New
Marketing Co-ordinator at Carron Phoenix
Nicola Mateer has joined as the new marketing co-ordinator at Carron Phoenix, reporting to Neil Clark sales & marketing manager.
She
will assist in all aspects of the company's marketing activities including
sampling, promotions, POS display and marketing communications. Prior
to Carron Phoenix, Nicola gained experience working for Gleneagles Crystal
and Robert Wiseman Dairies. Says Nicola of her new position:
‘With three major new product lines just launched in Zeta, Isis and
Ceramics, I'm thrilled to join Carron at such an exciting time and very
much look forward to working in such a dynamic industry.’
For stockists or more information on Carron Phoenix's sink and tap products,
call 01324 638 321 or log on at http://www.carron.com
John
Lupo, Johan Molin and Torben Ballegaard Sørensen Proposed New Board
Members of Electrolux
In
preparation for the Electrolux Annual General Meeting on April 16th, the
Electrolux Nomination Committee is proposing the election of John Lupo,
Johan Molin and Torben Ballegaard Sørensen as new Board members.
The committee is proposing the re-election of Peggy Bruzelius, Louis R.
Hughes, Barbara Milian Thoralfsson, Caroline Sundewall, Hans Stråberg
and Marcus Wallenberg. As previously announced, Marcus Wallenberg is proposed
as new Chairman of the Board, succeeding Michael Treschow, who has declined
re-election to the Board.
John Lupo has been a principal of management consulting firm Renaissance
Partners in the US since 2000, and is a member of boards of several companies
related to the consumer goods market. Mr. Lupo has more than 35 years
of experience from the US consumer goods sector in companies such as Wal-Mart
Stores and Dillard Department Stores. Mr. Lupo, born in 1946, is an American
citizen and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration
from Miami University of Ohio, USA.
Johan Molin has been President and CEO of Assa Abloy, Sweden, a global
leader in lock and door opening solutions, since 2005. Mr. Molin is also
board member of Assa Abloy. Between 2001 and 2005 Mr. Molin was CEO of
Nilfisk-Advance, a leading manufacturer of professional cleaning equipment.
Mr. Molin, born in 1959, is a Swedish citizen and holds a Bachelor of
Science degree in Financial Economics from the Stockholm School of Economics.
Torben Ballegaard Sørensen has been President and CEO of the high-end
audio and video manufacturer Bang & Olufsen, Denmark, since 2001.
Mr. Sørensen was previously Executive Vice President of Lego Company,
Denmark. Mr. Sørensen, born in 1951, is a Danish citizen and holds
an MBA from the Aarhus School of Business Administration supplemented
with the Executive Programme at Stanford University.
The Electrolux Nomination Committee comprises Börje Ekholm (Chairman),
President and CEO of Investor; Ramsay J. Brufer, Alecta Pension Insurance;
Annika Andersson, Fourth Swedish National Pension Fund; Marianne Nilsson,
Swedbank Robur Funds, and Michael Treschow, Chairman of the Electrolux
Board. The committee's proposal will be presented to the AGM on April
16th, 2007.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
Promotion
Follows Merlyn's Record Expansion
Shower
enclosure manufacturer Merlyn Industries UK Ltd,
has enjoyed record growth in 2006, seeing impressive expansion in the
business, both in profit and organisation.
Starting off with a team of four, Merlyn now has a 40 strong team, each
of whom is passionately committed to driving the company forward. One
of the company’s key players, Larry Radiven has been promoted to
the position of National Sales Manager.
Merlyn says that it attributes its success in the main to its great team
and excellent customer service; ensuring clients get exactly what they
want.
The Merlyn brand and the association of the Merlyn M give customers security
and confidence. ‘The current trend for minimalism means many shower
enclosures look exactly the same. In order to make our products stand
out and maximise sales, one key selling tool is successful and innovative
branding. Having a strong brand focus has enabled us to cover the entire
market, from the lower end to the high spec luxury end, thus ensuring
our customers get exactly what they want. This coupled with our exceptional
quality control and cutting edge design, position us as a fast growing
industry leader, enjoying record profit growth year on year’. Dana
Davies, Managing Director, Merlyn Industries UK Ltd, comments.
