Ex-Carlton Laser Services' boss Dennis Kent takes top job at CBM
1 min read
Dennis Kent, best-known in the industry for transforming Leicester-based Carlton Laser Services from a loss-making business with just 15 workers into a profitable venture employing five times that number, with high-profile contracts throughout the UK and Western Europe, has taken on the top job at the West Bromwich-based Confederation of British Metalforming (CBM).
The former president of the East Midlands and Mid-Anglia branch of the Engineering Employers Federation (EEF) has sold Carlton to an MBO team, although wasn't planning on such a move, even though he has been a CBM member for six years, and also represented the sheet metal sector on its executive board.
"I'm involved with several organisations in the East Midlands, developing links between schools and industry, trying to attract youngsters into engineering, and looking to increase the number of apprenticeship schemes, and after I'd sold Carlton, I expected to do more for those groups," recalled Mr Kent.
"I was invited to take part in the CBM's strategic review, which began after the previous chief executive retired. I've never been one to do things half-heartedly, so I really got stuck into the research.
"It made sense to ask member companies what they thought of the CBM and what more they wanted it to do for them. Then I started to talk to its own employees, from the directors right down to the kitchen staff, just as I did when I first joined Carlton.
"I needed to find out what made the place tick, to see if everyone's skill-set was right, and to judge if they worked together as a team."
Three months later, he had compiled a sizeable dossier of comments, suggestions and strategic options.
"What pleased me most was that almost everyone thought the CBM was doing a really good job, but we did need to get closer to our customers. It was also clear that we had to raise our profile, and have more of a national presence," he admitted.
"I learned from my time with the EEF just how important it is that trade associations have a voice at the top table, and that their opinions are really heard inside Westminster."
Following his work on the review, Mr Kent was invited by the CBM board to implement the strategy which he had devised.
"It was a bit of a surprise, but I didn't think twice about accepting. I'm passionate about manufacturing, and given the economic climate it's essential that we really fight our corner, so I was delighted to come on board.
"It'll take a little while before the new strategies can bed in, but I think we are all now heading in the same direction, and it won't be long before our customers can really see the difference."
