Kettering manufacturer’s new boss joined as sales clerk

The Kettering-based company has named as its new boss Katherine Perkins who joined the firm 34 years as a sales order processing clerk.

She said: “When I started as a teenager I never imagined for one moment that one day I would be the Managing Director of Wicksteed.

“I am thrilled and honoured by this opportunity and, with the excellent team that I have around me and I look forward to the continued success of Wicksteed.”

Greville Howard, chairman of Wicksteed, in Digby Street, said: “I am very happy to announce this today and to have the ability to promote somebody so talented from within our company.

“Kathy brings a wealth of industry knowledge to the role and Wicksteed is delighted to have somebody that has shown so much dedication and loyalty to the company take the reins.”

The 102-year-old company, which employs more than 160 people, has just restarted production after a short shutdown because of Covid-19.

To ensure the wellbeing of staff, the firm has drawn up safe working procedures.

Mr Howard said: “Having survived two world wars the company is in a great position to see out the current COVID-19 crisis and is looking forward to welcoming children back to its play areas in the not so distant future.”

Last year, the company announced a £120,000 investment in new equipment.