As
part of the company’s continued and ambitious sales growth PWS has
appointed Martin Elgood as Managing Director.
Effective from 1st May 2007, his brief extends to the management of PWS'
sister company Danesmoor UK.
Following a 15 year career at Gower, the last 7 as Managing Director,
Martin is tasked with the strategic development of the company and to
lead it through its next stage of growth.
Comments Mark Stephenson, Chief Executive,
'Martin joins us at an exciting time as both the PWS and Danesmoor divisions
are working on major new initiatives to further strengthen product and
service offerings to UK customers and in turn continue their enviable
record of sales growth.
'With a strong insight and understanding of customer needs coupled with
an unrivalled depth and breadth of experience of the market Martin's skills
will prove invaluable to our future development plans.'
Tel: 01325 505500
Web: http://www.pws.co.uk
New
Regional Sales Manager at Reginox UK
Sinks,
taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK,
has expanded its sales team through the addition of Duncan Hornett as
regional sales manager.
Duncan
joins Reginox from Mayfair Brassware where he was national accounts manager.
His brief is to develop business for Reginox amongst specifiers and contractors
throughout the North West and Scotland, whilst simultaneously focusing
on Reginox's existing retail and wholesale customers.
Dave Mayer, Reginox UK's sales and marketing director, comments,
'We're delighted to have Duncan on board at Reginox. He has extensive
industry experience and I am confident that his addition to the team here
will help to open up new opportunities for us within our key target markets.'
For more information on Reginox UK, contact the company on tel: 01260
280 033 or email sales@reginox.co.uk
or alternatively visit http://www.reginox.co.uk
Looking
Good for Image Showers
Business
is looking good at the moment for Image Showers,
which is Irelands leading manufacturer of enclosures and screens; it is
continuing to make significant progress in the UK.
Ben
Seymour has recently joined the sales team in the UK. He joins Nicola
Coleman, Becky Reeve and Rob Maspero who between them cover the UK, with
Neil Beswick as UK Manager.
Ben is from a sales and marketing background and in his last role successfully
increased sales six fold - he plans to do the same for Image Showers.
‘Image Showers is a fairly new brand to the UK so the potential for
growth is enormous. We have already an extensive product range and an
envied services network and field back up. It's a great product to be
associated with - the customers love it - and it is exciting being involved
with building up an established company in a new market.’
‘Displays are the main priority at the moment. In the last few months
Image Showers has installed hundreds of enclosure displays around the
UK in selected, quality bathroom showrooms. We fit all the displays to
ensure they are perfect for when customers come in to look and try them.
A good display is essential and should then pay for itself over and over
again.’
The reason Image Showers is so successful in Ireland is simple - it looks
after its customers. Image Showers prides itself on excellent service
with next day delivery, service back up - a team of engineers fitting
displays and installing showers for customers and good quality products
with a lifetime guarantee on its Allure and Ultra ranges. All these features
and benefits are of course part of the package offered to the UK with
the added benefit of having been comprehensively tried and tested.
Web: http://www.imageshowers.com
Imperial
Bathrooms Appoints Supply Chain Director
Bathroom
manufacturer, Imperial Bathrooms,
continues its expansion strategy with the appointment of Kevin Johnson
to the newly-created position of Supply Chain Director.
Kevin assumes this role after seven years at Jacuzzi UK where he held
the position of Site Director, with operational responsibility for the
Jacuzzi and BC Sanitan brands in the UK.
In addition to being responsible for production at Imperial’s burgeoning
sanitaryware and wood divisions, Kevin will oversee the logistics of all
other complementary products that the company now offers in its bid to
become a ‘single brand solution’ provider.
Having held a number of a number of senior positions with Silverdale Ceramics
and Vernon Tutbury prior to his time at Jacuzzi, Kevin brings a wealth
of market knowledge, together with production and logistics experience,
to his new role.
Managing Director, Antonio Garrido, said: 'Kevin will play a major role
in helping support Imperial Bathrooms’ ambitious marketing strategies
and I am confident that he will be an invaluable asset to the company’s
short and long term growth both in the UK and overseas.'
Covering the spectrum of both traditional and contemporary design styles,
all Imperial products combine the very best in British manufacturing with
timeless and elegant designs. They epitomise the company’s mantra:
A Modern Classic.
For further information on Imperial Bathroom visit http://www.imperial-bathrooms.com
or contact 0870 60 61 62 3 for a copy of the 2007 Design Guide.