As well as focussing on the brand aspect of the business, Merlyn also
attributes its success to the service the company offers, including a
lifetime guarantee and after sales assistance, defining the difference
between Merlyn and its competitors. As a result of its service ethic Merlyn
enjoys a large proportion of repeat business.
‘The after sales service is what we do really well. At Merlyn we
place a lot of importance on service, investing in continuous relationship
management training for each member of our team. Service is what customers
are looking for. Every business comes down to its people in the end’.
‘Effective company structuring has also played a key role in the
success of the business. Merlyn believes in rewarding excellence with
a good progression structure and promotion opportunities. Most recently,
Larry Radiven enjoyed a promotion to Merlyn National Sales Manager after
demonstrating an impressive sales record and unreserved dedication. His
inspiring enthusiasm and motivational skills make him a perfect candidate
for this challenging role’, says Dana.
‘Merlyn is currently stirring up excitement within the industry with
the imminent launch of new products and ranges, all of which will be showcased
at Kitchen and Bathroom Expo in May.’
Tel: 00353 567791555
Web: http://www.merlynbathrooms.com
National
Sales Manager Appointed at Althea
Italian
bathroom products supplier, Althea UK Ltd,
has announced the appointment of Barbara Holmes to the position of National
Sales Manager.
Barbara will be based at the company's new office, showroom and bathroom
furniture manufacturing premises in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire and will
be responsible for spearheading Althea's nationwide sales strategy.
Barbara joins Althea from Westbridge Homes, where she was Sales &
Marketing Manager. She brings many years experience to her new role, having
also worked in senior management positions for a number of the north's
premier construction companies since 1997.
Althea UK Ltd specialises in sourcing and distributing the best in Italian
bathroom design to a constantly growing customer base, including new home
builders and developers, hotels, restaurants, hospitals and the prison
service.
Barbara lives in Harrogate and when not promoting Italian bathrooms enjoys
socialising and visiting the town's wide choice of bistros and restaurants.
Tel:
01924 43952
Email: barbara@altheauk.com
Lance
Gillett is Bristan Group's new Finance Director
With
financial experience earned via a wide range of companies from around
the globe - including Rhodia, Royal Worcester, Seiko and US GAAP - the
Bristan Group says that its newest recruit Lance Gillett is perfectly
poised to ensure its secure future moving forwards.
Acting as part of the Bristan Executive team, which has recently completed
the successful centralisation of a number of brands under The Bristan
Group umbrella, Lance is responsible for securing the profitable position
of this £140m per annum turnover business.
‘The Bristan Group is filled with an impressive number of thoroughly
energised and motivated teams that have placed us in a really strong profitable
position.
'Looking
behind figures and processes is something that I have been very used to
in previous roles, and I hope to help maximise our position in the market
and become part of the continued success of the group,’ comments
Lance.
For more information/stockists call Bristan on 0870 4425555.
Web: http://www.bristan.com
Maytag
UK Appoints New Service Manager
Maytag
UK,
the premier manufacturer of the Amana, Maytag and Admiral brands of appliances
has announced the appointment of a new service manager, Darren Harrison.
In
his new role, Darren will be responsible for developing and strengthening
customer service and implementing initiatives designed to support, grow
and develop the company's brands.
Darren joins the company with over a decade of commercially driven customer
service experience, having held positions such as Business Development
Manager and National Field Sales Manager - Aftersales for leading companies
in the industry. His extensive and valuable service organisation experience,
within both the retail and the independent sector, will be a great asset
in his new role.
Reporting to Richard Thompson, Managing Director, Maytag UK Richard adds:
‘Darren brings a unique blend of customer care to the business which
will be instrumental in spearheading our continuing aim to be the preferred
premium appliance brand. He has a challenging brief but his understanding
of the business delivers instant insight into the areas we need to address.
Darren's experience, enthusiasm and many new initiatives will add brand
protection too, adding excellent value to our brands for the benefit of
everyone. We all welcome him warmly.’
