No replacements
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• Wilcox-Seadyke is not replacing the two directors sacked by backers Dartmore Investment and Sun Life last month (CM 13-19 September). Instead, chairman Ken Hodgson takes on the double role of chief executive Malcolm Llewellyn and finance director James Longley who were both dismissed by the company's backers over its disappointing performance.
Since the shake up, 10 more jobs have been axed in an attempt to cut costs further. These are in the areas of engineering, administration and production. James Longley did not contest his dismissal and his position — which was not, according to Wilcox, that of a "working director" — will not be replaced. Financial affairs will be dealt with by Malcolm Brown, who has had a financial role in the company for some time.
However, Llewellyn continues to fight his sacking — although he told Commercial Motor he had not "done much about it yet". And Barry Fisk, commercial director of Wilcox, says no meetings with Llewellyn and the backers have taken place or are planned.
Fisk claims the business is regaining confidence now the shake-out is complete, with increased orders for the pneumatic discharge trailer — a popular Wilcox product. "The business is going well and we are working within our financial capabilities," he says.