Product Development, Mark Brophy, Technical Manager, and Lee Porter, Fire Service Manager.

Together, these three have more than 50 years’ experience with the company.

New sales lead outlines team’s direction

Philip Tasker, Global Sales Lead for Fire and Security, said the new team would be focused on strengthening domestic relationships.

Tasker said: “Ballyclare is reinforcing its reputation for innovation and performance by building the best team to scale up its operations.

“We’re here to form lasting relationships with fire services across the UK, who can trust us to listen, respond, and deliver exactly what they need to keep their crews comfortable and protected.

“We will continue to boost our investment in customer service in the coming weeks.

“A strong, well-resourced team is essential to backing our UK fire services on the front line.”

Ballyclare appoints former Bristol Uniforms staff to expand firefighter PPE support in UK: Summary

Ballyclare has appointed four new staff members as part of its UK expansion strategy.

All four previously held roles at PPE supplier Bristol Uniforms.

Philip Tasker is now Global Sales Lead for Fire and Security.

Edward Shepherd has been appointed as Supply Chain Lead.

Ian Mitchell has joined Ballyclare as a Consultant.

Alex Williams now works in Sales and Customer Support.

Ballyclare is headquartered in Cheshire, United Kingdom.

The company supplies firefighter PPE to multiple UK Fire and Rescue Services.

It also serves more than 200 brigades in Poland and several German cities.

Ballyclare operates manufacturing facilities in North Africa.

The company offers managed services including garment washing and repairs.

Director Hansjürgen Hübner said the new team will focus on the UK’s upcoming collaborative procurement framework.

Sales lead Philip Tasker said Ballyclare will increase its investment in customer support.