‘This is a very exciting time for me personally, to have the opportunity
to work with such aspirational brands. I intend to develop a very comprehensive
customer service focused programme. It will be tremendously challenging
but very exciting and rewarding. I will work closely with all the teams
in an effort to support the company's objectives. I am anxious to learn
of all areas for improvement and shall be spending time with our customer
service team and our engineers in the field too,’ explains Darren.
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk
Grohe
Boosts Specification Team with Strategic Hire
Grohe,
the luxury shower and tap manufacturer, has announced with immediate effect
the appointment of Graham Wilby to the newly created role of Northern
Specification Manager.
Graham’s primary role will be to strengthen Grohe’s presence
in key specification sectors in the North of the country, whilst expanding
Grohe’s activities in crucial market areas such as hotel, leisure
and residential developments.
A past employee at Grohe, Graham joins from Kaldewei UK, where he spent
two years as Specification Manager. Previously to this, Graham spent over
seven years at Grohe where he was Business Development Manager, and altogether
has over 20 years of experience in the industry.
Ilker Hussein, Head of Specification at Grohe said: 'We are delighted
to welcome Graham back to Grohe UK. His appointment highlights our commitment
to forge close relations with businesses and organisations based in the
North of England and Scotland, and we look forward to a strong future
together.'
Web: http://www.grohe.co.uk
Keller
Recruits New Area Sales Manager
Keller
UK has
recruited Dave Middleton to be the new area sales manager in the Midlands.
Dave Middleton has been recruited as part of Keller's exciting expansion
plans for the UK. He has over twenty years' experience in the kitchen
industry, initially as a retailer and more recently, six years out in
the field in Birmingham as a Sales Manager for one of the UK's leading
distributors, Allied Manufacturing Company.
With this practical knowledge, Dave says, ‘I hope my experience will
stand me in good stead for the future and I'm pleased to be a part of
this dynamic company.’
Head of UK sales for Keller, Henk Tuijtelaars comments: ‘David brings
extensive technical knowledge and expertise from both sides; as a retailer
and distributor. He is the ideal candidate to help launch and promote
our new products into the UK and give support to our expanding dealer
network.’
For a further details on kitchens from Keller, visit http://www.kellerkitchens.co.uk
or, to speak with Dave directly, please call 07891 676 449.
Roman,
the UK shower manufacturer, has welcomed a new starter to the company's
sales force, Elaine Jeffery.
Elaine will take on the role of Regional Sales Manger, covering the North
of Scotland. Elaine brings a wealth of experience to the role, having
worked at leading retailers Bathroom Planet and Victor Paris.
Elaine comments; 'I am extremely excited about starting at Roman, it is
a company with an excellent reputation and I am keen to become part of
that. I am really looking forward to getting out on the road and meeting
all my new customers and building relationships with them.'
Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com
Aqata
Appoints Nick Pickering as New Sales Agent for East Midlands
Aqata,
independent manufacturer of shower enclosures, has appointed Nick Pickering
to the position of sales agent for the East Midlands region. Nick joined
Aqata's national sales team on 1st February 2007, bringing with him a
wealth of experience gained from over 20 years in the industry.
Prior
to joining Aqata, Nick, who is based in Buxton in Derbyshire, worked for
Adamsez NI Ltd as a Senior Area Sales Manager, and before this he was
a partner in his own tile and bathroom centre. Nick has also held key
positions with Novellini UK, and with Vitra UK Ltd, where he assisted
with its early development into the UK market in the early 1990's.
Nick says: ‘Aqata is well known within the industry as a company
which represents quality, from its design and manufacturing processes
through to its end products and services. Retailers understand that this
reputation provides a guarantee for both them and their customers.
‘I will be working with retailers' showrooms to take Aqata's business
forward in the East Midlands, a challenge that I am very much looking
forward to taking on.’
Jayne Barnes, Sales and Operations Director of Aqata, says: ‘Nick's
role will encompass all aspects of sales, from promoting new product lines
to developing relationships with new and existing customers in the East
Midlands. Nick is an important addition to our sales force and I wish
him all the best for his future with Aqata.’
