Management Team Profiles

Phoebus van Deventer – Managing Director

Phoebus van Deventer has a lengthy record of success in the logistics arena in his native South Africa. Together with his family, he relocated to the UK in 2000 and the following year joined Gist at Ocado. He later took over responsibility of Gist’s multi-user site in Tamworth.

After attaining an MSc in Logistics and Supply Chain Management from Cranfield University in 2003, Phoebus went on to establish the UK operation of Idrawfast, the world’s largest architectural visualisation company, which he later franchised in Dublin and Paris.

In 2011 Phoebus acquired Minster stating that the company attracted his attention with three main strengths; the quality and dedication of the long-serving team, a robust product portfolio and the position of trust Minster holds with its clients.

Phoebus hopes to add fresh commercial perspective to the business and drive innovation to the benefit of our growing customer base.

Neil Livingstone – Head of Development

Neil Livingstone is a highly proficient Development Manager with a Bachelor of Engineering degree from Cardiff University. He was previously a Software Developer with Open Range Ltd before joining Minster ten years ago as a Senior Developer.

Neil has a passion for technology and computer systems and a demonstrable track record of designing, developing and delivering innovative business critical solutions. By thinking out of the box, utilising the best of his team and forging strong working relationships, Neil has taken the Minster product forward and has become a key member of the management team.

Neil is an integral component of the Minster ‘engine room’ and has made a significant contribution in developing the system to where it is at today.

Brendan Murphy – Delivery Manager

Brendan joined Minster in 1994 as a Business Analyst and is a key member of the Minster team who provides input to the functional scope and design of the Minster system. He is deeply involved with the development and implementation of our logistics software for many clients.

Brendan has an operational background and previously worked in the food service industry in a variety of roles, which included Business Systems Manager for The Cheese Company. During this time he acquired a depth of knowledge in food distribution and logistics-related processes and systems. His experience includes sales order processing, stock control, procurement and warehouse management. This understanding culminated in the functional design and implementation of a bespoke Consumer Products Radial (CPR) System for three major depots.

Brendan began his ‘hands on’ career with the Littlewoods Group and later at the Express Dairy RDC in Tamworth where he monitored the contracted logistics service provided to Littlewoods including supplier compliance, product receipt and packaging standards, hygiene and the picking and distribution operation.

Maria Smith – Office Manager

Maria is one of the longest serving members of the Minster team. She joined the company in 1989 as the company was relocating from its original home in Lichfield to Tamworth.

Maria’s role as Office Manager is both varied and vital. She provides support to the entire team and ensures the smooth running of the company, which encompasses a multitude of tasks including organising trade shows and liaising with customers and suppliers.

Maria is also responsible for the accounts function within the business. Ensuring prompt payment of suppliers is key to the success of our business.