Graphics display specialist Leach now has its own innovation department, following the appointment of a senior expert in industrial design.
Mike Willshaw joins as head of innovation, after an extensive 20-year career designing consumer goods, packaging, FMCG, medical and promotional materials.
Bringing a wealth of experience in manufacturing technologies, 3D printing and design consultancy, he now takes the lead of a six-strong innovation team at the Huddersfield based firm.
With an annual budget of £250,000, this department will constantly research, develop and engineer new ideas and products for the graphics display marketplace. And it seems that the team already has plenty to talk about, following the unveiling of Leach’s new Vision Product Wall last month. Available in any size up to 15m x 3m, Product Wall is a striking merchandise display system with integrated illuminated graphics.
Commenting on Mike’s appointment, managing director Richard Leach said: “We may have celebrated our 125th anniversary last year, but our company is renowned for innovation. We’ve continued to come up with new and unexpected graphic displays that get the industry talking, but Mike’s talents take our design capabilities to even greater levels.
Mike added: “I love being able to think creatively and invent solutions that offer stronger commercial benefits for our clients’ design problems. Brands are constantly pushing boundaries and demanding more, whether their brief is to increase footfall to a retail store or inspire visitors at a heritage site. The landscape is constantly changing, but thanks to close continued dialogue with our customers, I think we’re one step ahead.”
Mike’s appointment coincides with the arrival of business development manager Dale Broadhead, who joins Leach following a 20-year sales career. No stranger to six and seven figure contract wins, Dale’s experience will stand the company in good stead to achieve its projected 15% growth this year.
Richard elaborated: “Dale’s CV spans sales and marketing expertise from the worlds of retail, branding and signage. He is a strong communicator who passionately collaborates with prospective clients to pose solutions they didn’t think were possible. This approach reflects everything that Leach has become renowned for, so he’s sure to prove a significant asset to the team.”
Having appointed 15 new employees in the past 12 months alone, Leach has plans to recruit a further 6 colleagues before the end of 2017. All vacancies currently being advertised can be found here
