Cleanzine: your weekly cleaning and hygiene industry newsletter 18th April 2024 Issue no. 1110
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Clarity-The Soap Co. new recruitment drive signals bright future
As 2019 gets underway, social enterprise Clarity-The Soap Co. (founded in 1854) announces that it has recruited new personnel in key positions as it implements a revised operating strategy to help ensure another phase of sustainable growth under chief executive, Nigel Lewis. Says Nigel:
"2018 saw much change. We secured new contracts in key retail outlets from Waitrose to John Lewis & Partners, Sainsburys to the Co-op, whilst launching our eco Beco. brand with a product range including bar soaps and foaming hand wash.
"We also increased our presence in the corporate, hospitality and restaurant sectors and secured new relationships with the vital facilities management companies that showcase our products in their listings. All of this demanded a new recruitment drive be put in place to ensure the successful HR, financial, production and quality controls necessary to streamline a modern, forward-looking manufacturing business."
Gillian Austen (pictured), who joined as head of employment services in late 2018 to bridge the gap that existed in relation to HR, Training and Welfare says:
"I am excited to be a part of Clarity's future. I have been brought in at a time when change is the only constant and managing that within an organisation that has existed for as long as Clarity-The Soap Co. is a challenge in itself - but one which myself and the new management team and staff are up for."
Laurence O'Donovan, who also came on board in late 2018 as head of manufacturing, brings great experience to the role and is tasked with increasing productivity, factory efficiency and effectiveness in order to meet the required production capacity demanded by the organisation's new growth strategy.
Laurence has over 22 years' experience in operations roles across the UK, Ireland, Asia Pacific and Australia. His extensive background across industry sectors including pharmaceutical, paints and cosmetics means he brings a wealth of knowledge in areas such as manufacturing, logistics, lean/continuous improvement, maintenance, planning, procurement, inventory, safety and quality.
In addition, late 2018 saw Louise Fairhurst, head of finance join the company. Louise is a former trustee who already knew the business well and was brought on board to implement robust financial management and structure across the organisation in order to be in a stronger position to move forward with the growth strategy.
Louise comes on board after two years with the Thomas Pocklington Trust and a further 19 years working as finance business manager with the Post Office Ltd.
Nigel Lewis concludes: "The future is bright - we know what needs to be done and are putting the plans in place to do it in order to make a difference in terms of increasing our market presence and production capacity whilst ensuring quality remains a priority. We continue to deliver great products and to have an impact on society and our local communities because of what we do and how we do it.
"We never forget that we are here to create employment for people with disabilities and long-term health conditions. Here's to the next 164 years!"
7th February 2019