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New name at the top at Jerba Campervans

Paul Kimberlin standing in front of camper vans

Jerba Campervans has appointed a new managing director after an intensive four-month search to find someone who will fit with the company ethos.

The employee-owned firm was set up by Simon Poole and his wife Cath in 2006 and has built its reputation on its values ever since.

Now, Paul Kimberlin has moved back to the UK from Canada to take on the role at the North Berwick conversion company.

He has an abundance of experience in leadership positions at major construction and engineering businesses that is likely to come in useful at Jerba.

Mr Kimberlin will be overseeing a team of 15 employees, who specialise in converting Volkswagen Transporter T6.1 models.

Jerba is officially recognised by Volkswagen as a converter of the model and has gained a patent for its unique pop-up roof, which it adds to all of its Volkswagen projects.

As well as being employee-owned, Jerba has gained Living Wage and Fair Tax certifications. It is also certified by the Good Business Charter.

Last year, Mr Poole was awarded SME Director of the Year at the Institute of Director Scotland awards, meaning the new managing director has large boots to fill.

Mr Kimberlin said: “I’d never been involved with an employee-owned company before as all of the firms I have worked at have been larger, privately owned businesses. It is a great way to go and I think more companies should be following this route.

“The company already has a lot of great ideas and products lined up for the future, which I am looking forward to help developing. One of the main projects we will be working towards is utilising the new range of electric vehicles from VW, and the integration of more environmentally-friendly processes and materials in our design for these vans.”

Mr Poole will continue to be involved in the business he co-founded and will take up the position of chair going forward.