Deva
Presents Salesperson of the Year Award
Brassware
supplier Deva has named Steve Cave as its Salesperson of the Year 2006.
Directors and Senior Management used a variety of factors including sales
performance to select Steve as the outright winner.
Steve, who has worked for Deva in the South London area for over 5 years,
said the secret of his success was an ability to listen. 'I try and stay
aware of what is happening in the market. Listening to customers is key,
working with them to identify opportunities to increase sales. Communicating
with colleagues in other areas and monitoring trade publications helps
me to know what is happening or about to happen and react accordingly'.
Steve is quick to acknowledge the help he is given from behind the scenes,
enabling him to work effectively with his customers. 'We have proactive
internal sales and customer service at Deva HQ who provide 100% backup.
I like to maintain a constant dialogue with the marketing team who are
always supportive'.
Deva’s dramatic expansion of its product range has helped him in
his achievements, as well as providing its own challenges. 'With so many
new products to show my customers, I am always looking for new ways to
display or present them – even if it sometimes means a Saturday in
the garage trying out new ideas!'
The strive for excellence continues in Steve’s home life as at 46
years old he regularly competes with pro riders in cycling events nationwide.
National Sales Manager Chris Ridge said it was no surprise to see Steve
receiving the award. 'Steve wears his heart on his sleeve. He is an example
to the whole team of how commitment and enthusiasm can be the difference
between success and failure. I am sure that his customers would be quick
to agree'.
Steve will enjoy a family holiday as his reward.
More
Showers Expected for the North East
Aqualux
is strengthening its presence in the North East with the appointment of
Danny Currie to the position of Area Sales Manager.
Danny joins the manufacturer of bath screens and shower enclosures with
more than 10 years' experience in the plumbing industry.
Having previously worked at Plumbing Trade Supplies, Danny, 29, will be
bringing particular expertise and inside knowledge of the merchant sector
to the West Midlands-based company.
Commenting on his appointment, Danny said: ‘I'm looking forward to
getting stuck into my new role. We're launching an extensive collection
of new products at Expo which we're confident will take Aqualux into a
whole new area of trading. I can't wait to see the reaction of my customers
to the new collections. My job has certainly been made easier as these
new enclosures could sell themselves.’
Visitors to the Bathroom and Kitchen Expo in May will be able to meet
Danny on the Aqualux stand, G51, where the three exclusive new collections
will also be on display.
Tel: 0870 241 6131
Email: enquiries@aqualux.co.uk
Web: http://www.aqualux.co.uk
Design
led kitchen tap manufacturer Abode
has recently expanded its already successful team with two very experienced
Sales Managers, Mike Carrick and Peter Phelan.
Mike's remit is to grow the retail and distribution bases for the complete
Abode range and provide full support to the company's distribution partners
nationwide. He brings with him 15 years of experience in the kitchen industry
and was previously with Chilterns Distribution.
Peter will continue to develop the business through the all-important
house-builder and merchant side, with whom he has built a healthy relationship
over the past few years. Peter was latterly with Astracast and Grovewood
Kitchens.
With both men enjoying sports such as golf and football, the trade can
look forward to some competitive team work.
Darren Holliday, Director of Abode comments ‘With the expansion of
our sales team we can now expect our product range to be carried nationwide’.
Tel: 01226 283434
Web: http://www.abode.eu
PWS
has appointed Marina Gibbons as Area Sales Manager, with responsibility
for sales development and account management in the Central Area.
With extensive management and business experience, Marina gained her knowledge
in retail management, most recently with Acdoco managing grocery multiples
accounts and prior to this with Bendicks (Mayfair), Walkers Snack Foods
and Estee Lauder.
(L-R)
Marina Gibbons (Central Area Sales Manager) and Hilary Hudson (Southern
Regional Sales Manager).
Marina
takes over from Hilary Hudson who has been promoted to the position of
Southern Regional Sales Manager following three successful years in the
Area Sales role.
Comments David MacArthur, PWS' National Sales Manager, 'I am delighted
to welcome Marina to the Southern Sales Team and wish her every success
in her new role. Hilary has achieved a well-deserved promotion to Regional
Manager, during her time at PWS she has gained the respect of customers,
suppliers and colleagues alike and this promotion is simply testament
to her dedication and sales expertise. Hilary will now focus her energy
constructing and implementing the growth plan for 2007/8.'
