Member Article

North East chemical network boosts senior team as part of long-term growth strategy

Joanne Fryett is appointed business development director at industry cluster, NEPIC

The industry body that represents the chemical processing sector in the North East of England has made a senior appointment to support its long-term growth plans.

Joanne Fryett joins NEPIC, the North East Process Industry Cluster, as business development director and will oversee the company’s membership engagement and growth activity.

Joanne has spent more than 25 years’ working in the within region, building a reputation of developing authentic relationships across a wide range of business sectors. Recognised as one of the go to people, Joanne has spent her career working within public, private and voluntary sectors across the North East.

In 2019, NEPIC formed a senior management team to further support the organisation’s ambitions in representing and growing the largest single cluster of process, chemical and energy companies anywhere in the UK.

Joanne joins an experienced senior management team that, headed up by chief executive Philip Aldridge, includes Dave Robson as Technical Director; Felix O’Hare as Supply Chain Director and Louise Gwynne-Jones, Communications Director.

“We are very fortunate here at NEPIC to have such a strong, experienced and talented senior management team. However, until now, there was a missing link.” Said chief executive, Philip Aldridge.

“This [link] was someone within the team dedicated to supporting existing members and developing the network. Joanne fills this gap and, I am certain will help grow our membership for the benefit of the cluster and region but most importantly for our members.

Philip continued:

“I am excited about this appointment, especially at this difficult time, as it strengthens my conviction that NEPIC has a bright future contributing significantly to a region with a growing economy. Joanne is a great fit for our small team and brings drive, enthusiasm, and excellent people skills to NEPIC.”

Joanne said:

“I am thrilled to be joining NEPIC at a time that calls for us all to stand together and support one other, with shared knowledge and experience.

“NEPIC, and its members, sit at the heart of a regional economy that is continually innovating and overcoming challenges that industry faces. This will stand members is good stead as we move through the phases of lockdown and recovery.”

The North East is home to the largest single cluster of process, chemical and energy companies anywhere in the UK, and the second largest in the whole of Europe. Together the multinational companies, that call the North East their home, manufacture 50 per cent of UK foundation chemicals and a third of UK pharmaceuticals – bringing more than £2.1 billion of value to the region each year.

NEPIC represents this vital sector. Established in 2005, they work to ensure industry thrives in our region – and that there are investments, innovations and a collaborative network that will create jobs and opportunities long into the future.

Fifteen years on, NEPIC have developed a network of hundreds of member companies who work together to do business, showcase best practice, tackle challenges - and ultimately help one another grow and retain value within the region.

Philip concluded:

“NEPIC is a small yet strong team working to achieve great things. The team work tirelessly to support the needs of our industry members; none more so that over the past weeks and months.

“I am incredibly proud of what they have achieved during these very challenging times. Thanks to their experience and dedication we been able to respond quickly and effectively to the needs of our members, whilst ensuring we continue to provide valuable and meaningful support at a time when it is needed the most.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by NEPIC .