Paul Jones, FCMI, has joined BLC Leather Technology Centre as business development manager. He will support the testing team and help to develop relationships with major retailers and suppliers. In addition to this, he will manage the Leathermark Registration Scheme and a range of other business areas.

For the past seven years Mr Jones was employed by Fastech International and latterly Intertek Labtest plc as business development director.

BLC has also appointed Tomy Cheng as it’s agent for China. He has been working in the leather industry for more than 32 years, and is the managing director of Superior Leather Trading Company Limited, a Hong Kong-based company established in 1976.

Mr Cheng will use his knowledge and experience in the sale and purchase of products, hides, skins and leather to work with BLC to broaden its scope in China and provide a local contact point.