Web: http://www.pws.co.uk
Planit
International Strengthens Customer Support with Two New Appointments
Developer
of design and visualisation software for the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom
and home improvement markets, Planit International
has made two new appointments at its Ashford, Kent headquarters, providing
further support for customers.
Andrew Fuller joins the company as a customer support officer, while Rebecca
Guntrip has been appointed data team leader - both of them bringing a
wide range of customer services, retailing and IT-based experience to
their roles.
‘These
new appointments reflect the importance we attach to helping customers
maximise the benefits of Fusion software within their own businesses,’
says Planit International's managing director Alastair McPheat.
‘Our dedicated team of support specialists works closely with users
to deliver on-line assistance, maintenance, updates and training.’
Rebecca Guntrip brings 11 years of mainly call centre based experience
to her new role. She has also been involved in staff training and project
management and considers customer satisfaction to be ‘a key element
in the success of projects and their development through the data department.’
With seven years experience working in technical IT support within a stock
broking clearing house, Andrew Fuller who has recently been training clients
in the installation and employment of an automotive device, is ‘committed
to delivering customer satisfaction though personal training and telephone
support.’
Tel: +44 (0)1233 649700
Web: http://www.planitsoftware.com
Fresh
Talent for Mayfair Taps and Showers
Mayfair
Taps and Showers
has expanded its team for the fourth time this year with the recruitment
of James Robinson as the New Area Sales Manager for South East England.
James has worked in the bathroom industry for over ten years now and is
already a valued member of the team.
Mayfair is continuing to grow at a very fast pace and recently underlined
its success by re-branding all of its sales and marketing materials in
March 2007.
About Mayfair
Mayfair was founded in 1988. Operating out of its Yorkshire base, the
company has grown from strength to strength and has moved to a purpose
built facility in Shelburn in Elmet W Yorks. In 2006 the company completed
its overseas manufacturing network by the establishment of Quanzhou Mayfair
Brassware Co Ltd in China. Mayfair has office and warehouse facilities
in Quanzhou and Kaiping City.
Mayfair sales contact: Bobby Moore, Mayfair, 01977 685 770
Victoria
& Albert Announces New Appointment
Freestanding
bath specialist Victoria & Albert
has announced the appointment of Nick Portlock as Group Sales & Marketing
Director. Based in the UK, this newly created senior position comes at
a time of significant growth for Victoria & Albert, which now operates
from hubs in the UK, USA, South Africa and Australia.
Portlock's previous roles have focused on developing premium kitchen brands
across the world, most recently as Sales Director for Miele Canada.
‘My remit is to develop Victoria & Albert as the number one freestanding
bath brand in the world - and launching new products with the calibre
of the Napoli puts us in a great place to achieve this,’ says Nick.
For more information on Victoria & Albert, telephone 01952 221100
or visit http://www.vandabaths.com.
Roman
Appoints a Technical Training Coordinator
Roman
has appointed Steve Danby in the new role of Technical Training Coordinator.
He moves from his previous position as Roman’s Customer Services
Manager.
Steve will now be responsible for coordinating all internal product training
across key departments including; Marketing, Sales, Customer Services
and Installation, amongst others, as well as developing training programmes
for customers. His other responsibilities will include overseeing the
technical content of product literature, such as brochures and installation
manuals. He will also coordinate customer feedback on products, to enable
further product development and improvement.
Steve has worked at Roman for 11 years and his vast product knowledge
makes him the ideal candidate for the job. Of his new position, Steve
comments; 'I am looking forward to getting into my new role, it is something
completely new for me. An in-depth knowledge of products is essential
for our staff members and with new products continually being launched
it is not always easy to keep up to date. I will be able to design training
programmes which will constantly keep staff technically up to date on
all our products.'
Tel: 0845 0522 445
Email: brochures@roman-showers.com
Web: http://www.roman-showers.com
New
Manager for Kirkstone London Showroom
Stone company, Kirkstone Quarries has appointed Winnie Cheung as manager of its London showroom. An experienced retail manager Cheung spent many years in the fashion industry, based in Hong Kong, as a buyer for designers such as Dolce & Gabbana, and Karl Lagerfeld.
Living
in London for the past eight years, Cheung's eye for design, and understanding
of excellent customer service will stand her in good stead for managing
Kirkstone's, Fulham based showroom, where she will be dealing with architects
and specifiers, as well as the general public.
Tel: 020 738608
Web: http://www.kirkstone.com
Coram
Shower Pods Appoints Three New Sales Agents
Shower
pod designer and manufacturer, Coram Shower Pods
has expanded its sales team with the appointment of three new sales agents,
Graham Bolding, Sheila Everett and Gordon Swan.
