Proper Hires Head of Ops to Pave the Way to New Home

- Ex-HMV, supply chain and distribution expert, Jon Higgs to oversee Proper’s warehouse move and lead team of distribution specialists - Brand new property in Dartford, move completed by late summer 2017 - Follows record profits for the group in 2015/16Supply chain and distribution expert Jon Higgs joins Proper Music Group to spearhead its expansion to a brand new, larger warehouse in Dartford. Higgs will take up the role of head of operations, and bring a wealth of experience in music distribution.Previously at HMV for 15 years, Higgs oversaw national fulfilment for retail and e-commerce and led the relocation of HMV’s warehouse operations from the Channel Islands to England. He also opened over 150 new stores for the entertainment retailer. At Proper he will head up the expansion plans, and lead a team of more than 50 distribution specialists and warehouse staff.The news follows another great year for Proper, with 2015/16 profits of £283,000 before tax, surpassing the record breaking figure of the previous year. By more than doubling their warehouse space, and introducing automated conveyor systems and a single-storey pick and pack space, the move will further improve capacity and efficiency across operations.Jon Higgs, Proper’s Head of Operations, remarked: “It’s great to begin my time at Proper as it enters its next phase of development and growth. As we move from the current Sydenham branch into our new premises, I’m particularly excited to embrace the new automation and system developments which our projected growth plans have allowed us to invest in. I can’t wait to get started.”Drew Hill, Managing Director of Proper Music Group, added: “I’m delighted that Jon is coming on board to employ his expertise as we settle into our new home. Going forward, Jon’s experience will prove invaluable as we continue to grow, and adapt to the challenges and opportunities thrown our way.”About Proper Music GroupProper Music Group is a full services company providing everything from global physical and digital distribution to artist and label services, publishing, online retail and its own record label. Clients are able to tap into as much or as little of Proper’s offering as fits their needs.Its distribution arm, Proper Music Distribution – the largest totally independent distributor in the UK – is renowned for having the knowledge, experience and personal service of an independent specialist coupled with the reach and power of a major. The company represents over five percent of the UK physical recorded music market, handling over 1,000,000 titles at any time.Latest accounts show the year to 31st March 2016 was one of Proper’s best yet with profits of over £280,000 – up from last year’s record figure – and an overall turnover of over £21 million.Proper is listed in the 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain 2015 report compiled by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG).www.propermusicgroup.com