David Midgley - Managing Director
“Business in UK textiles changes constantly , but being involved on a daily basis with an enthusiastic team is very rewarding, if business was to standstill it would effectively be going backwards. Innovation and determination are attributes that continue to drive the business, textiles may be seen from afar as a slow moving & mature industry but close up, every day is challenging in new and exciting ways.”
Textiles runs deep in the blood, with a family business spinning crossbred yarns in Keighley from 1889, some 5 generations later David followed in the footsteps of his forefathers and began an apprenticeship in the same family spinning business, W Midgley & Sons, still located in Keighley. The traditional apprenticeship took 5 years constructed between a blend of work on the shop floor and day / evening study at Bradford college, before studying an HNC in textiles, also at Bradford. A short period was spent working in South Africa for SA Fine Worsted spinning, located in Cape Town, before returning to the UK for further education.
After graduating from the University of Reading in 1994 with an Honours degree in Economics, David returned to textiles and joined Thomas Forsell & Son in Leicester, before becoming Branch Director of the spinning operation Willey & Pearson, a part of Allied Textiles PLC.
David, together with other colleagues successfully completed a management buyout of a number of natural fibre businesses from Allied Textiles in 2002, to form Bulmer & Lumb Group Ltd. Over the years that followed the MBO, David’s role changed from Production Director to Managing Director. Many changes have been undertaken over the years since the completion of the MBO.
Over the years, as a member of the Board, David has been a key person in running a range of production activities in this vertical business, across several sites both in the UK and in Poland.
Outside work he enjoys an active lifestyle, with interests in building and renovating classic cars, watching various forms of motorsport and raising a family of 4 children with his wife Jane.
Contact David: davidmidgley@bulmerandlumb.com 01274 676321
Lee Darvill - Sales Director
“There is a very welcoming atmosphere amongst the staff at Bulmer & Lumb. Everyone is friendly & willing to help whenever possible. I enjoy the variety of my role immensely and find coming to work each day very fulfilling”
As our Sales Director, Lee is responsible for overseeing the sales of all tops & yarn as well as the strategic planning of Bulmer & Lumb’s offering across global markets. A prime example of promotion from within, Lee has been with Bulmer & Lumb for over 25 years, joining the combing department straight from school.
Whilst serving an apprenticeship & completing five years of textile training at Bradford University, Lee worked his way through many different departments within the business, including Combing, Gilling, Raw Materials Purchasing & Spinning before joining the Sales team around 15 years ago. This varied path has given Lee a fantastic insight into how the business works holistically and what really makes the company tick.
Whilst serving an apprenticeship & completing five years of textile training at Bradford University, Lee worked his way through many different departments within the business, including Combing, Gilling, Raw Materials Purchasing & Spinning before joining the Sales team around 15 years ago. This varied path has given Lee a fantastic insight into how the business works holistically and what really makes the company tick.
In his spare time, Lee indulges his passion for speed on two wheels & fishing & spends time with his young family.
Contact Lee: leedarvill@bulmerandlumb.com 07879 612670
Paul Hamilton - Technical Director
“No two days are alike but that’s what keeps textiles interesting and challenging.If the last 30 years have taught me anything, it’s that there’s always more to learn, a company is only as good as its people and I have enjoyed the opportunity of working with some of the most talented textile technicians in the industry.”
“I believe there is going to be a shortfall in experienced technicians and, if the industry is to flourish, we all have a responsibility to train and support the next generation. This is why Bulmer and Lumb are committed to their own apprentice program; combining external technical qualifications and on the job training with its own experienced technicians.”
Born June 1969, Paul is qualified as a Chartered Colourist and an Associate of the Society of Dyers and Colourists. Paul began his career working for Bulmer and Lumb directly from school in 1985, in a position of general labourer. In 1987 he was appointed as a technical trainee and supported through several years of additional external training, culminating in the award of the ASDC qualification, also qualified to NEBOSH level in Health and Safety.
Appointed Technical Director in 2013, Paul is a board member of Huddersfield Textile Centre of Excellence, and active member of the Society of Dyers and Colourists with particular emphasis on the establishment of the UK Course for Technicians, a course aimed at providing the opportunity for a new group of technicians to reach the level of ASDC within the UK.
Outside work he likes to keep fit through regular visits to the gym, playing squash and hill walking.
Contact Paul: paulhamilton@bulmerandlumb.com 01274 676321
Matthew Whitehead - Finance Director
“Every day is different, with new challenges around each corner, from day to day analysis of performance to long term strategic planning.”
“As Finance Director you have to be willing to get involved in all areas of the business, you have to get out of your office, so that you can fully understand how the business is performing and be a part of the team taking the business to where it wants to be in the future”
As Finance Director, Matthew looks after our Financials, HR and ICT functions.
After graduating from the University of Huddersfield with an Honours degree in Business Studies, Matthew joined accountancy firm KPMG in Leeds and qualified as a Chartered Accountant in 2001. After qualification he moved to Grant Thornton in Manchester, before moving back over the Pennines, to accountancy firm Wheawill & Sudworth in Huddersfield.
It was at Wheawill & Sudworth that Matthew first came into contact with Bulmer & Lumb, and in September 2005 he joined Bulmer & Lumb’s finance team, replacing the retiring Finance Director.
Over the years, as a member of the Board, Matthew has been central in the business’ acquisitions & investments, as well as the day to day running of the business. He was made a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants England and Wales in 2014
Outside work he enjoys mountain biking, both watching and playing a variety of sports and travelling.
Contact Matthew: matthew.whitehead@bulmerandlumb.com 01274 676321