THE man responsible for making sure rivals don't copy Ultraframe's bright ideas has been made a main board director.

Structural engineer Chris Richardson has been technical director of the Clitheroe conservatory roofing firm since 1997 and has now been promoted to the post of group director.

Chris, 41, joined Ultraframe in 1992 as head of design. He had previously worked as a senior designer for a private structural consultancy in Lancashire and Cheshire and also spent two years in Canada.

Since joining the firm he has been responsible for the research, design and development of Ultraframe's conservatory roofing systems and for protecting its patents.

The firm has taken legal action against a number of firms for infringement of its patents and been awarded hundreds of thousands of pounds in compensation.

"The board recognised Chris Richardson's major contribution to the success of the group, in particular his involvement in our North American developments," said David Moore, Ultraframe's deputy managing director.

"As we continue to evaluate our UK and overseas expansion programme I am sure his input will be invaluable and we welcome him to the group board."

In March this year Ultraframe announced a 50/50 joint venture with Royal Group Technologies of Toronto, Canada, to develop the conservatory market in North America.

Chris and his team are heavily involved in developing the Ultraframe systems for the North American market.

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