New
Area Sales Manager for Carron Phoenix
Vinnie
Evans has joined Carron Phoenix as
the new Area Sales Manager for London, Northern Home Counties and East
Anglia.
Vinnie has many years experience in the kitchen and builders merchant
sectors having worked for Symphony and Travis Perkins.
Says Vinnie of his new position:
‘With our 20 recent product introductions, we have a strong sink
and tap offer for both the retail and merchant markets. I intend to push
these messages home and show our customer base how well we can meet their
needs’
Reporting to Chris Whitecross, National Sales Manager at Carron Phoenix,
Vinnie will be responsible for driving sales in the retail, merchant,
contract and social housing sectors.
For more information on Carron Phoenix's sink and tap products, call 01324
638 321 or log on at http://www.carron.com.
International
bathroom brand, VitrA, has announced
the appointment of Erol Donmez as Managing Director of its UK and Eire
operations.
Erol Donmez, 40, succeeds outgoing Managing Director Levent Giray who
is leaving after 14 years in the UK to head VitrA's US operation in Atlanta,
Georgia.
Erol joins from the pharmaceutical arm of VitrA's parent company the Eczacibasi
Group, where for the last eight years, he has been General Manager of
the 900 strong, flagship pharmaceutical business. During his 16 years
with the Eczacibasi Group, Erol has been responsible for developing sales
and brand awareness for a number of global cosmetic brands - not least
establishing NIVEA as Turkey's number one skincare and deodorant brand.
He brings his extensive brand development experience and understanding
of consumer behaviour to VitrA UK where he hopes to take the company from
a top five to a top three player. He comments: 'This is an exciting time
to be joining VitrA UK. We have the product range, the distribution network
and the team in place, my job now is to build the VitrA brand.'
Erol says he will focus on building the VitrA brand amongst design conscious
consumers and will leverage this position into the contract sector. He
also plans to maximise VitrA's capabilities in key areas such as brassware
and tiles.
'We have a very modern tile manufacturing plant in Eire, we should use
our logistical advantage over European and Far Eastern competitors to
become one of the UK's top tile brands.'
Levent Giray, VitrA's outgoing Managing Director believes that Erol is
the perfect man for the job, he comments: 'Erol's fmcg background and
brand building experience will bring a new dimension to VitrA and indeed
the bathroom industry.
‘I believe Erol has exactly the right skills to establish VitrA as
an immediately recognisable bathroom brand both with consumers and architectural
specifiers.
Tel:01235
750 990
Web: http://www.vitra.co.uk.
ATAG
Announces Appointment of Business Development Director for the UK
Holland's
leading appliance company, ATAG, has
announced the appointed of Ellis Bardsley to Business Development Director
for the UK. Ellis will head the UK division, driving the UK business strategy,
focusing exclusively on the Kitchen Specialist market with the ATAG built-in
appliance range. He reports directly to Philip Sluiter, Managing Director,
ATAG, Holland.
Ellis
has nearly two decades experience in the built-in appliance business with
senior management positions at Smeg, Maytag and Fagor. His blend of commercial
experience combined with his wealth of industry experience will be key
in achieving company objectives.
‘ATAG is a highly successful premium built-in appliance brand, driven
by an entrepreneurial management team. Claiming over 40% of the Dutch
built-in market, the ATAG brand is well respected and received in its
homeland. ATAG is the brand the UK Kitchen Specialist has been waiting
for and has clear potential to become a leader in the built-in appliance
sector,’ explains Ellis. He continues, ‘ATAG has a strong entrepreneurial
team, continual investment throughout the organisation, demonstrating
the company's belief in its customers. We shall be echoing this powerful
and successful business model in the UK.’ Ellis concludes, ‘This
is an extremely exciting, yet challenging time. However, the market is
ripe for design-led appliances and perfect for the innovative ATAG brand.
We have some very positive and interesting initiatives for the Kitchen
Specialist and we are looking forward to delivering 'the difference' denoted
by ATAG's distinct personality, its pure original Dutch design and contemporary,
aspirational style.’