Nick was appointed as sales agent following the retirement of Jeanette
Tallis, who worked for Aqata for 14 years.
2007 marks Aqata's 21st anniversary, which will be celebrated with the
launch of new product lines throughout the year.
Email: info@aqata.co.uk
Web: http://www.aqata.co.uk
FagorBrandt
UK Announces the Promotion of Richard Walker to Sales and Marketing Director
David
Cohen-Skalli, managing director of FagorBrandt
International Operations has announced the promotion of Richard
Walker from marketing director to sales and marketing director for FagorBrandt
UK. His promotion is in recognition of the knowledge and skills he has
brought to the company, since joining in 2006.
Mr
Walker's new role heading up both sales and marketing teams brings a harmonised
approach between the functions of each department with a clear direction.
As the UK brands, De Dietrich and Fagor, continue to go from strength
to strength, he is committed to ensuring that all customers are provided
with the utmost service and support in every aspect of their dealings
with the organisation.
This will work alongside a new business drive to increase the level of
dealers and distributors who are committed to the two brands, thus ensuring
consumers in all areas of the UK will have the best access to both De
Dietrich and Fagor products.
With regard to the brands, Richard has already played a leading role in
the development of both product ranges. The recently launched Fagor 2007
range is specially tailored for the UK consumer in terms of both specification
and design, with products which outperform other appliances at the same
market position. For the first time he has put in place a strategic advertising
campaign promoting the 'inspired style' of the brand.
The position of the De Dietrich brand is already being enhanced by a consumer
advertising campaign promoting the 'style and innovation' of the products.Richard
has also begun developing the De Dietrich product range in order to meet
the highest aspirations of both customers and consumers in terms of design,
performance and innovation, and invites all De Dietrich customers for
their comments and feedback, which is essential in developing a market
driven range.
In order to maximise its service to dealers, the sales and marketing teams
are being strengthened. A further commitment is being made to increase
customer knowledge through better training, training facilities, and methods
of training for dealers.
David Cohen-Skalli says:
'Richard will be strengthening the sales and marketing team, to support
our customers and to implement the increased marketing activity we will
be undertaking in 2007 for De Dietrich and Fagor. Richard joined us at
the beginning of 2006, and his excellent understanding of the brands,
the market and the competition has hugely enhanced our business already.
His additional role overseeing the sales teams will mean further co-ordination
of brand strategies from product design and development all the way through
to the end user.'
Long
Service Awards at John Boddy Timber
Supplier
of quality hardwoods, John Boddy Timber,
recently recognised two employees for dedicated and loyal long service.
At an award ceremony held at the Riverside Sawmill in Boroughbridge, Martin
Simpson and Kevin Gray both received engraved silver salvers for 25 years
of service from MD Frank Boddy.
Martin and Kevin join an elite group of John Boddy Timber employees who
have crossed this threshold. All were in attendance with their previously
awarded mementos: Peter Ambrose 30 years, Richard ‘Mouse’ Ambrose
28 years, Tony Steele 26 years, Jim Beadle 25 years. With Frank Boddy's
personal tally about to reach 32 years this totals 191 years of hard,
profitable and successful work at one of Britain's best known timber importers.
160
years of combined service! From left to right: Tony Steele, Peter Ambrose,
Richard "Mouse" Ambrose, Jim Beadle, Martin Simpson, Kevin Gray
Tel:
01423 322370
Email: info@john-boddy-timber.ltd.uk
SMART
Systems Expands its Customer Support Team
SMART
Systems,
provider of operational management solutions to the KBB market, has announced
a new staff member to its customer training and support team - David Dodds.
SMART prides itself in delivering first class service and with the continued
growth of users, SMART is fully committed to offering unrivalled support.
David's role in customer support involves working closely with all SMART
users to ensure daily technical support is available. The advanced features
of SMART allow high levels of customisation. David will be playing a key
role in customising SMART to meet specific needs.
David recently graduated from Leicester University with a 2:1 in computer
science. Utilising his academic qualifications, equipped with a customer
service background in part time employment and coupled with his SMART
induction programme, David is highly proficient in providing users with
a high level of customer support.
