Following the continuing successful development of the company, I have decided to make a number of high level changes to effectively create a larger AST Board. The new/expanded AST Board of Directors, effective from the 1st April 2019, will be as follows:

Matthew Rhodes – Finance Director
Matthew is a fully qualified FCCA and whilst he has only been with AST for just over 12 months, he spent circa 10 years working for Salzgitter UK doing a similar job where he exited as their Financial Controller. In addition to his functional role as AST Finance Director Matthew is also overseeing the financial management of Special Steel Sections, The Steel Ball Company and Steelstock Services (Midlands).

Thomas McDougall – Commercial Director
Whilst Thomas is still relatively new to AST he has now worked as a loyal, fully committed employee for group businesses for just over 10 years. In his years of employment with ex sister company Tomrods 6 -7 day working weeks were more often the norm with frequent night time working. He would also go to whatever measure was necessary to ensure that customers were never let down. Whilst the commercial window is generally only open for making telephone calls between the hours of 8:30 to 5.00pm Thomas still works many additional hours and his commitment to the business and its success is unquestionable. I am extremely proud of what Thomas is achieving. With his huge contribution to sales tonnage it is imperative that Thomas now quickly starts to learn the wider interest of the business with respect to purchasing, finance and general business strategy.

Jon Jacobs – Operations Director
Jon has now been with AST for nearly 12 years and has progressed into the job of Office Manager in 2015. Jon has been the anchor man in looking after every form of operations in the business from office management, transport planning, IT infrastructure for the new office, liaison with the docks and secondary steel processors etc. Having started from the grass roots of the business there is not many aspects of the business and its systems that Jon is not familiar with. His work ethic and commitment to the business has always been first class and he is well deserving of this directorship position.

Kim McDougall – Communications Director
Kim has worked alongside me as my PA for 7 years and provides an unbelievable amount of help and support. As the company expands we are having to communicate with a wider range of associates and external businesses on a more regular basis and it is obviously important that all our communications are conveyed in a professional and consistent/articulate way to promote the best possible company image/brand. In addition, as the company develops we also need better awareness of human resource responsibilities, legalities and procedures where Kim is also helping to bridge this gap. Without her day to day support my job would be literally impossible so again this a well-deserved appointment that takes full advantage of Kim’s past senior position work experiences and academic qualifications and helps to firm up our wider family interest/commitment in the business.

Kevin Middis – Board Advisor
Kevin is someone I have known for nearly 20 years and historically helped me with the acquisition of both Special Steel Sections & The Steel Ball Company. Throughout his career in the steel industry he has enjoyed the role of Finance Director and other senior directorships in large corporate PLC businesses. He has also worked as a financial advisor to other steel trading and steel processing businesses. Whilst Kevin sits on the AST Board he is working as a finance /business strategy consultant and currently very much helping out as an interface with our bankers to ensure we retain a fair deal on our financial facilities.

I would like to wish all the above colleagues the best of success in their roles and should anyone have any queries about these appointments my door is always open.

Laurence McDougall

Managing Director