Linda Adams
Acting Chairman
One of relatively few women at a senior level in the manufacturing industry, Linda joined the SWMAS Board in 2002 with an enviable pedigree in leading manufacturing engineering and machinery businesses. A strong ambassador for SWMAS, Linda has a highly positive and pro-active approach which enables her to influence strongly for the benefit of manufacturing businesses in the South West.
Linda has spent nearly 30 years in the manufacturing sector in businesses with turnovers ranging from £1m to £25m. For the majority of her career, she has been based within the South West having been employed as MD of RJE Engineering Ltd in Gloucester, the manufacturing division of load handling equipment specialist and the Lucas Flett Group, once quoted in the Financial Times as being one of the fastest growing privately-owned groups in the UK.
Throughout her six years at RJE Engineering, she introduced new strategies, products and ways of working which led to a significant increase in the productivity and profitability of the group.
Prior to this, she worked as Group Managing director at TT Boughton Group, a £20m plus turnover company specialising in the manufacture of airport crash tender units and load handling equipment.
Previously, Linda was Managing Director of Ransomes Consumer Division of Ransomes plc, manufacturer of Mountfield lawnmowers and the Westwood range of garden tractors.
Linda is a Fellow of the Institute of Management and has worked closely with local business service providers, having held Board positions with Business Link Devon & Cornwall and North Devon. She has also been an active Board Member of EEF Western and Senior Industrial Fellow of Exeter University School of Engineering and Computer Science, reflecting her passion in strengthening links between industry and academia.
Three years ago Linda set up her own company, LKA Associates, which provides business and personal development services, sharing her knowledge and experience with directors and managers in support of their business development and strategies. As a qualified coach, she provides personal and skill development to managers and senior executives.
She also supports the SWMAS team of specialists in delivering the Strategic Management Programme to manufacturers across the region.
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