DLM Names New Managing Director, Halford Becomes Chair

Dynamic Load Monitoring (UK) Ltd. (DLM) of Southampton, has named Chris Harrison managing director. Martin Halford, who formerly held the position, will remain in a full-time role, serving as chairperson.

DLM is a supplier of load cells, load monitoring technology, and cable working equipment to the lifting, rigging, wind energy, and wider renewables sector. Prior to joining, Harrison led global growth and strategic projects for a live events special effects and custom engineering company, operating worldwide across multiple sectors. He brings wide-ranging knowledge from the energy and industrial marketplaces, leading complex acquisitions and growth initiatives, complemented by strategic advisory experience with small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Halford said: “The cadence of growth of the company came as a bit of a surprise, and it became apparent that in order to progress further and hit the targets we want to get to in the next five years, we will need to structure the management differently. To facilitate this evolution, I wanted to take a step back from day-to-day operations to allow me to transition into a more strategic role, while also looking to engage more with larger projects that the business could undertake.”

Harrison said: “I was looking to join a market-leading engineering company with a great reputation, a strong team culture, and a mindset for future growth and development. DLM stood out to me for having all of these factors. It also represented an opportunity to work alongside Martin, benefitting from his long-standing expertise and drive for further development and improvement.”

Dynamic Load Monitoring (DLM) has named Chris Harrison (right) managing director. Martin Halford (left), who formerly held the position, will remain in a full-time role, serving as chairperson.

Leadership continuity

Halford and Harrison are part of a leadership group that also includes Carly Collins, performance and people director; and Chris Scrutton, technical director. Five additional managers oversee quality, health, safety, and environment (QHSE); production; finance; engineering; and sales teams. Harrison becomes the 35th member of the DLM team.

Halford explained that customers will benefit from greater focus, clearer leadership, and continued stability. With Chris assuming the role of managing director, the business will have a dedicated day-to-day leader focused on operational excellence, developing its people, enhancing customer service, and delivering short- and long-term growth ambitions.

He added: “I will of course remain closely involved in the direction, culture, and vision of DLM, but Chris will have the authority and responsibility to lead the team and drive us forward. For staff, they will benefit from greater clarity of accountability and continued investment in people, systems, and processes. For customers, it means the same DLM values, technical expertise, and personal service they know, with a sharpened focus on improving delivery, performance, and support. Chris [Harrison] brings the right combination of commercial experience, leadership capability, and cultural fit to succeed. Importantly, he also has an engineering background.”

Harrison said: “In the short-term, my focus will be on ensuring a seamless transition from Martin’s leadership as I take on management of the business. I’m especially looking forward to spending time with our customers, understanding what they value most about DLM and listening to their future requirements, so we can continue to innovate and strengthen our position as the global first choice for load monitoring and offshore equipment.”