The new agents will be responsible for developing and strengthening relationships
with key merchants and retail outlets across the UK.
Graham Bolding joins Coram Shower Pods with 40 years industry experience.
He will be responsible for Coram's existing and potential customer base
across the whole of the South East.
Sheila Everett has over 14 years experience working with companies such
as bathroom products manufacturer, Armitage Shanks. She will be covering
the South West of England and South Wales.
After spending 30 years in the industry with companies including Bisque
Radiators, Gordon Swan will be looking after Coram Shower Pods' sales
in the East and West Midlands.
Coram Shower Pods specialises in the manufacture of shower pod solutions
that are designed for fast and easy installation, as well as watertight
performance. The range includes the 1,200 x 800mm Sliding Door and the
800 x 800mm Bi-Fold Door alcove shower pods, and the 800 x 800mm Corner
Entry Door and the 950 x 950mm Quadrant Door corner shower pods. All Coram
Shower Pod products are manufactured at the company's factory in the UK
and doors are power shower tested to BS 6340 against leakage.
For further information on Coram Shower Pods, telephone: 01746 769771
or email: sales@coramshowerpods.co.uk
to request a brochure or visit the website: http://www.coramshowerpod.co.uk.
People
Power: RAK Ceramics Recruits for Future Growth
Sanitaryware
and tile manufacturer RAK Ceramics UK
has announced the appointment of Charles Down as Sales Director. The creation
of this major role reinforces the RAK senior management team in advance
of a host of entire product ranges being launched at EXPO along with a
major recruitment drive.
It is expected that the appointment of several new sales managers will
be announced within the next month, providing additional regional representation.
Down proved ideal for this senior position, having been responsible for
managing strategic business growth for several major names in the industry,
including the Paula Rosa Kitchens and the Snaidero Group, owner of several
leading European brands including Arthur Bonnet. He will be based at RAK
Ceramics' new 52,000 sq ft HQ located in Petersfield.
Charles Down, RAK Ceramics UK Sales Director says:
‘This is a time of great opportunity for companies with the right
structure and product offering. Presently, RAK Ceramics are 45% up on
sales compared to last year and that's before we've even launched this
year's eagerly awaited new product ranges.
'Led by exhibitions and corporate events, RAK has aggressive plans for
more growth in 2007, which is excellent news for the customer - they will
be getting enhanced service through our updated distribution channels,
enhanced design through a raft of exciting new product launches and enhanced
incentives thanks to an inspirational dealer programme which will be announced
at EXPO.’
Tel: 01730 815507
Web: http://www.rakceramics.co.uk
Key
Worksurfaces Sales Appointment at PWS
PWS has appointed David Smillie as Worksurfaces Technical Sales Manager, responsible for the sales development of the PWS worksurface portfolio. David joins PWS following a career exclusively in the kitchen industry, working for leading kitchen company CP Hart and more recently Sheridan Fabrications as Sales and Installations Manager.
Comments
Philip Eeles, PWS Worksurfaces Business Manager, 'David brings a wealth
of knowledge and expertise, his appointment comes on the back of a record
sales year at PWS and supports our ongoing commitment to worksurfaces.
David will play a pivotal role in driving our planned program of product
and sales development forward and he is looking forward to using his skills
to make a strong contribution to strengthening PWS' position in the worksurfaces
market.'
Web: http://www.pws.co.uk
James
Theobald Appoints New Sales People
With
an impressive product portfolio, James Theobald's
brands include Matchmaker Kitchens, Butler Appliances and Brompton Bathrooms.
As a leading distributor, Theobald's prides itself on providing a high
level of customer service, from initial enquiry to after sales care. The
company has announced it has recruited two new additional sales people
to ensure it consistently delivers a high level of service.
Alison Chitty and Adrian Armstrong have been appointed as Area Sales Managers
to promote the Theobald brands in the South East region.
Alison has 20 years in the kitchens and bathroom industry and Adrian has
specialised in the bathroom market for ten years. Both Adrian and Alison's
combined industry knowledge holds them in good stead for their new roles.
Steve Brooks, Sales Director comments ‘It is a very exciting time
for Theobald's with a host of new people joining our team to promote the
latest innovations, our customers can be assured of the highest level
of customer service’.
Tel: 01622 776700
Web: http://www.Theobalds.com