As part of the next stage in its global strategy, J&C Joel, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of flame retardant fabrics and flooring for the entertainment and event industries, has strengthened its management team as the business positions itself for future growth.
With more than 50% of its sales already coming from international exports, the British company has achieved global reach through an international network of offices and now exports to over 75 countries worldwide, providing products such as front of house theatre curtains, stage backdrops, acoustic drapes, projection screens and an array of stage engineering solutions.
In the last two years J&C Joel has increased its export turnover by 78 per cent. Recent years have seen the company work on a number of high profile global projects, including New York University Campus in Abu Dhabi, the 2014 Sochi Games, the Venetian Hotel & Resort in Macau and the world famous Pacha nightclub, to name a few.
Fiona Blackett, previously the Managing Director of J&C Joel’s Hong Kong Office, has now been appointed Sales Director for J&C Joel Group. Fiona’s appointment closely follows the opening of a new office in Macau.
A key member of the British manufacturer’s commercial team with more than 25 years’ experience, Fiona is tasked with delivering significant export sales growth and managing the global sales teams based in J&C Joel’s UK, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Macau and Hong Kong locations.
Fiona is succeeded in the Hong Kong office by previous Middle East manager, James Martin, who becomes Regional Manager (Asia). James has extensive experience in events as well as a comprehensive understanding of J&C Joel’s diverse fabric, manufacturing and stage machinery capabilities.
In recognition of the expanding events market in China, James will be supported by newly appointed Sales Manager (Asia) Goldie Leung, an experienced events management professional; Production Manager (Asia), Vicki Liu, previously employed by one of Hong Kong’s largest set construction companies and Senior Project Engineer (Asia) Gregory Allan, previously a theatre consultant with London-based Charcoalblue.
In the Dubai-based office for the Middle East, J&C Joel also welcomes back Lynzi Spindley as Regional Sales Executive (Middle-East). Lynzi joins from IBS, one of the largest leading set and stage rental companies in the region, prior to this Lynzi worked for J&C Joel in the UK. Lynzi joins an existing team of ten experienced professionals.
The formation of this new ‘Global Project Team’ will support J&C Joel’s expansion plans and ensure the company can support its global clients with regionally based expertise.
James Wheelwright, CEO at J&C Joel, said: “We believe that international markets represent the biggest single opportunity for revenue growth in the medium and long term. Our business has expanded significantly in recent years and we are operating on a global scale now with operations in the UK, Europe, South Africa, Middle East, Macau and Hong Kong. The creation of this experienced team will ensure we can deliver first class customer service across the globe.”
As well as enjoying success overseas, J&C Joel has a thriving UK operation and is renowned for celebrating its British heritage and values. The company recently became the latest business to be awarded with the Made in Britain accreditation.
The Made In Britain campaign is a member-funded, non-profit organisation, which aims to promote and support manufacturing in the UK. Over 400 companies have signed up to be Made In Britain members to date.