Charles Kovacik - Development Director of SMART says:
‘SMART places great importance in providing a high level of customer
support and technical training. Due to our continued expansion we are
delighted to welcome David to the team and are sure he will be a great
business asset’.
Tel: 01344 890979
Web: http://www.SMART-systems.co.uk
Shower tray manufacturer Just Trays has added another star player to its team by taking on Sarah Bamford to look after the company’s Southern key accounts.
Sarah
Bamford, 32, comes from a background of customer support, sales management
and business development. Her last position was with Formica where she
was responsible for looking after the Axiom worktop range.
Paul Crossley, Just Trays' Managing Director, comments: ‘Sarah brings
with her over 10 years of sales experience; her personal goals for this
role are to maintain and further enhance the existing relationships we
have with our customers and develop additional industry contacts.’
Just Trays produces around 6000 shower trays per week from its manufacturing
plant in Leeds. Founded in 1978, the company now supplies many of the
industry’s leading shower enclosure manufacturers, merchants and
distributors with a range of high quality trays.
For more details about Just Trays please visit http://www.just-trays.co.uk.
Altecnic
Looks to the Future with an Old Friend
Altecnic, the Staffordshire based manufacturer of anti scald valves, plumbing and washroom equipment has appointed Tony Brown as Business Development Manager (BDM), but Tony is no stranger to the company.
When
he first started at Altecnic he was employed as Regional Manager, working
his way to up to National Sales Manager. Tony then moved on to develop
pre-fabricated hot water systems. Now, returning as BDM, his brief is
to substantiate the company’s brands and look into topical green
concerns such as solar, under floor heating, ground source heating, and
water saving issues.
'My primary role is to research, develop and analyse new heating control
systems and bring them to market, but I also want to get involved with
the company in driving legislation on some of today’s important green
issues' commented Tony. 'It’s great to be back at Altecnic and a
fantastic opportunity to really make a difference.'
Web: http://www.altecnic.co.uk
Susie
is Top Sales Manager at Siemens
Susie
Robinson has been officially crowned as Area Sales Manager of the year
for 2006 in the 12-strong Siemens
(domestic appliances) field sales team.
Susie joined Siemens in 2003 to manage the Kitchen Specialist sector for
the brand in Central and Greater London. During that time she has consistently
achieved impressive sales results by specialising in selling the company's
extensive built in cooking, cooling, dishwashing & laundry appliances
to kitchen retailers.
Susie
Robinson receiving a trophy for winning Siemens's top area sales manager
for 2006 from Siemens UK Sales Director, Simon Jones in Milton Keynes
In
2006, Susie finished the year with an incredible 48% increase over the
previous twelve months, making her the top performing area sales manager
for the year.
Comments Siemens Sales Director Simon Jones: ‘The upmarket kitchen
sector is a very demanding environment but that's where Susie shines:
her customer service is second to none and her dedication to our dealers
is reflected in their unequivocal support’
As the winner of the top area manager award for Siemens, Susie becomes
a member of the exclusive 'TOPS' management club for the BSH Group. Membership
is comprised solely of the top sales personnel in each country worldwide.
All the awards will be presented at a special ceremony in Lisbon in June
2007.
Comments Susie Robinson: ‘Siemens is becoming a 'must-have' appliance
brand as the distinctive styling of our products blends in perfectly with
the latest furniture trends. I am delighted that my customers have recognised
and endorsed this synergy.’
Web: http://www.siemens.co.uk
Brassware supplier, Deva, has expanded its marketing team with the appointment of Vicki Yates as Product Manager.
With a background in the kitchen appliance sector, Vicki will be responsible
for product development and will use her background and expertise to help
Deva stay ahead of key market trends.
Vicki said: 'I am excited to be working with a leading brassware industry
player and am looking forward to the challenge of developing Deva’s
existing innovative product portfolio.'
Deva is set to launch its 2007 product catalogue in April including additions
to its current lines.
