Meet the Team

Leanne Walshaw, Business Development Manager

Representing Hendrik Veder UK throughout England, Sheffield-based Business Development Manager Leanne Walshaw is at the forefront of creating lasting customer relationships. With a diverse sales and business development career across industries, Leanne’s ability to create tailored solutions that integrate evolving industry trends and forecasts is vital to developing the Group’s UK presence. Working closely with customers, Leanne is integral to driving our key messaging across the region and raising awareness of our innovative, sustainable solutions.

Can you provide a brief breakdown of your role?

I am passionate about establishing and nurturing business growth opportunities across multiple industries utilizing lifting, towing, mooring and rigging equipment. My goal is to promote Hendrik Veder Group’s products and services by addressing and predicting clients’ objectives.

By building long-term relationships with new and existing customers, I tailor our services to create a lasting impact on businesses. By developing business strategies that focus on customer satisfaction and financial gain, I create proposals that benefit both sides.

Ultimately, I aim to extend the reach of our products and services whilst increasing revenue and identifying new business opportunities, partnerships and markets. By staying current with the latest trends across sectors, I’ll create sales forecasts and implement the strategy to achieve aims. Through my strong understanding of our customers, I know their challenges and what products and services the competition is offering in the industry so I can push the latest innovative solutions to our customers. Alongside the Operations and Sales teams, we go to great lengths to meet all requirements and satisfy our customers.

What are your key focuses for Sheffield and wider England?

As part of Hendrik Veder Group UK, the Sheffield branch is well-positioned to serve multiple industries, including construction, steel, rail, and several busy UK ports. As the UK prepares for several major infrastructure projects over the next ten years, such as wind farms and the recently announced Sizewell C Project, Hendrik Veder Group is poised to offer solutions alongside our supersize lifting products for the heaviest and most complex of lifting projects.

What is it you think separates Hendrik Veder Group from its competitors?

Our presence across Europe, in the Netherlands, Norway, France, Poland, and of course here in the UK, we are strategically positioned to meet clients’ short and long-term needs, regardless of location or industry.

Whether our clients require a quick turnaround on equipment or comprehensive storage, servicing, and inventory management through one of our on-site workshops, we have the resources and expertise to get the job done. Our commitment to delivering high-quality service and support is reflected in everything we do, from our state-of-the-art facilities capable of producing single-laid slings up to 128mm dia. (MBL 1156t) to our highly skilled team of professionals. At Hendrik Veder Group, we are dedicated to helping our customers succeed, regardless of the challenges they experience.

Since joining Hendrik Veder Group over three years ago, how has the business evolved over the years in relation to an evolving industry and market?

Across the solutions we provide, sustainability is consistently at our core. By driving innovative and sustainable solutions, we are committed to positively impacting the offshore and maritime sectors. Our ambition is to make these industries more sustainable through our comprehensive inventory management, maintenance services, and circular approach to raw materials. Since I joined three years ago, it has been amazing to see industries fully embrace the sustainable solutions we provide.

By optimizing existing resources and minimizing waste, we help our clients reduce their environmental impact while also improving their bottom line. Our circular approach to raw materials ensures that we extract maximum value from every product, from the initial sourcing of materials to the final stages of recycling and repurposing. With a focus on sustainability and innovation, Hendrik Veder Group is leading the way towards a more sustainable future for the offshore and maritime industries.

With your background in business development and sales, how are you hoping to contribute to Hendrik Veder Group’s growth across the UK?

I’ve been fortunate to gain some incredible experiences across a diverse variety of industries, including rail, logistics, and manufacturing. My experience in these markets has equipped me with the skills and expertise necessary to navigate complex business environments and achieve our shared goals. Throughout my career, I’ve developed a keen ability to identify opportunities, anticipate potential challenges, and deliver successful outcomes for the company and our customers.

Crucial to delivering growth are the relationships you develop and maintain not only with customers but with suppliers too. Cultivating these relationships contributes massively to delivering success on projects. Firstly, it helps to establish trust and credibility with key stakeholders, which can lead to increased sales and repeat business. Additionally, it enables our company to identify new opportunities and stay ahead of the competition by keeping abreast of the latest trends and developments in the industry. Finally, strong relationships foster a collaborative environment, which can lead to greater innovation and problem-solving capabilities.