John N Dunn Group has made two key appointments at its Newcastle head office as its order book continues to grow, with James Dykes joining as buyer and Rob Jepson as contracts co-ordinator.
James joins fellow buyer, Liz Gair, in the purchasing department, where he will be responsible for sourcing materials and equipment for the Group’s projects and managing relationships with suppliers.
James, said: “With the order book continuing to grow, making sure our projects have the right materials, at the right time, is increasingly important. I’m looking forward to working with Liz and building strong relationships with our supply chain, while making sure the buying function continues to keep pace with the demands of the business.”
As contracts co-ordinator, Rob will manage coordination between the estimating and buying teams. He will also deal directly with merchants when issues need to be escalated beyond individual branches, helping to resolve challenges and keeping procurement on track.
Before joining John N Dunn Group, Rob worked for a major independent builders’ merchant, where he progressed to an acting branch manager position.
That background means he understands the requirements of both sides of the supply chain, including the pressures faced by merchants and the importance of clear communication when dealing with contractors.
Originally from Preston, Rob moved to the North East a couple of years ago and now lives in Tanfield.
Rob, said: “I’ve spent a large part of my career on the merchant side, so I know how things look from the other side of the counter. I understand the pressures branches are under and also the frustration that can arise when something isn’t resolved quickly. That experience will be valuable in this role, particularly when an issue needs to be taken beyond branch level and a solution needs to be found.”
Lee Haddock, managing director of John N Dunn Group in the North East, said: “We have a strong pipeline of work across the business and as that continues to build, it is important we have the right people and expertise in place behind our project teams. James brings vast buying experience to the Newcastle office, while Rob’s background in the merchant sector gives us a different perspective on our supply chain. Both appointments will add real value as we continue to grow.”
Established in 1893, the company employs around 300 people and works on up to 100 live projects at any one time. Predominantly a new-build mechanical and electrical contractor, John N Dunn Group works on housing developments for many of the UK’s major housebuilders, while also delivering commercial contracts with the same focus on quality and cost efficiency.
Its specialist services include plumbing and heating, electrical installation and renewable energy, with a reputation built on quality craftsmanship, reliability and a strong commitment to the communities in which it operates. With offices and teams across the North East, Yorkshire and Scotland, the company provides services across a wide range of construction and property projects.