Tel: 0870 848 8400
Aqualux
Appoints new Logistic Manager
West-Midlands
based Aqualux has appointed Jeremy
Spencer to the position of logistics manager to maximise distribution
efficiency and support the company's continual growth.
Jeremy, 47, joins the manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures
with over 20 years' experience managing warehouse distribution and product
lines at the Bass Group and Polypipe.
The new logistics manager is no stranger to the successful management
style of Aqualux having worked for the company's managing director, James
Cadman and Operations Director Mike Heath at a previous role at Swish
Products.
Commenting on his new role, Jeremy Spencer said: ‘Aqualux puts a
firm emphasis on customer service and part of this is making sure our
products are delivered efficiently and effectively. We already have an
excellent reputation, but I'm confident that I can implement changes that
will further reinforce our impressive distribution record.’
Outside of work, Jeremy is a keen sportsman and enjoys Rugby Union, football,
cricket and the occasional round of golf.
Tel: 0870 241 6131
Email: enquiries@aqualux.co.uk
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk
Grohe
Bolsters Product Team with the Introduction of UK Product Manager
Grohe,
the luxury shower and tap manufacturer, this week announced the appointment
of Paul Davis to the newly created role of UK Product Manager with immediate
effect.
As part of his commitment to define the Grohe UK product proposition,
Paul will focus on managing the entire UK Grohe product architecture and
will be responsible for developing and launching new products, whilst
managing the introduction of product developments from the Grohe group
to the UK market.
Before joining Grohe, Paul spent three years at Saint-Gobain Pipelines
as Product Manager. Previous to this he held various roles within The
Boots Company in product development and management.
David Doust, UK Marketing Director said:
'The creation of this new role highlights Grohe’s commitment in building
and solidifying our position in the UK market. I am confident that Paul’s
experience and energy will spark a new and important development in our
direction for UK product development.'
Web: http://www.grohe.co.uk
Maytag
UK, the genuine American supplier of premium
refrigeration and laundry appliances, has made two new appointments to
the sales team.
Stephen
Stroud has been promoted to Distribution Channel Manager and is responsible
for Maytag's wide reaching distribution network in the UK. Stephen has
great depth of knowledge and experience of Maytag and its brands, key
attributes for the position. He was formerly Area Sales Manager for the
south and west of the country for Maytag UK and was promoted on 1st December
2006.
Stephen has been with Maytag UK since 2002 and has seen the company grow
and develop into a major player in the market. Stephen's experience and
business acumen has been accrued through various sales roles including
British Gas and Frigidaire. Stephen's major objective is to drive the
continued development and expansion of the distribution business for the
company, maintaining as well as forging new relationships within the sector.
Stephen says of his appointment, ‘This is a fantastic opportunity
for me and I am thoroughly looking forward to the challenge. Maytag has
exciting plans for 2007 and there has never been a more challenging time
to be in the company.’ Stephen reports to Julie Blaylock, Sales Director,
Maytag UK.
Lewis Clifford joins Maytag UK's sales team as Distribution Sales Manager.
He joins from Pioneer where he was the Commercial Sales Manager responsible
for plasma displays at business level, and was involved in many major
projects including those with companies such as HSBC. Lewis' career has
been based in the distribution sector and he brings valued expertise and
knowledge to the company. His responsibilities include maintaining relationships
with existing customers and developing new business opportunities. Lewis
says of his appointment, ‘When Maytag came up I was very open minded;
I realised the company had fantastic brands and the plans for the future
are very, very exciting. This created a new challenge, in a new market
and it is great to be in at ground level.’ Lewis reports to Stephen
Stroud, recently appointed Distribution Channel Manager.
Julie Blaylock, Sales Director, Maytag UK comments, ‘These moves
demonstrate Maytag's ongoing commitment to the market with the strengthening
of the sales management team, and is set to further enhance the strong
relations the company has developed with its customers.’ Julie continues,
‘I am delighted to welcome both Stephen and Lewis to their new positions
in our team at Maytag. Maytag has an unrivalled heritage in American appliances
and incorporates some terrific brands well respected by our customers.
