Bedfords appoints new MD as it eyes future development

Forty-eight-year-old Mr Nichols succeeds Steff Pfadenhauer with immediate effect following a company restructure which it said was focused on “succession planning to deliver future aspirations and continued development of both organic and acquisitive business growth”.

Mr Pfadenhauer remains as chief executive and member of the board of directors. He will take an active consultancy role on a part time basis.

Leeds-based Bedfords Group is privately owned and has operating centres in Birstall and Milton Keynes, and serves customers both nationally and internationally.

Mr Nichols began working with Bedfords in 2011 as a purchasing consultant. He was asked to remain with the business as business improvement manager to manage business strategy before being appointed to business improvement director in February 2014.

He is also a former procurement director at the Polestar Group, HJ Heinz and Grattan Mail Order (Otto Versand).

He said: “The new role includes the delivery of the business strategy and on-going success of the business.

“It’s about developing a positive culture in the Bedfords Group, sponsoring the development of staff and ensuring career progression routes are open to those who wish to grow with Bedfords.

“My vision for Bedfords is to be considered as one of the most favourable logistics businesses for personnel to work. To do that we need to develop the business from its solid commercial and service base so that it grows in a sustainable manner over the coming years.

“I don’t have a dogmatic approach to logistics and how it should work,” he added. “I think a fresh approach, innovation and best practice taken from other industry sectors is the way to drive any business forward. Customers expect a dynamic and progressive approach to logistics and Bedfords Group are best placed to deliver on these expectations.

“From an internal perspective, I want to have a culture that promotes open and honest views that benefit the entire Group. Firm believer in an open, honest and transparent approach to business and Customers.”