‘We’re delighted to have Ellis on board and we are very excited
about our re-entry into the UK market place. Ellis brings hands-on, in
depth knowledge of the UK market to the company's in-house team; expertise
that will prove invaluable to ATAG,’ comments Philip Sluiter, Managing
Director, ATAG. Philip continues, ‘We are a very different company
from when we were last in the UK. We are now privately owned and managed
and we have very clear objectives for the UK market. We are totally committed
to building the UK market through the Kitchen Specialist with high levels
of support, a highly tuned and rigid Internet policy and service that
mirrors the high status and reputation the brand enjoys in Holland. These
are all prerequisites to our success in the UK. This is an exciting time
for the brand and we look forward to welcoming keen and enthusiastic Kitchen
Specialists on board.’
ATAG trades from modern, purpose built headquarters and showrooms with
research and development facilities in the east of Holland. ATAG Kitchen
Specialists in the UK will have the opportunity of enjoying these facilities
and the wealth of expertise and experience that the company can bring
to the UK market very soon.
New
Area Sales Managers at Bristan
Bristan
has appointed two new Area Sales Managers to its nationwide sales force.
An internal promotion sees Stephanie Wright become Area Sales Manager
for the West Midlands, having joined Bristan in 2000 as an order processor.
During her six years with the company, Stephanie has also worked in the
call centre, as an order processing supervisor and as an account handler
for various key accounts. She will be utilising the skills and considerable
product knowledge gained from these positions in her new role out in the
field.
Newcomer
to Bristan, Paul Barnes will be covering his home turf as North West Area
Sales Manager. Paul completed his apprenticeship as a heating and plumbing
engineer for Bolton Metropolitan Borough Council in 1990. Following this,
he has spent several years in trade sales with Jewson and Graham, most
recently as a branch development manager. He is looking forward to forging
and cementing manufacturer-client relationships as part of his new job.
Tel: 0870 4425555
Web: http://www.bristan.com
Tab
UK has Appointed a New Sales Agent for Shower Enlosures in the North
Tab
UK
has recently appointed a new agent, Simon Hearn, to provide a focused
sales service to bathroom retailers and distributors for Tab UK shower
enclosures, multi-function steam rooms, hydro massage units and contemporary
bathroom furniture.
Simon has been in the bathroom industry for several years, working previously
as Group Buying Manager for the Wolseley Group and then as Sales Director
for Phoenix Whirlpools.
Bringing with him an extensive knowledge along with excellent customer
service and experience of the bathroom retail market, Simon is now covering
Yorkshire, the North East, Lancashire and the North West for Tab UK.
Tab UK is developing its brand across the UK and Simon joins the team
as an agent at a very exciting time.
Transforming the market with increased quality products at competitive
prices, Tab UK has also recently launched a new marketing campaign to
support its agents and distributors.
Simon has already built good relationships with bathroom distributors
and is also currently an agent for a number of other products across the
bathroom industry, including designer ladder rails and fitted bathroom
furniture.
Tel: 0191-4695500
Email: sales@tab-uk.com
Web: http://www.tab-uk.co.uk
JJO
PLC Appoints New National Sales Manager
J
& J Ormerod PLC (JJO), the independent UK manufacturer of kitchens
and bedrooms, continues to expand its UK commercial operations with the
appointment of John Pollitt.
John
(pictured) joins as National Sales Manager working directly with the Sales
and Marketing Director, Richard Proctor.
John will manage a team of nine Area Sales Managers dedicated to the independent
kitchen and bedroom retail sector.
John has joined JJO with 21 years' experience in the kitchen industry
with PJH Group, a large distributor of kitchens, bathrooms and appliances.
John's experience as key account manager, regional sales manager and national
sales manager will be invaluable at JJO.
With John in place, JJO's customers will be reassured they are dealing
with an expert with a great deal of credibility and history in the market.
John says that he was attracted to JJO by its ambition and eye for the
future. ‘JJO is renowned for being at the forefront of technological
advances and for its vision in design terms,’ comments John.
‘JJO's commitment to innovation and quality strongly appeals to me.
The wide portfolio of products available to the kitchen and bedroom industry
is very exciting. It is vitally important that retailers can offer a comprehensive
choice of door styles to match the broad tastes of their discerning clients.
