North Wales logistics firm expands leadership team

North Wales logistics firm Delsol International has made a new appointment to its senior leadership team following a hugely successful first year of independent trading, which has put it on track to hit a turnover of £1 million.

Group CEO Kathy Jones took the strategic decision to separate the international arm of the business from the wider Delsol Group in July 2024, a move which has quickly paid off.

The company is on track to surpass its current forecasts and achieve a turnover of £1 million in the coming year, which it says reflects both the strength of its operational model and the growing demand for efficient, reliable international logistics solutions. 

As part of the business’ strategic restructuring, it has appointed Claire Maddock to the role of finance director.

Claire, who has been with the Delsol business since 2010, has played a pivotal role in shaping its commercial success and brings extensive experience in overseeing invoicing operations and contributing to key commercial decisions.

She said, ‘I am honoured to take on this new role and continue to contribute to the success of the team. I appreciate the recognition of my hard work and dedication to the Delsol Group, and I will do my best to live up to this new challenge. 

‘I am really looking forward to how the company grows in the future. The team are extremely hard working and enthusiastic to make a success of Delsol International. I am grateful to be a part of it.’

Claire will join global commercial strategy manager Jake Smithurst and international business operations manager Dylan Walker on the team tasked with driving the business’ ongoing growth.

Jake originally joined the company following the completion of his law degree, initially on a short term basis. Since then, he has become instrumental in driving growth and innovation across the business.

He said, ‘From a temporary cash source following a university degree into an incredibly rewarding, dynamic and unexpected career, this progression from a simple administrator to commercial strategy manager has been transformational. I now look forward to continuing this growth and contributing to the company’s future success.’

Dylan, who has been with the company since his work experience days in 2016, said: ‘It has been an amazing journey, being able to turn a small department into fast growing business with my closest friend, Jake. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes us next.’

Looking ahead, Delsol International plans to scale its operations and become a key partner for Welsh businesses, simplifying import and export processes and enabling local producers to access global markets with ease.

The company is also working to tackle its carbon footprint by moving shipments through Delsol vehicles which are already on the road.

Kathy Jones said, ‘As the business continues to grow, it remains focused on delivering high quality, efficient services while fostering strong relationships with customers and partners.

‘I am extremely proud to welcome Claire to the board, as she has been instrumental in strategic decisions within Delsol and can transfer her skills and knowledge as we scale Delsol International. Jake and Dylan make a cracking team and it is refreshing to see such ambition, drive and passion. 

‘As a business, we are proud of our Welsh roots. We are passionate about supporting local enterprise and showcasing Welsh produce on the world stage without losing the personal, customer focused approach that has underpinned our success to date. I am excited to be part of the journey.’

Pictured left to right are: Jake Smithurst, Claire Maddock, Dylan Walker and Kathy Jones.