National distributor, Broughton Crangrove has appointed Jonathan Eyre to the new role of Business Development Manager, Heating Products.

Jonathan has numerous years' of experience and brings a wealth of knowledge to the new position, having previously been employed with AHED Limited, where he was responsible for the heating sector. Jonathan has valuable merchant retail experience, having previously worked for the builders' merchants, BMB in Barnsley.

Jonathan's responsibilities will be to develop, drive and raise the profile of the heating portfolio of Broughton Crangrove with leading manufacturers and their brands, initially throughout the Midlands and the north of the UK. 'This is a very exciting opportunity and to be at the forefront of driving and developing the heating products arena for the company. I have no doubt it will present many challenges in the tough climate of today. However, with the support of the team, it will be a challenge to exceed customers expectations,' says Jonathan.

Alan Penny, Sales Director explains. 'Jonathan's new role was created in response to the growing demand for a more significant focus on heating and will be ably supported by the sales team and our dedicated sales office support.'

Tel: 0870 60 60 601

New Sales Support Manager at Broughton Crangrove

As part of its continuing expansion and investment to maximise the markets potential, Broughton Crangrove has announced the appointment of Julie Butcher, who joins the team as Sales Support Manager.

Julie has a substantial background in marketing gained across a variety of companies in both the consumer and trade arenas, supported by her qualificationsfrom the Chartered lnstitute of Marketing. Previous experience includes product management with CCA , the greetings card company, and more recently with the distributor, Mark Two and latterly with Greenhouses. As a result Julie is well suited to her new role, which includes supporting the sales team and suppliers, to promote Broughton Crangrove's range of products to substantially develop the partnership with the customer base.

Allan Nutter, Commercial Manager explains, 'One our of central roles is to support the sales team and to promote and communicate our vast range of quality products to our substantial customer network via customer report packages, hitting the right customers with the correct information. Julie's experience is therefore very welcome and will make an important contribution to the challenges that lie ahead.'

Jacuzzi Staff give 250 Years of Loyal Service

At a special 'Awards Night' celebration held recently for 250 years of loyal service, each and every one of the twenty-five staff guests from the Jacuzzi UK Bradford site, celebrated their own ten years of service.

The dinner was held at the Brass Restaurant in Bradford where the staff were all awarded a special watch as a gift, to commemorate the very special occasion.
Jacuzzi UK Operations Director, Linda Walmsley not only congratulated, but also thanked the staff for their loyalty and commitment during their years of service.

Linda said: 'The success and growth of the Company is in no small part due to the fact that we retain our staff which speaks volumes for our working environment. The camaraderie that exists among the staff makes coming to work a real pleasure'.

Tel: 01274-654700
Web: http://www.jacuzzi.co.uk

Electrolux Appointments

Electrolux has recently made several appointments in refrigeration and freezing and in kitchen systems, at its Slough headquarters.

Les Wicks, 46, has been appointed category director for refrigeration and freezing at Electrolux’s headquarters in Slough.

His appointment follows the move of Helen Muir into the position of director of the kitchen systems business. Les will be responsible for the further development of all aspects of the cooling business, including the new range management for the Electrolux brands, AEG, Zanussi Electrolux and Electrolux.

Prior to the appointment, Les worked as category manager where he supported the development of the cold business for two years. Les has been with the Electrolux Group for 15 years, and has been involved in a wide range of roles, including national account management, brand and product marketing.

Tessa Quinton has been appointed key accounts director for Kitchen Systems at Electrolux’s headquarters in Slough.

Tessa is responsible for the Wickes account as of July 1st 2003. She joined Electrolux in 1996 working within the international accounts team and has for the past four years worked in category management for cooking and refrigeration products.

Electrolux has also appointed Robert Wilkins as account development manager. Robert will support Tessa Quinton and be primarily accountable for stock allocation and forecasting on the Wickes account. Robert will also be responsible for the operational management of the Wickes account on a day to day basis.

Prior to his appointment, Robert worked as a sales analyst on the Curry’s and John Lewis accounts for two years.

Daniel Fearnley, [30], has been appointed category product manager for refrigeration and freezing at Electrolux Home Products. Daniel took up his position at the company’s headquarters in Slough on the 14th July 2003.

