58 | People
Maria Bellisimo joins Confor as policy officer
understands forestry and wood’s vital role in contributing to the sustainability agenda.
“Maria is a fantastic addition to the Confor team,” said Stuart Goodall, Confor chief executive. “Her strong background in public affairs and her specific experience working with businesses in the sector mean she can hit the ground running and add real value to our work at a time when forestry and timber have never been more important to society.”
Above: Maria Bellisimo
Experienced communications and engagement professional Maria Bellisimo has joined Confor as its new policy officer. Ms Bellisimo, who joined the Confor team on September 6, has a strong understanding of the UK’s political and policy-making process – and detailed industry knowledge through her recent work with both BSW Timber and, previously, the Wood Panel Industries Federation.
She has held a number of roles across Westminster and the private sector, and
Ms Bellisimo, who has extensive experience of designing and running political and single-issue campaigns, is well-known to a number of the Confor team.
“When I first started supporting businesses in the sector as a public affairs consultant four years ago, my knowledge of the forestry and timber sector was limited,” she said. “What I have discovered since then is a highly specialised, technologically advanced sector that is key to revitalising a lagging rural economy and an essential component of the systemic change that we as a society need to make to address the climate change crisis.”
Taylor Lane appoints new directors
Taylor Lane Timber Frame has made several changes to its structure after a period of sustained growth, and the sad loss of joint managing director, Barrie Lane.
The timber frame specialist has appointed directors from its long-standing senior management team. Steve Griffiths is promoted to technical director, alongside Liam Hale as construction director; Paul Harris, contracts director; Jon Lane, commercial director; and Wayne Ricketts to sales director. Co-founder, Colin Taylor remains as managing director.
“The past 12 months has been a time of great change for almost everybody, and
Taylor Lane is no exception,” said Colin Taylor. “However, we have been incredibly fortunate that we have continued to grow and evolve as a company, and that growth, along with the sad loss of my fellow managing director Barrie Lane, has led to a restructuring of the organisation. “I am excited and proud to announce the appointment of our new directors. All have a long-standing history with Taylor Lane and their vast knowledge and skills will be an integral part of our continued growth and success.
“I wish all of them the absolute best of luck in their new positions and with their new responsibilities.”
Obituary - David McDonnell
Above: David McDonnell
David Graham McDonnell passed away on June 27 at the age of 55, after a long and hard-fought battle with cancer. Mr McDonnell started his working life in 1983 on the YTS scheme at PDT Hulme’s in Brinscall, before moving to WT Eden and, finally, onto W Howard Ltd in 1996, where he became business development director. “He very rarely sold anything while covering the UK and areas of Europe, but he made many life-long friends who just happened to buy MDF mouldings from him because they wanted to!” said Jonathan Grant, group chief executive.
“He was instrumental in the success of the W Howard Group business and Dave was one of those people who, once met, was never forgotten. He will be sorely missed by all in the timber trade.” His passion outside of work was Euxton Villa Football Club, where more than 300 people attended his funeral – this is testament to the high regard in which he was held, said Mr Grant.
He leaves his wife Sally and children Jamie, who also works for W Howard, and Heather. Donations can be made to St Catherine’s Hospice in Lancashire,
www.stcatherines.co.uk or Macmillan Cancer Support
www.macmillan.org.uk
Cheshire Mouldings goes full throttle with Josh Wood Racing
Stairparts, mouldings and decking accessories manufacturer Cheshire Mouldings, has been named as the title sponsor for Josh Wood Racing in the upcoming season of the Bennetts British Superbike Championship. The season, which kicked off on June 25
at Oulton Park, will see Mr Wood compete in 11 races throughout the year, with Cheshire Mouldings supporting each one as the team’s lead supporter.
“It’s a real privilege to be able to support Josh this season,” said John Carney, managing director of Cheshire Mouldings.
TTJ | September/October 2021 |
www.ttjonline.com
“I am a big fan of the sport and he’s a fantastic young talent coming up through the ranks. I have been following Josh’s progress closely over the last few years and I know the entire Cheshire Mouldings team look forward to supporting him this season and wish him the best of luck.”
People
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