It is important we work as a team to provide the right service and products
for our customers and therefore we remain committed to placing knowledgeable
and experienced people in front of our customers. Both Stephen and Lewis
will play a very positive part in our continued mission to remain the
leading specialist of genuine American refrigeration and laundry and will
promote and gain further distribution of our other products in to new
market sectors.’
Web: http://www.maytag.co.uk
Burbidge
Celebrates 40 Years of Success with Employee
Family-run
Burbidge celebrated with employee
Trevor Johnson recently, as he reached the equivalent of a ruby anniversary
- completing 40 years service with the kitchen frontals and accessories
manufacturer.
Trevor,
62, first joined Burbidge at the end of 1966 and is now leading hand in
Burbidge's extensive warehouse. During his four decades with the manufacturer
he has seen many changes, as Burbidge has expanded and diversified business
from traditional wood-turning to the production of high-quality kitchens,
which are now supplied to over 1,000 leading retailers throughout the
UK.
With an impressive 140-year history, Burbidge was supplying wooden components
to companies such as Black and Decker, Massey Ferguson, British Leyland,
BT and Rover when Trevor arrived. Since then, Burbidge has moved manufacturing
entirely over to kitchen production and was the first in the UK to offer
component kitchens - sold in complete kitchen sets - straight from the
warehouse.
Considerable investment in equipment, staff and technology means that
Burbidge is now one of the leading premium kitchen manufacturers in the
UK, and Trevor is thrilled to have been with the company every step of
the way: 'I'm proud to see how far Burbidge has come since I started.
It's a traditional family-run business that really takes time to listen
to its employees so I feel like my input, as well as that of my colleagues,
has really contributed to the company's success. I have great memories
of the last 40 years and hope to have many more to come.'
Ben Burbidge, managing director of Burbidge, comments: 'Burbidge's success
is built on its people. We have remained family-run for many generations
and really value the commitment of our workforce. Trevor is an ideal example,
he works extremely hard, has an unbelievable product knowledge and is
a really valued member of staff.'
Burbidge is the longest established UK kitchen frontals and accessories
manufacturer. The company's products can be viewed in realistic room sets
at its showroom in Coventry. Please call 024 7667 1600 or visit http://www.burbidge.co.uk
for further information.
A
New Sales Representative for Norske Interiors
Norske
Interiors has recently appointed a new Sales
Executive, Julie Wells, to provide retailer sales service in the Yorkshire
and Humberside areas for Mermaid waterproof wall panels, new ShowerLine
shower panels and Huntonit ready-painted ceiling panels.
Having previously had fifteen years experience of account management and
dealer sales within a large communications company, Julie is embracing
the opportunity to apply her skills in the bathroom market.
Her new role has already enabled her to build good relationships with
bathroom specialists as well as builders merchants and Julie is looking
forward to meeting more of Norske Interiors’ retailers in the future.
Tel: 01472-240832
Email: sales@norske-int.co.uk
Web: http://www.norske-int.co.uk
Ideal
Standard Reinforces its Leadership Team with Three New Appointments
Ideal
Standard, a leading provider of bathroom and kitchen solutions,
recently announced three new appointments.
Roger Cooper, Managing Director, the UK and Ireland for the past thirteen
years, has accepted the position of Vice President for Northern Europe.
Cooper is now responsible for the UK and Ireland, Germany, France, Austria,
Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, Scandinavia the Czech Republic and
Switzerland.
Commenting on his new role, Cooper said; ‘The development of Northern
Europe is an important part of the overall business strategy to grow.
It is an honour to take on this position and I'm looking forward to the
challenges the role will bring.
Roger
Cooper,
Alan Stevenson and Paul Frankish
Alan
Stevenson has been promoted to Managing Director, UK and Ireland. He reports
to Cooper and assuming responsibility of Ideal Standard's commercial sales
and marketing across the UK and Ireland, with the exception of Armitage
Venesta. Alan joined the company at the end of 2006, in the role as Commercial
Director. He has over twenty five years experience in the plumbing industry,
and joins us with a full understanding of the business.
Roger Cooper, comments; ‘I am delighted to welcome Alan to the team.