I am thrilled to be a part of the JJO team.’
JJO is currently experiencing a period of growth and optimism and is delighted
to welcome John to its already successful team.
JJO PLC is a corporate member of the KBSA (Kitchen Bathroom Bedroom Specialist
Association), a long term member of ASFI (Association of Suppliers to
the Furniture Industry) and a supporter of FIRA (Furniture Industry Research
Association).
Tel: 01706 877877
Email: Natalie Peters on npeters@jjoplc.com
Daryl
Bids Farewell to Longest Server and Thanks Longstanding Employees
Wallasey-based
premium showering products manufacturer, Daryl,
has held a celebration to bid a fond farewell to a retiring member of
staff who has been with the company since it was formed 39 years ago,
and has praised the employees who have served 20 years with the company.
John
Kenney joined Daryl when he was 16 years old. He started as a general
trainee and went on to hold several different positions with the company
over the years, including time on the shop floor and working within the
sales and design & development departments.
John commented: ‘It's been a great experience overall - particularly
the different people I've worked with and the challenges I've faced and
overcome. My favourite roles have been those where I've worked directly
with our customers and worked with them to find solutions to any problems
that might arise.
‘If I'm being honest there was no special reason for me joining Daryl
at the time, it was a good job at a new company though so I thought I'd
give it a go. However it has been the people at Daryl that have made it
so special over the years and why - as well as the variety of jobs I've
held - I've stayed so long.’
John is retiring aged 55 and is now looking forward to travelling and
spending more time with friends and family.
Other employees praised at the event were Trevor Ownes, Production - 21
years;
Peter Cater, Production - 20 years; John Hudson, Production - 26 years;
Sue Jones, Area Sales Manager - 24 years; Lawrence Foster, Production
- 24 years; John Yates, Production - 23 years; Bob Simmons, Bespoke -
29 years; and Rob Burns, Compliance -18 years.
John Porter, Daryl's technical director, concluded: ‘Whilst Daryl
takes pride on the quality of our products and levels of customer service
it's our people that really make us stand out from the crowd.
‘Thanks to people like John Kenney, our other long-serving staff
and the rest of our employees, Daryl has been going strong for nearly
40 years and is looking forward to a bright future.’
New
Appointments at Fisher & Paykel
Following
the acquisition of Elba SPA in Italy, Fisher & Paykel has announced
the following appointments:
* Stuart Broadhurst to the role of Chief Operating Officer Europe
* Mark Celik-Alvis to the role of General Manager Marketing UK, Ireland
and Europe
* Richard Bowe to the role of General Manager UK (pictured)
Mark has spent the last 18 months successfully re-establishing Fisher
& Paykel's presence in the UK and creating Fisher & Paykel's own
infrastructure in Ireland. In his new role, he will be based at Elba SPA
in Italy.
Richard will take over his role with immediate effect. He has worked for
Fisher & Paykel for 14 years, most recently as Regional Manager -
Western Region USA. Richard has previously moved as an employee of Fisher
& Paykel from New Zealand, to Australia, and to the USA.
Richard will now lead the development of Fisher & Paykel in the UK
market to deliver a growing, profitable business together with the sales
force, lead by Andrew Smith, Sales Manager UK.
The sales force, which consisted of Andrew and Graeme Clark, has also
been strengthened with the appointment of Paul Page and Peter Mattacks
as Area Sales Managers.
For further information on Fisher & Paykel appliances, visit http://www.fisherpaykel.co.uk
To order your products, contact the Fisher & Paykel Customer Care
Centre on 0845 600 1934
Britannia
Appoints Marketing Director
Range
cooker specialist Britannia Living
has appointed Henneke Duistermaat as Director of Marketing from 1st November
2006.
Managing
Director Philip Oatley comments: ‘Henneke Duistermaat has successfully
headed the marketing department for 18 months now. In recognition of her
commitment and contribution to the business, I have invited Henneke to
join the Board.’
Britannia's marketing strategy and tactics have changed considerably in
the past 18 months and this has led to a substantially increased interest
from consumers. Brochure requests increased by 24% in 2006 compared to
2005. Major changes have been made to advertising, brochures and the website.
A new POS package was also developed and was very well received by kitchen
specialists.
