London, 19 February 2010

Stewart Group, the UK based global inspection and analysis group, is continuing to expand its management teams across its divisions, and in key positions, as part of their business development and market strategy, appointing Helen Smith, David Jarvis and Tony Bleasdale to its UK operation. Helen Smith has taken on the role of Commercial Manager, David Jarvis has been appointed as Customer Services Manager and Tony Bleasdale is now General Laboratory Manager. All three are regarded as leading professionals in their sectors.

Helen Smith has been brought in from London & Scandinavian Metallurgical Co Limited and will be working alongside the established UK commercial team and Group management to enhance the existing portfolio of services Stewart Group can provide. Helen brings with her invaluable knowledge in areas such as industrial minerals, ceramics and refractory’s, enabling Stewart Group to quickly diversify and enter into new markets over the coming year.

Commenting on her appointment, Helen said: “I’ve always held Stewart Group in high regard as a company, and the way the business has evolved since the management buyout made it an extremely attractive prospect as a place to work. With Stewart Group looking to increase and improve its provision of quality analytical and services solutions, this year will be filled with significant developments.

“I’m looking forward to the  challenge of establishing new revenue streams for the company over the coming year, particularly in Ceramics, where I have previous experience.”

David Jarvis joins from the Sheffield Assay Office following over 20 years experience with the company and will be using his expertise to increase Stewart Group’s share in the UK market, and continuously improving the service channels across Stewart Group’s global network. Finally, Tony Bleasdale joins from API Holographics Ltd as a new General Laboratory Manager, and will bring his knowledge and experience to assist with the implementation of new technology at the Liverpool site, in order to provide analysis solutions for a widening range of commodities and markets.

John Notman-Watt, Stewart Group Managing Director, said of the management team expansion: “Helen, David and Tony bring with them a wealth of knowledge and experience from their respective previous roles and will be an integral part of the management team that is working to grow Stewart Group globally. Each appointment complements the skills we already possess in our laboratories, but we now have extra ability to adapt and react to changes in a diversifying market, that will allow us to consistently improve our services to customers.

“We have always recruited the highest calibre staff and we believe in harnessing the experience of others. We continue to grow in terms of both numbers, strength and expertise, and it is great to have them all on board.”

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