Daniel joins the team at a key stage in the development of Electrolux’s cooling and freezing business with key focus areas being the development of the brand strategy and, following extensive research, improving the use of customer information in the development of new products.

Daniel has been with the Electrolux Group for five years in a variety of roles. Most recently he worked as e-Business Manager and as a project manager within supply chain and forecasting.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Showerlux Strengthens its Sales Team with Appointment of Head of Sales & Marketing

Bathroom specialist Showerlux has strengthened its sales and marketing operation with the appointment of a new Head of Sales & Marketing, Simon Lake.

Simon joins Showerlux at an exciting time as the company moves into new 200,000 sq ft premises and nears its 30th anniversary in October this year.
Former National Sales Manager for Trevi Showers, Simon brings a wealth of experience and knowledge gained throughout his 15 year career in the bathroom industry, which has included positions with Mira and Ideal Standard.

Simon has exciting long-term plans for the company and has already implemented changes to the sales team structure that will mean more effective coverage of the UK. Simon comments: ‘Showerlux is already a major player in the shower and bathroom industry and I am delighted to be joining the company at a time when it is not only reflecting on its successes over the last 30 years but is also looking forward to how its market position can be strengthened and developed further.

‘The Showerlux product portfolio has developed significantly from the early days, when the main focus was on shower doors and enclosures, to today, when it includes everything from bathroom furniture to hydrotherapy baths. There are some fantastic opportunities to further expand our portfolio and add complementary elements that will help to strengthen our market position. I am looking forward to working with the management and sales teams to exploit these opportunities and to contributing to what I am sure will be another hugely successful 30 years.’

The Showerlux bathroom collection includes shower enclosures, doors and trays; baths; overbath screens; hydrotherapy and steam showers; and bathroom furniture.

Tel: 02476 88 25 15
Web: http://www.showerlux.com

Wolseley plc - Board Appointment of CEO Europe

Wolseley plc, the specialist trade distributor of plumbing, heating and building materials products has announced the Board appointment of Gerard Legtmann as Chief Executive Officer Europe with effect from 15th August 2003. This is a newly created position with responsibility for all the European businesses.

Gerard Legtmann, who is 40, was born in Austria and in addition to his native German, speaks English, French and Italian. He was most recently President and CEO of Brambles Equipment Group, based in Chicago, and Chairman of Brambles, Americas. As a member of Brambles Group Executive Committee, Gerard was responsible for Brambles' equipment rental business on a global basis. The business had revenues of $1 billion and a presence in 250 locations throughout
the USA, Europe, Australia and Asia. Prior to Brambles, Gerard held senior positions in ABB and in General Electric where he was President General Electric, Austria.

Charlie Banks, Group Chief Executive of Wolseley said:
'Wolseley has made enormous progress in developing the group's European Distribution businesses over the past few years through acquisition and organic growth. We have a presence in ten European countries which provides the foundation on which an integrated European business can be further developed by bringing these national businesses closer together operationally and also in building the business going forward. Gerard is the right man to drive this process as he brings with him an outstanding track record in managing international businesses. We are delighted to have him on board to lead our European strategy.'

Tel: 0118 929 8700

Barwick strengthens Marketing Department

Specialist bathroom distributor, Barwick, continues its ongoing expansion by appointing Andrew Cartledge to a new position within its marketing department.

The new role of marketing assistant is part of Barwick’s commitment to extending and improving the range of services it offers.

Andrew brings some years industry experience from his previous position as Brand Executive at Shires Bathrooms.

Tel: 01274 700900
Fax: 01274 651118
E: info@barwick-bradford.co.uk
Web: www.barwick-bradford.co.uk

President Changes at The Bathroom Manufacturers Association

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA) held its third AGM at Federation House, Stoke on Trent at the end of June. Along with the regular business of the Association was also the election of a new President for the next two years. The new President is Martyn Denny of Aqualisa, and the new Vice President for the Association is Ted Goold of Masco.

Outgoing President, Roger Cooper of American Standard, expressed delight that his period of office had seen a complete reformation of the Association from the very difficult situation it faced two years ago.

'We now have a strong and vibrant membership of 30 companies,' said Cooper, 'and perhaps more importantly those members represent the vast majority of the bathroom manufacturing industry in the UK.'

The membership together has around £1 billion turnover and covers all aspects of bathroom manufacture.

