Founded 274 years ago manufacturer RS Clare is LIverpool’s oldest surviving business and it has appointed a new managing director. Tony McDonough reports

Liverpool’s oldest business, RS Clare, has appointed a new managing director – the sixth generation of the same family to take on the role.

RS Clare is a global manufacturer of advanced lubricants and high-performance greases. According to its most recently-published accounts covering the year to December 31, 2020, the business generated pre-tax profits of £6.2m.

Now David Meadows is stepping up from his role as director of marketing and communications to became the company’s new chief executive with immediate effect. He replaces Paul Vann who spent six years in the job.

Mr Meadows is the sixth generation of Meadows to be appointed to the job. He is making a commitment to make the business more sustainable and is pledging to work towards a target of net zero carbon emissions.

He says he will continue to build on the business’s impressive year-on-year growth, with significant plans for strategic investment to maintain a focus on innovation to achieve continued growth in key markets.

His position within the company’s executive board has seen him support the development of overall strategic direction and he also brings a strong technical academic background to the role. Mr Meadows has a Master’s degree in chemical engineering from Manchester University.

He said: “It’s a huge honour for me to lead this historic and pioneering private family business. I’m excited to be inheriting a very talented team of employees, a global customer base and a supportive and ambitious board to help us achieve further success.”