At Francis Ward Ltd., our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re pleased to introduce two key members of our commercial team who are supporting customers across the UK with expert advice, industry knowledge, and a strong focus on safety and compliance.

Jess Lea – Business Development Lead, North of England & Export

Jess Lea leads Business Development for the North of England and Export markets at Francis Ward. With a strong background in technical sales and international account management, Jess brings extensive experience from safety-critical and highly regulated industries, including aerospace defence, high-precision engineering, pharmaceuticals, personal care, food, and the chemical and process sectors.

A fluent French speaker, Jess works closely with both UK-based and international customers, helping them navigate the challenges of handling complex fluids and hazardous materials. Her practical understanding allows her to provide tailored advice on chemical containment, handling, and storage solutions, ensuring customers specify the right products to meet both operational and regulatory requirements.

Based in the North of England, Jess is known for her collaborative, solutions-focused approach and insight-driven support. Outside of work, she is also an active volunteer, serving as a Parent Advisor to the Yorkshire and The Humber Neonatal Network, reflecting her strong commitment to her community.

Brian Clewley – Business Development Manager, South of England

Brian Clewley is Francis Ward’s Business Development Manager for the South of England. Based in East Anglia, Brian is ideally positioned to support customers within the region’s strong food manufacturing sector, providing responsive, on-the-ground support tailored to their operational needs.

In addition to food and beverage, Brian works with customers across the chemical and nuclear industries throughout the wider South of England, offering trusted guidance on safe, compliant, and efficient containment solutions for hazardous materials and complex processes.

Brian brings valuable experience from a background in technical sales within the street lighting and highway electrical industry, where quality, reliability, and compliance are essential. At Francis Ward, he focuses on building long-term partnerships through knowledgeable, face-to-face support and a clear understanding of safety-critical environments