His appointment will play a pivotal role in the delivery of the business
plan in the UK and Ireland. This also enables me to devote more time to
developing business opportunities in the other countries within the Northern
Region.
To strengthen the board, Clive Minett will be joining the company from
Kohler Mira. Clive brings with him a wealth of experience in the showering
and bathroom business and will be joining the company during 2007.
Also taking on a European-wide position, Paul Frankish, previously Marketing
Director for the UK has joined the European Leadership Team as Category
Leader, for Furniture and Accessories. This role gives Frankish, who has
worked at Ideal Standard in the UK since 1984, the challenge of developing
the European business in bathroom furniture and accessories. Consumer
trends in the marketplace are making furniture and accessories key elements
of choice, commanding a higher proportion of consumer expenditure in the
bathroom. Frankish's role will involve the development of products and
preferred suppliers to work with Ideal Standard to maximise the company's
position in this market.
Roger Cooper adds; ‘Paul's appointment to this position gives recognition
to his contribution to the UK business and his ability to develop a market
segment on a European basis.’
For further information regarding Ideal Standard call 01482 346461 or
visit http://www.idealstandard.co.uk
PWS
Strengthens Marketing Team
PWS is strengthening its Marketing Team with the appointment of Matt Jones as Marketing Analyst. With responsibilities spanning product development, research and product management, Matt's role is pivotal in the development of new ranges and the ongoing success of the company's 6,000 strong product line-up.
Matt joins PWS following three years working as a senior data analyst
in the pipe fitting market and previously worked in customer support and
analysis with Ford Motor Company and Logica CMG.
Comments Andrew Langford, Marketing Manager at PWS, 'We are delighted
to welcome Matt to the Marketing Team and look forward to benefiting from
his extensive data analysis expertise, which will be extremely valuable
to the management and continued growth of the PWS portfolio.'
Web: http://www.pws.co.uk
Sandra
O'Neill Appointed as Marketing Coordinator at Merlyn
Merlyn
Industries' ever increasing team sees the appointment
of Sandra O'Neill to the position of Marketing Coordinator.
Sandra brings a wealth of experience with her, particularly within the
Marketing and communications sector. With key management skills and a
focused, result orientated attitude, Sandra will play a vital role in
the continued success of the UK team.
Dana Davies, UK MD of Merlyn Industries says,
'Sandra's extensive marketing experience, predominantly brand and product
development along with the implementation of her exceptional communication
strategies will prove invaluable at Merlyn.
'We are delighted to have her on board and look forward to a very exciting
year'.
Tel: 00353 567791555
Web: http://www.merlynbathrooms.com
James Theobald Expands Offering and Team
Distributor
James Theobald has three prestigious brands in its product portfolio:
Matchmaker Kitchens, Butler Appliances and Brompton Bathrooms. Over the
last 28 years, James Theobald has successfully expanded its product offering
with the addition of its popular appliance brand Butler and more recently
Brompton Bathrooms.
Expanding its product choices offers retailers, developers and housebuilders
more scope to source from one central supplier and the added peace of
mind of knowledgeable sales staff. As part of James Theobald's continued
commitment to customer service, it has chosen to expand its sales team
and has taken three new sales people on board. Joining the Theobald's
sales team are Paul Dayrell, Dawn Kallmeier and Brian Sayers, all kbb
specialists with a multitude of skills and proven industry experience.
Left
to Right, Brian Sayers, Dawn Kallmeier, Steve Brooks, Sales Director,
Paul Dayrell
Spearheading
the sales expansion, Steve Brooks, Sales Director comments on the new
addition to his team ‘Customer service is our priority and I cannot
emphasise enough its focus throughout our sales process. Building the
James Theobald brand requires staff with a strong grounding in the kbb
market and I am pleased to say Paul, Dawn and Brian together offer an
impressive 50 years of combined industry expertise.
‘With a high calibre sales team, James Theobald is dedicated to offering
first class customer service and with the new additions to the team, will
continue to strive to be one of the leading kitchen and bathroom distributor.’
Tel: 01622 776700
Web: http://www.Theobalds.com