Henneke Duistermaat comments: ‘I thoroughly enjoy working at Britannia.
It's a delight to market such strong products and I love working with
the Britannia team. I look forward to continuing to develop the Britannia
brand.’
Tel: 01253 471129
Email: hduistermaat@britannialiving.co.uk
BMA
Welcomes new Marketing Manager
This
month sees the arrival of Karen Myles as the new Marketing Manager at
the Bathroom Manufacturers Association
(BMA). The appointment will greatly enhance the work of the Secretariat
team, providing an added boost to ongoing initiatives and facilitating
the implementation of the BMA's future marketing strategy.
Karen's
career spans marketing and editing in the commercial fishing and aquaculture
industry and more recently recruitment in the KBB sector, which is when
Karen's passion for the bathroom sector was ignited.
‘When I first heard about the BMA opportunity I was very excited.
I realised the potential of the BMA and was attracted by the varied and
interesting work of the Secretariat team and I wanted to be a part of
it,’ says Karen.
Karen gleaned an insight into the activity of the BMA at the 'Precious
Water - Water Pressures' conference hosted in Chepstow in October. ‘I
was very happy to attend the conference,’ she comments. ‘It
was the ideal opportunity to begin to meet people and gain a flavour of
what the BMA's really about. I thought the conference was superb, from
the seamless organisation, the venue, the speakers and the entertainment.
It will be a tough act to follow!’
The BMA has grown in strength and size since its inception in 2001 and
is underpinned by a dedicated and increasing membership. The BMA now represents
more than 80 per cent of bathroom manufacturers trading in the UK market
that is estimated to be worth £1.5 billion per annum at factory
gate.
The marketing function is a fundamental and strategic activity that keeps
the BMA at the forefront of industry issues and is instrumental in ensuring
that the BMA is recognised as 'The Voice of the Industry'.
Commenting on the role Karen says: ‘I've received a really warm welcome
from the Secretariat team and I'm very much looking forward to getting
my teeth into the BMA projects and working alongside some truly skilful,
dedicated and passionate people. I don't underestimate the size and scope
of the role and am very appreciative of all the help and support of the
team.’
For further information please email yvonne.orgill@bathroom-association.org.uk
or karen.myles@bathroom-association.org.uk
or telephone 01782 747123
Web: http://www.bathroom-association.org
Mark
Wilkinson takes PR Function In-House
The
latest advance in the branding and development of Mark
Wilkinson, sees the company bringing its PR activities in house.
Based in Wiltshire and with showrooms throughout the country and abroad,
Mark Wilkinson, the originator of the English Style of fitted kitchen
furniture, has engaged Richard Moss to work with its PR and marketing
team to ensure that the company's communications are fully integrated,
worldwide.
All information on the Mark Wilkinson brand will be available from Richard
Moss at the Mark Wilkinson HQ including photography from the electronic
library containing over 10,000 picture files.
Company consultant John Harris says, ‘Mark Wilkinson has a reputation
that is becoming global and needs a PR function that provides fast inspirational
answers to communication demands covering the consumer market, architects,
interior designers and property developers.
‘Everyone recognises the efforts of the departing PR Agency, Maralyn
Roberts Communications in the development of the UK market but Mark Wilkinson
is expanding on an international front and there is a requirement to gear
up accordingly.’
For more information on the company visit: http://www.mwf.com
KBB
incorporating Expotile welcomes two new faces to the industry as it works
towards another event in 2008. Sam Cande, Sales Manager has been involved
with the event for the past two years and will now be working alongside
Event Director, Paul Sweeney and Sales Executive, Tina Robinson.
Paul Sweeney has been recruited to Event Director of KBB and Expotile.
Paul has been with CMP for 11 years, previously working on the Lighting
Show, another event within the Interiors portfolio. Paul brings his management
expertise to the event and promises to build on the 2006 edition to produce
an even better KBB in its new timeline of March 2008.
Tina
Robinson has been recruited to Field Sales Executive of KBB and Expotile.