'It gives us a very strong voice when it comes to representing the interests of our industry on any UK or European regulatory bodies, something which is vitally important to all channels of our industry.'

Today the BMA has a strong financial foundation and provides a string of support services to its members, from technical support that helps the members keep abreast of technical changes that are passed, proposed or recommended.

From a business point of view the Trade Marks Register and the Monthly Turnover Statistics are very useful in helping the members’ business leaders to make the decisions that direct their companies.

'I am delighted to pass the presidency on to Martyn Denny, who has great experience in the industry and will, I am sure, take the BMA to further success.' Cooper concluded.

During his time as BMA vice president Martyn Denny has supported the business imperatives and also launched a series of Consumer and Retailer-friendly initiatives aimed at simplifying the process of purchasing a bathroom. This initiative takes the form of a series of Fact Sheets with purchasing advice that leads consumers through the factors they need to consider when buying a new bathroom. These Fact Sheets are now on the BMA web site http://www.bathroom-association.org. Further initiatives, including Fact-Sheets for the Installer are proposed.

Ellis Bardsley becomes MD of Maytag UK

Maytag UK has appointed Ellis Bardsley to the position of Managing Director for the subsidiary from 1st September 2003. Ellis will report to Craig Breese, President of Maytag International, who is based in Chicago, Illinois.

Steve Claude, Managing Director and Vice President since the inception of Maytag UK in April 2000, is returning to Chicago take up a new position with Maytag International as Vice President Business Development. Also reporting to Craig Breese, the new position will focus on key global growth initiatives for the international business unit of the Maytag Corporation.

Steve Claude says, 'The Maytag UK subsidiary is settled and flourishing and effectively my job is complete. It is time for me to move on and resume new roles within Maytag International. We have enjoyed much success in the last two years, and I now hand over the responsibility to continue its development and growth to Ellis Bardsley. Ellis has formulated and driven the sales and marketing strategy successfully and has risen to the on-going challenges set before him. I am confident that his strengths, proven track record and passion will be great assets to the future development and delivering our business strategy for Maytag UK,'

Ellis Bardsley, previously Sales and Marketing Director who had recently assumed additional responsibilities for after sales service, customer relations and sales administration, steps into Steve's position. 'We shall all miss Steve enormously. His wealth of experience and tireless input and support has made Maytag UK what it is today,' says Ellis Bardsley. Ellis goes on to explain, 'This is a wonderful opportunity and I am looking forward to working with the team to drive the business forward in what is a challenging time for the UK appliance sector. I am under no illusion that the task ahead will be tough, but I believe Maytag's unique family of brands has a superb reputation for premium quality, dependability and performance, which are fundamental differentiators in the success and future of Maytag UK.'

Tel: 01737 231 000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk

Electrolux Appoints New Brand Manager for Electrolux & Zanussi Electrolux

Dawn Stockell, 27, has been appointed brand manager responsible for the Electrolux & Zanussi Electrolux brands, based at Electrolux's headquarters in Slough.

Dawn will be responsible for the further development of all aspects of product and brand marketing of both the Electrolux and Zanussi Electrolux brands within the Electrolux Home Products portfolio.

Prior to the appointment, Dawn worked as product manager at Philips Consumer Electronics, where she spent two years working on business to business products. Previous to that, Dawn also worked at Dyson Ltd.

Web: http://www.electrolux.com

Orama makes Key Management Appointment with New IT Role

Derbyshire-based independent manufacturer of kitchen and bathroom worksurfaces, Orama has appointed a new IT Operations Manager to oversee the running of the company's new IT system. Diane Whitehouse is the latest new member to join Orama's growing core management team, which is in place to take the company forward to greater success in the worksurface market.

With 15 years' experience in manufacturing management and implementation of corporate management systems, Diane has extensive knowledge of implementing and managing IT systems. As the new IT Operations Manager, she will be in charge of Orama's IT department including the overall development platform, new systems development, the implementation of new IT systems and the training of departmental staff. Diane explains 'My role is to use IT to help Orama achieve its growth plans, by driving the business forward through analysis.'

Diane, who joined Orama from MPS in January, helped to install Sage Line 500, the fully integrated financial and distribution IT system and is now in charge of its operation. This new flagship IT package replaces the company's IBM 400 platform, and encorporates bespoke elements particularly suited to Orama's business.

