Bradford based Christeyns UK managing director Nick Garthwaite is retiring from his role at the specialist hygiene chemical manufacturer after 10 years at the helm.

The company has announced that Neil Jones, currently managing director at Clover Chemicals and Christeyns Food Hygiene, both part of the Christeyns UK group, will be his successor.

Neil Jones, new MD of Christeyns UK

Garthwaite, who joined the firm in August 2010 from Siemens, has been instrumental in the success and growth of the Christeyns UK group, heavily involved in acquisitions that have seen turnover grow from £21m in 2010 to over £60m in 2019. A strong advocate of process thinking, his leadership has brought positive results for the business, the people and the industry in general.

“My time at Christeyns has been exceptional,” comments Garthwaite.  “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.”

Very much a part of Bradford’s business community, Garthwaite will continue as chair of North & West Yorkshire Chamber, on the Bradford & Airedale Manufacturing Alliance, as Trustee of Canterbury Imagine and as lead on Bradford Manufacturing Weeks amongst other activities.

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

Jones joined Christeyns UK in December 2019, responsible for delivering strategy in a dual role across both the professional hygiene and food and beverage arms of the business.

With an extensive background in commercial management, he held leadership roles with national companies such as Unilever, Robert McBride and R&R prior to joining Christeyns.

Jones comments: “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.”

Jones is carrying out a three-month hand over period and will officially take up his new role on 1 January 2021.  His longer-term goals will look to developing new business opportunities, increasing output and efficiency, and ensuring the firm is set to take on a new decade post COVID-19.

Nick Garthwaite retires as MD at Christeyns UK after 10 years at the helm