New era for Bradford manufacturing firm Christeyns as managing director retires

Neil Jones, currently managing director at Clover Chemicals and Christeyns Food Hygiene, both part of the Christeyns UK group, will take over from Mr Garthwaite on January 1.

Mr Garthwaite, who joined the Bradford-based business in August 2010 from Siemens, has helped Christeyns UK grow. He was heavily involved in acquisitions that have seen turnover grow from £21m in 2010 to over £60m in 2019.

“My time at Christeyns has been exceptional,” Mr Garthwaite said. “It is an amazing business and I have been fortunate to work with a talented and passionate group of people. Neil is the perfect candidate to take over, highly experienced in the manufacturing industry, knowing the business and our people well. I have no doubt that he will lead Christeyns onward to new heights.”

He had originally intended to retire in the summer having notified the owners last year.

However, the coronavirus pandemic meant the business had to restructure and Mr Garthwaite held off his departure to enable a smoother transition.

Mr Garthwaite has been a key figure of the Bradford manufacturing community.

He will continue as chairman of the North & West Yorkshire Chamber, remain as part of the Bradford & Airedale Manufacturing Alliance and still act as a trustee of Canterbury Imagine.

The outgoing managing director of Christeyns will also continue to be involved in Bradford Manufacturing Weeks, which has helped connect thousands of school children in and around the city to potential employers in the sector.

Mr Garthwaite will also continue with Christeyns for a period of time as a non-executive director.

His replacement Mr Jones joined the business in December 2019.

Mr Jones said: “Christeyns is a unique business with a reputation for excellence and a strong customer service ethos. I am delighted to take on the challenge of continuing the prosperity of the company and to lead the next chapter in its growth and development.”

Mr Jones, who is originally from Norfolk, is carrying out a three month hand over period and will officially take up his new role on January 1, 2021.

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