Diane's appointment to the team demonstrates how Orama is keen to strengthen its management team and ensure the smooth-running of its IT infrastructure in line with the company's continued expansion.

As Orama's Managing Director, Robin Trotter explains 'It is important to have the best people onboard for Orama to move forward to become the name in the supply of worksurfaces to the UK market. Orama has invested heavily into a state-of-the-art IT infrastructure, to ensure our production capabilites can grow in line with our plans. Diane played a pivotal role in the success of that implementation and provides the necessary skills and expertise to take Orama forward. Diane is proof that Orama is investing in its people as well as its equipment, as she is expertly skilled and strengthens our team further.'

Diane, who has a Diploma in Production Management, spent over four years at Ascent Technology as Lead Consultant before joining MPS in Hull in 2002. Diane, who lives in Wolverhampton, has been lead consultant on many Sage implementations in her previous roles in consultancies.

Tel: 01773 520560
Web: http://www.orama.co.uk

Whitehall Expands Southern Sales Operation

Whitehall Fabrications Limited, the UK surface manufacturer, has further strengthened its sales arm with the appointment of a new commercial sales manager for the south.

Barry Williams will be responsible for the growth and development of Whitehall's expanding commercial domain, reporting directly to sales director Stuart Daniels. He will also play an integral role in the creation of a range of commercial sales literature, which will target a diverse number of clients across the region.

'More and more emphasis is being placed on quality kitchen and bathroom design and Whitehall offers the end consumer a fantastic product, which is why I was attracted to the role,' said Barry. 'The job specification was also in line with my previous experience and I am delighted to be joining such a forward thinking marketing team.'

Barry Williams joins the Leeds based fabricator from event services specialist, Clip Display, where he was involved in the creation and development of bespoke exhibitions for large corporations, including Shell, Britvic and Buzz.

'Barry's creative client experience will be instrumental in developing new commercial relationships,' said Stuart Daniels, sales director, Whitehall. 'He has a sound understanding of the kitchen design industry as well as an innovative approach to exploring new avenues of growth for the worksurface sector.'

Tel: 0113 222 3000
Web: http://www.whitehall-uk.com

New Appointment at Maytag UK

Maytag UK, the manufacturer of American brands, Amana, Maytag and Admiral, has appointed Stephen Stroud as Area Sales Manager to represent the south west of the UK.

Steve joined the company on 22nd April and replaces Peter Earley, who has retired. Steve brings to Maytag extensive knowledge and experience of the white goods industry, having previously worked with Frigidaire and Cheltenham Renovators. Steve remarks, 'My ambition is to grow with Maytag UK. I have an excellent portfolio of desirable brands to work with and there is a great scale of opportunity. Maytag is at the forefront of design and innovation and I am pleased to be joining a company with an exciting expansion programme.'

Steve's role will be to increase and optimise the business in the southwest and to build strong business relationships with the dealers as well as the Maytag team. Steve will report directly to Graham Gleave, National Sales Manager who explains, 'Steve brings excellent skills and knowledge to the company and he will be a great asset in our efforts to expand the business further.'

Tel: 01737 231000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk

Maytag Strengthens IT Team

To maintain its position in the UK American appliance market, providing service and customer care for the Maytag and Amana brands, Maytag UK has appointed Andy Tyler to the IT team. The expansion will enable Maytag to fully develop UK business opportunities and continue to meet retailer and consumer demands within the UK appliance market.

Andy Tyler, formerly from Lloyds TSB, Bristol has been appointed to maintain and ensure the smooth operation of all office systems, with a focus on building and developing new systems. Andy reports to Alan Whitty, IT Supply Manager, who explains, 'This is a vital appointment for the company, as Maytag UK has built an enviable reputation in the field for genuine American born and bred appliances, and providing IT systems support for the benefit of our customers, ourselves and our future is fundamental to our success. Andy brings considerable experience and will bring a new level of quality to the team.'

Andy has spent several years in finance and accountancy and says, 'Maytag UK has grown rapidly since its inception and this requires ongoing support at every level. IT systems are the bedrock of the company's future. And this is a great opportunity for me to be involved with such a respected company.'

Tel: 01737 231000
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk

RETURN TO HOME PAGE