Tina has been with the company for 6 months, working on National Floor
Show, but is now solely working towards KBB 2006 under the management
of Sam Cande.
‘KBB incorporating Expotile 2008 is already 65% sold with sixteen
months to go!’ said Paul. ‘This is a fantastic effort as a new
team and a testament to the incredible event that will be KBB 2008!’
KBB incorporating Expotile will be held from 9-12 March at the NEC, Birmingham.
Nicholas
Anthony Appoints Two New Designers for Contracts Division
Nicholas
Anthony,
the award-winning designer of luxury kitchens and bathrooms, has appointed
a further two designers for its expanding Contracts division.
Joanne Heavey (below left) has a BAHons in Interior Design & Technology
and an HND in Interior Design & Furnishing from London Metropolitan
University. She has seven years experience within the design industry
in London.
Vanessa
Marshall (above right) became a Bachelor of Art & Design at Auckland
University of Technology in New Zealand and has two years experience in
her home country as a Commercial Kitchen Design Consultant.
The two new designers are part of Nicholas Anthony's ever growing Contracts
division, which to date, has won a number of prestigious contracts worth
over £7million, including Dart Marina, Nottingham Place, Falcon
Wharf with George Wimpey City, and Wandsworth Riverside Quarter with Frasers
Property Group (formerly known as LCR Developments Ltd)
Commenting on the appointments, Geoff Brown, Contracts manager, said,
'We are very pleased to announce these appointments and see them as an
important step in the expansion of the Contracts division.'
Tel: 020 7620 3636
Email: contracts@nicholas-anthony.co.uk
Web: http://www.nicholas-anthony.co.uk
Travis McRae, aged 34 has been appointed Area Sales Manager for Selecta (a division of Shires) covering the southern part of the UK. Joining the already successful sales team, his position will encompass working to expand the business in the South with the entire Selecta product portfolio. Bringing new skills from his sales and management background, Travis is looking forward to taking the Selecta range into new areas of the market place.
On
welcoming Travis to the company, Sales & Marketing Director of Shires,
Paul McClintock said ‘It's always good to welcome talented sales
people who bring with them fresh ideas and motivation. With our evolving
marketing policies the expansion of the team will be to the benefit of
the brand.’
Tel: 01782 599099
Web: http://www.shires-bathrooms.co.uk
Dunkerley
Secures Supply Chain Success at New Bristan Group HQ
The
recent appointment of Guy Dunkerley as the new Bristan
Group Supply Chain Director has done much to aid the smooth
move to the Group's new, purpose-built site in Birch Coppice, Tamworth.
Ensuring the security of supply of the most innovative and best value
product through world class sourcing, was Dunkerley's top priority when
he joined the Group recently.
Utilising past experience in the supply chain field, where he has previously
worked for blue chip companies - such as Pitney Bowes and IMI Norgren
- on Supply Chain best practice, Dunkerley has played a major role in
ensuring the Bristan Group continues to go from strength-to-strength following
its move.
Dunkerley holds a Bachelor of Arts from McGill University in Montreal,
Canada, and a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management from Cranfield
University in the United Kingdom.
Now that the Group is firmly ensconced in its impressive new headquarters,
Dunkerley will be responsible for further enhancing the company's Supply
Chain practices, including finding innovative products from the best producers.
For more information/stockists call Bristan on 0870 4425555.
Web: http://www.bristan.com
Roger
Wilks joins Homag Sales Force
Roger
Wilks has joined Homag U.K. as area
sales manager for the West Midlands, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire and Oxfordshire.
Roger brings with him widespread experience of the woodworking and furniture
industries - both from the perspective of having been in production and,
more latterly, sales of machines and consumables.
Recently he enjoyed a vibrant introduction to the Homag set-up having
formed part of the successful W6 team.
He says that being part of Homag is a superb opportunity:
‘I hadn't realised the incredible extent and range of machinery and
technology that I will be able to offer to customers.
'I also take so much confidence from the service and support back-up I'll
be able to offer and, of course, the new Homag Finance scheme. In all
these areas, as a sales representative, I can rely on unprecedented professional
and team back-up’.
Roger is based at High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire.
Tel: 01332 856500
Email: info@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk