PWS has appointed Mervyn Jones as Supply Chain Manager. This key appointment comes at a time of significant growth and expansion at PWS. Formerly purchasing director at Gower Furniture Mervyn has a wealth of experience in procurement matched with in-depth industry knowledge.
Comments Martin Elgood, MD at PWS, 'On the back of a record sales year, it's an exciting time for Mervyn to strengthen the management team at PWS. We are looking forward to a challenging programme of product development for 2008 and with Mervyn's knowledge and skills his contribution will be pivotal to the company's growth and continued success.'
New
General Manager for Montrose Furniture
David Marchant has been appointed General Manager of Montrose Furniture.
With
22 years experience in the Bathroom Industry he says ‘Montrose who?
I might hear you say, well that's going to change! Although we are presently
one of the smaller Bathroom Furniture manufacturers, we have the foundations
from which to build a strong brand. Unlike many of our competitors we
intend to remain a specialist in our sector and over the coming month's
customers can look forward to a progressive approach from Montrose.’
Tel: 01268 476800
Coram
Appoints Factory Manager
Coram
Showers
has appointed Mark Longman to the newly created position of factory manager.
This new position has been created to help Coram manage an increase in
production at its Bridgnorth manufacturing facility, which has risen significantly
in response to growing demand for the company's ranges of shower enclosures,
trays and bath screens.
Mark Longman joins Coram with a wealth of experience in the manufacturing
industry, including a previous role with the UK's largest specialist cold
roll-forming company, Metsec plc.
Speaking on this latest appointment, Dennis Burden, production director
at Coram, commented: ‘At Coram we are dedicated to delivering innovative
shower enclosure and bath screen designs, which are manufactured to the
highest possible standard. By creating the new role of factory manager,
Coram can maintain this consistent high level of design and manufacturing
as the business continues to grow and develop.’
Coram Showers specialises in the design and manufacture of shower enclosures,
shower pods, shower trays and bath screens. The company's current range
includes the Premier and Optima ranges of shower enclosures, Waterguard
Showertrays, a range of Bathscreens and the new retail range, Acora. Designed
for fast and easy installation, as well as watertight performance, all
Coram products are designed and manufactured at the company's Bridgnorth
factory in Shropshire and enclosures are power shower tested to BS 6340
against leakage.
Tel: 01746 766466
Web: http://www.coram.co.uk
Reginox
Appoints New Regional Sales Manager
Sinks,
taps and accessories manufacturer, Reginox UK,
has appointed Stuart Kirkpatrick as Regional Sales Manager for the south.
Stuart joins Reginox following seven years as Regional Sales Territory
Manager for James Theobold Ltd, and he has also worked for Spring Ram
Kitchens and Crosby Kitchens. His brief at Reginox is to develop business
through targeting southern-based kitchen distributors, manufacturers and
developers, whilst also focusing on the company's existing retail and
wholesale customers.
Stuart comments, ‘Reginox is a relatively young and dynamic company
that offers a great product combined with strong customer service. The
company is currently undergoing considerable growth in the UK and the
opportunity to join the team there was too good to miss’.
Dave Mayer, Reginox's sales and marketing director, adds, ‘Stuart
brings more than 20 years' industry experience and contacts to Reginox
and has a sound knowledge of our marketplace. We are delighted to welcome
him on board and have no doubt that he will be a strong addition to our
sales team’.
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
Steve
Holton joins Electrolux as Product & Brand Director, Electrolux Major
Appliances, UK & Ireland
Steve Holton has joined Electrolux Major Appliances in the newly created role of Product & Brand Director. He will have overall responsibility for managing the Product and Brand Marketing teams and will report directly into Electrolux's European structure (European HQ in Brussels) and Peter Messetter, Interim Managing Director UK from the UK management perspective.
Steve
will be operationally responsible for day-to-day Major Appliance product
& marketing activities in addition to group-wide responsibility for
strategic commercial planning.
Steve has an enviable track record within the white goods industry, with
over 22 years experience at a senior level - all within household-name
companies. Former appointments include Marketing & Strategic Planning
Director with Hoover Candy (2005-07), Strategic Development Director with
BSH Home Appliances UK Limited (2001 - 05) - and prior to that Group Marketing
Director at GDA (General Domestic Appliances Limited 1999-2001) and Marketing
Director Hotpoint Limited (now GDA) from 1995 to 2001.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
Andrew
Wasdell joins Electrolux Major Appliances as Category Manager, Food Preservation
Product Line
Andrew Wasdell, 34, has joined the Electrolux Category team with responsibility for managing Food Preservation Products. He will report to Electrolux's newly appointed Product and Brand Director Steve Holton.
Andrew
brings a wealth of experience with him: prior to joining Electrolux he
was Cooling Category Manager at BSH Home Appliances for four and a half
years. During this time he was responsible for managing the cooling products,
Built-in and Freestanding, for Bosch, Siemens and Neff.
Prior to this, he spent four years as a Product Manager at DSGi, responsible
for product marketing of Cooking and Integrated Appliances within the
Currys chain.
Andrew is married and also has other talents - he is a qualified sports
masseur and runs regularly - racing all distances from 5k to marathons.
Web: http://www.electrolux.com
Deva's
Sales and Marketing Team has been further strengthened with the appointment
of Claire Stokes.
Claire
(30) joins the brassware manufacturer as Marketing Manager from soap powder
manufacturer Acdoco - owner of Stain Devils and Glo White brands.
She brings to Deva over nine years marketing experience and joins the
company at what is a key time in its strategic development.
With an impressive 30 years independent heritage, Deva was last month
acquired by Methven - New Zealand's leading designer, manufacturer and
supplier of tap and showerware. Claire's appointment coincides with the
merger, which brings with it exciting plans for the future both in the
UK and across the globe.
In her new role, Claire is responsible for Deva's corporate re-branding
- founded on the new company strap line 'Believe in Deva' - and its successful
implementation amongst customers, consumers, suppliers and colleagues.
Claire is also responsible for the development and execution of Deva's
consumer and trade marketing strategies, determining market requirements
to support existing products and future range extensions, as well as working
alongside the Bathroom Manufacturers Association (BMA), of which it became
a member almost a year ago.
‘I'm delighted to join the Deva team at such a crucial time in its
expansion - not only in terms of its product offering, but also in geographical
reach and capabilities.
‘I have a strong, successful background in consumer marketing which
will prove to be a real asset as Deva continues develop a reputation as
a company well suited to both consumer and trade markets.’
Deva Managing Director Rob Pryde concludes: ‘Claire has a strong
skills set that is already proving to be highly complementary to the existing
personnel within our sales and marketing team.
‘She adds an extra dimension to what is a highly knowledgeable department
and, with such a strong consumer marketing background, her addition will
stand us in good stead as Deva evolves to equally target end users and
existing and potential trade customers over the coming months.’
Tel: 0800 195 1602
Email: sales@devatap.com
Web: http://www.devatap.com
Barrhead
Appoints Site Director
Barrhead
Sanitaryware
has announced the appointment of David Ridley as Site Director at its
Glasgow headquarters.
David has 26 years' experience in the sanitaryware industry gained with
Armitage Shanks, Jacuzzi UK and Shires. He joined Barrhead two years ago
when the Utopia Group acquired a majority shareholding in this historic
company.
Barrhead
Sanitaryware is a direct descendant of the famous Shanks of Barrhead company
established in 1875 and is today one of the few independently British
owned vitreous china manufacturers in the UK.
Speaking of his appointment, David said, ‘I am delighted to take
on this new role and look forward to establishing Barrhead as a premium
supplier of sanitaryware designs in keeping with the quality and prestige
associated with the Utopia Group.'
Web: http://www.utopiagroup.com
More
Sales Aid For KitchenAid Premium Built-In Range
Gary Walker joins Maytag UK as Area Sales Manager responsible for the KitchenAid range of premium built-in major domestic appliances. He brings a wealth of knowledge from his 15 years experience in the business.
Gary
comments: ‘This is a terrific opportunity. KitchenAid has already
established a loyal customer base through its iconic range of small electrical
appliances and I look forward to working with the team to convert this
success into sales for the built-in portfolio.’
Heading up the new KitchenAid sales force is National Sales Manager, Steve
Corby.
High quality sales materials are supported by targeted trade and consumer
advertising and a comprehensive media relations campaign.
Key listings have already been achieved in John Lewis and selected independent
kitchen specialists nationwide.
For trade enquiries, please contact KitchenAid UK on 01737 231000
http://www.kitchenaid.co.uk
Bill
Smith Promotion Announced
Glasgow based manufacturer TradeStyle Cabinets Group, whose kitchen brands include Scottwood of Nottingham, English Rose, Wrighton International and NOW Kitchens has announced the promotion of Bill Smith to Group Sales Development Director. Bill becomes a member of the Group Board with immediate effect.
Bill
is a stalwart of the kitchen industry and has worked for the TSC Group
for over seven years. He is delighted with his promotion and comments,
‘I see my new position as evidence of the Group's commitment to increase
our market penetration on a national basis and I'm looking forward to
making my contribution towards its continuing success’.
Based at the Head Office in Glasgow and living in Erskine, Bill who is
married with two grown up daughters relishes the opportunity to further
develop the company's focus on supplying high quality kitchen solutions
to the contracts sector, through regional and national housebuilders and
developers.
Working closely with TSC Group Sales & Marketing Director, Chris Grattan
who has specific responsibilities for NOW Kitchens, the combined skills
of Smith and Grattan, who collectively have a wealth of experience in
this sector, will be heading up the drive to increase sales.
TSC Group has an impressive portfolio of successful kitchen and construction
related companies which include some of the most well known and established
brands in the UK market place.
Cosentino
Appoints General Retail Manager for the North
The
Spanish-owned quartz work surface manufacturer, Cosentino
has appointed Gary Isherwood as its general retail manager, with specific
responsibility for developing the Silestone brand in the North of England
and Ireland.
Gary
joins Cosentino from Caesarstone, where he was sales manager. His career
within the quartz and natural stone industry started in 1999 and has encompassed
all aspects from providing technical assistance on CNC tooling and manufacture
through to sales and customer service.
Gary Isherwood, who will report into Cosentino UK MD, Christophe Gontier
says, ‘I am thrilled to be joining Cosentino at this exciting time.
The company has ambitious plans and I am looking forward to helping achieve
them. Specifically, I will be looking to cement existing customer relationships
in the North as well as establishing Silestone as the premium quartz work
surface within the UK and Irish markets.’
Silestone by Cosentino is the first and only quartz surfacing material
in the world, with patented Microban antibacterial protection. This helps
fight the growth of micro-orgasnisms and harmful bacteria which may be
on the surface, such as EColi, Salmonella, Listeria, Staphlococcus and
the MRSA superbug.
Functional, beautiful and hygienic, quartz worktops are made from 93%
natural quartz crystals and 7% pigments, resin, mirror and glass. Only
three other natural minerals; diamond, sapphire and topaz are harder than
quartz. Scratch, stain, heat and scorch resistant, Silestone can be cut
and profiled to provide unlimited design options and is available in over
50 colours.
The Microban anti-bacterial technology is incorporated throughout the
structure of all Silestone Quartz products during the manufacturing process,
providing continuous protection, which cannot be removed or eliminated
during the lifetime of the product.
Tel: 08700 118 788
Email: uksales@silestone.com
Web: http://www.silestone.com
Mike
Conlon Appointed Managing Director of Twyford Bathrooms
Sanitec,
the European sanitaryware manufacturer, has announced that Mike Conlon,
Twyford Bathrooms' Sales and Marketing
Director became the Senior Vice President of Sanitec UK & Ireland
and Managing Director for Twyford Bathrooms, effective from October 1st
2007.
Current
SVP and MD Alan Brown has been appointed to a senior position within Sanitec
to head up a major group project to develop Sanitec's global footprint
and expand into new territories and product categories.
Bengt Pihl, CEO and President of Sanitec says:
‘It is imperative that we focus our best people on ensuring that
we grow our business and provide the greatest value to our customers and
shareholders. With this in mind I have made some changes within the group
to maximise the effectiveness of my senior team.
‘I would like to thank Alan for the success he has brought to Twyford
Bathrooms and wish him well in his new role. Equally I am also sure that
you will join me in wishing Mike well in his new role.’
Mike joined Twyford Bathrooms in 2001. He had previously been International
Business Director for Caradon and had also held positions at Blue Circle,
Alcatel and Sony. Mike joined the Twyford Board in 2001.
Commenting on his new position, Mike says;
‘I am very excited about my new role. It is a thrilling time for
Twyford Bathrooms as we continue to grow our market share in both UK and
Ireland as well as overseas. Sanitec's global expansion plans provide
a wonderful platform for me to move Twyford Bathrooms into new product
categories and sectors.'
Web: http://www.twyfordbathrooms.com
Lawcris
Promotes Barry to IT Manager
Barry
Ellis has been named the new IT Manager at Lawcris.
Formerly a senior member of the company's buying team, Barry has been
actively involved in the company's IT function for several years, having
developed his own personal interest in this area. His promotion reflects
the increasingly important role that IT has to play in the future development
of the company.
Barry, who lives in Pontefract, originally joined Lawcris as an office
junior as part of the YTS scheme some 12 years ago. He has stayed with
the company as it has developed, working his way through the ranks to
become a member of the buying team while, at the same time, helping out
with internal IT issues.
In his new role as IT Manager, Barry will oversee all aspects of computer
technology within Lawcris and will have sole responsibility for maintaining
the company's network, training staff and developing the IT function further
to cope with growing demand.
‘In any business, IT is playing an increasingly important role and
I am really looking forward to further developing our systems internally
and helping Lawcris meet the demands of today's customers as our business
continues to grow,’ says Barry.
Hal Eccles, Marketing Manager at Lawcris said: ‘We are delighted
to have created a dedicated IT role within the business and to be able
to name Barry as our new IT Manager. His interest in, and knowledge of
IT, makes him the perfect person for the job and we look forward to working
with Barry to further develop our computer systems and offer our customers
the best levels of service in the business.’
Web: http://www.lawcris.co.uk
New
PR & Marketing Manager for FIRA
Geoff
Covey has been appointed PR & Marketing Manager at FIRA,
and will be responsible for promoting both the work of the Furniture Industry
Trade Association and The Furniture Ombudsman.
Formerly editor of Cabinet Maker's stablemate Carpet & Flooring Review,
he has also been head of PR at Harrow Council and for corporate fraud
investigations consultancy Maxima Group, where he worked alongside the
creators of the BBC series Spooks.
He set up the first meeting with the BBC where producers met with ex-CIA
agent Mike Baker and Nick Day, a former SBS and government intelligence
officer.
Covey began his career as a sports reporter in Surrey specialising in
football and cricket. He spent three years as publications manager/press
officer for the Association of British Travel Agents, and has also worked
for Lloyd's of London, the Office for National Statistics and as a freelance.
Web: http://www.fira.co.uk
Welsh
Company makes Key Appointments
Welsh
kitchen manufacturer and retailer Sigma 3
has made two key appointments building on the success the £18m a-year
company is enjoying in Wales, the north west and south east of England.
Increased sales across the group, and specifically at the company's newest
showroom on Colchester Avenue in Cardiff, has resulted in the promotion
of James Ford to the position of Installations Manager and appointment
of Wai Jane Yip as a trainee Designer.
James, 29 from Pontprennau in Cardiff, has been working as a kitchen fitter
for the Llantrisant based company for nine years and will be heading up
the installations team in the Cardiff showroom. He said: ‘This is
a significant move for me. It will be my responsibility to ensure that
all our kitchens and bedrooms are always installed to the highest possible
standard.’
Wai Jane, an interior design graduate from Surrey Institute of Art &
Design, joins Sigma 3 from Quinn Radiators where she worked as marketing
assistant for one year. Her role will involve talking though kitchen and
bedroom wish lists with customers then developing unique ideas to suit
their design ideas and budgetary plans.
Wai Jane, 26, who is currently undergoing a period of specialist kitchen
design training with Sigma 3, is looking forward to a long-term career
with the company.
Mike Broomhall, retail development director said: ‘Both Wai Jane
and James are major appointments for the company's Welsh team. They both
have a lot to offer Sigma 3 and having such committed members of staff
on board will help us with our expansion plans in the coming years.’
Sigma 3 has also recently created a new corporate brand identity to bring
the existing Welsh and English brands together, by doing this the company
has placed a firm eye on the future and further expansion across the UK.
Web: http://www.sigma3.co.uk
Nobia:
New Business Unit Manager at EWE/FM in Austria
Christian
Rösler (39) has been appointed new business unit manager of EWE/FM.
He will assume his new position on 1st October 2007. EWE/FM is a wholly
owned subsidiary of Nobia AB in Sweden. Christian Rösler is currently
working for IKEA as sales director for Austria and he is also a member
of the Austrian management team. Christian Rösler has been with IKEA
since 1990, of which the last 11 years in various management positions.
The present business unit manager of EWE/FM, Josef Zobl, will assume other
assignments within Nobia. 'After more than 30 years with EWE/FM, of which
one and a half years as business unit manager, it is time for me to move
on. I would like to thank everyone for the confidence vested in me, and
look forward to handing over this trust to my competent successor, Christian
Rösler.'
Web: http://www.nobia.com
New
Antonio Merloni Sales Team
Antonio
Merloni UK,
the parent company of Servis and Electra, has made significant additions
to its sales team, including representatives dedicated to the independent
sector.
The new appointments are part of the domestic appliance company's strategy
to achieve a greater share of the mid-market.
Anthony Campion has been promoted to National Sales Manager. Campion,
who has been with the company for six years, will head up the sales team
and be responsible for CIH and independents. He comments, ‘This is
a very exciting time for the company, as we strive to make the Servis
and Electra brands stronger. Independent retailers are very important
to our business and part of my brief will be to help establish Electra
as the Independents' brand.’
Three Area Sales Managers have been appointed to cover each part of the
country, each with experience in either white goods retail or manufacturing.
Steve Hicks is joining the company from the Co-ops and will be responsible
for the South. Taking care of Central England is Anthony Gee previously
of distributor H & I Distributors and Paul Amos, who joins from B&Q,
will be dedicated to the North.
The field team will continue to be supported by the telesales team, who
have been specifically briefed to support the independents. Telesales
Managers Kelly Adams and Davina Spruce will be dedicated to processing
orders for this important part of the business.
For further information regarding Servis tel: 0121 568 8333 or visit http://www.servisuk.co.uk
Aqata
Promotes Jayne Barnes to the Role of Managing Director
Aqata,
the UK independent British manufacturer of shower enclosures, has announced
the appointment of Jayne Barnes as its new Managing Director.
Jayne
has been working for Aqata since 1991, most recently holding the position
of Sales and Operations Director. In her new role, Jayne will ensure that
the company achieves its strategic objectives while also providing leadership
and direction to staff.
Through her wealth of managerial experience obtained over the last 16
year's with Aqata, Jayne has acquired outstanding customer relations,
retention, team building and coaching skills. She has a proven track record
of establishing a strong relationship with Aqata's customers and also
putting into place proficient operational procedures.
Specific areas that Jayne will be focusing on within her new role include
the management of the day-to-day operations of the company, the motivation
and leadership of the members of the management team and the competent
allocation of available resources to the different company operations.
On the whole, Jayne will be accountable for the overall performance of
Aqata, developing and delivering on the company's strategic plan in the
most effective and efficient manner.
On her new position, Jayne comments: ‘My vision for Aqata is to strive
to maintain our position as a market leader. The company will continue
to be renowned for quality products, whilst keeping the ethics and values
of a family business.’
Jayne replaces Peter Brown, who has been the founding Managing Director
of Aqata since the company was established 21 years ago. Peter will remain
on the board of directors as chairman and will maintain an active role
in the company. He said: ‘Jayne is a results-driven executive with
remarkable conceptual and tactical skills. Her appointment to the role
of Managing Director is part of the company's plans for continuous growth
and family-run success. We are confident that Jayne will propel Aqata
to new levels of success.’
Aqata's collection of shower enclosures is available via recommended retailers
throughout the UK; for further details please visit http://www.aqata.co.uk.
Other prices and details on how to become an Aqata stockist can be obtained
directly from Aqata on 01455 896500, or by emailing info@aqata.co.uk.
Coram
Appoints Five Acora Sales Agents
Coram
Showers has appointed five new sales agents for its recently
launched retail range, Acora. Brian Robertson, Larry Alford, John Corbett,
Alan Downes and Simon Evans will be responsible for driving forward sales
of Acora's enclosure and bath screen designs across the UK.
Brian Robertson has gained considerable experience within the bathroom
market working as an agent for the last 12 years and in a previous role
with bathroom distributor, Barwick Distribution. Brian will use his extensive
sales experience to develop business within the North East and Yorkshire.
With a background in the bathroom and kitchen industry, Larry Alford has
held senior management roles with several market leading companies, including
Imperial Bathrooms. Larry will be responsible for developing sales in
the West and East Midlands.
John Corbett has over 25 years experience in the industry working with
several leading bathroom manufacturers such as Jacuzzi and Utopia. John
will be covering East Anglia, the Home Counties and the London area.
Previously the national sales manager for Watermill Products, Alan Downes
joins the Acora sales team within the South East and South London area,
where he has worked for 20 years with leading merchants, Grahams and Plumbase.
Simon Evans was national account manager at Shades Bathroom Furniture
and has a wealth of experience within the bathroom retail and manufacturing
industry.
Simon will use his extensive knowledge of the sector to develop sales
within the South West and South Wales.
Speaking on the new appointments to the Acora sales team, Charlie Wallis,
marketing manager of Coram Showers said: 'Following the success of the
company's market leading enclosures, trays and bath screens within the
trade market, Coram's expansion into the retail sector with the Acora
range has been natural progression. By increasing the nationwide team
of experienced sales agents, the company will be able to reach more merchant
and retail outlets with Acora's range of stylish, high performance, professional
products that set a new standard for the retail market.'
Coram Showers specialises in the design and manufacture of shower enclosures,
shower pods, shower trays and bath screens. In addition to the new retail
range, Acora, the company's current range includes the Premier and Optima
ranges of shower enclosures, Waterguard Showertrays and a range of bath
screens. Designed for fast and easy installation, as well as watertight
performance, all Coram products are designed and manufactured at the company's
Bridgnorth factory in Shropshire and enclosures are power shower tested
to BS 6340 against leakage.
Tel: 01746 766466
Web: http://www.coram.co.uk
Ian
Brown Appointed Managing Director of Homag UK
Ian
Brown has been appointed Managing Director of Homag
UK as of September 2007. Ian brings extensive experience to
the position having spent his entire working life in the woodworking sector.
Ian
joins the Homag UK team at Castle Donington following the highly successful
tenure of Paul Cooper who moves to a different, albeit associated, industry
sector.
Ian started his career with Wadkin in 1973 becoming Sales Manager at Wadkin
Durham before spending a number of years gaining valuable international
experience in Singapore as Managing Director of Wadkin there. More recently
he headed SCM in the UK as Managing Director and drew valuable experience
in terms of high level manufacturing and processing technology.
‘It is a privilege and a great challenge to head the UK sales and
service arm of what is the world's largest woodworking machinery and technology
Group’ says Ian.
‘I join Homag UK at exciting times - just as the international Homag
Group announces going public’ he explains. Homag AG stands to receive
gross proceeds of between €32.7 million and €39.4 million. Homag
plans to channel the net proceeds from the issue in particular into expanding
its product range by acquiring and integrating specialist high performance
manufacturing companies as well as developing key strategic growth markets.
‘I'd like to wish Paul Cooper all the best for his move to head up
Motoman in the UK and look forward to hopefully working in conjunction
at some point in the future’ says Ian.
Paul Cooper is to become MD of Motoman which is a major worldwide manufacturer
and supplier of industrial robots - including a number of units fully
integrated into production lines at Hygena and Gower furniture. Owned
by the Japanese company Yaskawa, Motoman officially became the number
one worldwide robot manufacturer when they sold their 150,000th unit in
October 2006.
‘Finally’ says Ian Brown, ‘I very much look forward to
working successfully with all our current and future customers. We're
here to provide the best technical solutions and service to create the
future success for your businesses.’
Tel: 01332 856500
Email: info@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk
TC
Team Expands
tc
bathrooms,
the bathroom products distributor, has expanded its team of Area Sales
Managers with two new appointments. Stephen Frakes will look after the
North West region and Lee Atherage will be dedicated to North London and
the Northern Home Counties.
Stephen has been promoted from the sales department at tc bathrooms, where
he showed considerable skill and enthusiasm dealing with all areas of
customer needs. Lee has worked for five years as Branch Manager for Plumb
Center in Stamford, Lincolnshire, before taking up the challenge of working
in field sales for tc bathrooms.
With experience both in retail sales and on the supply side, Stephen is
looking forward to the challenge of expanding tc’s existing accounts
in the North West region. Based in Huddersfield, Stephen grew up in Manchester
and worked for a number of years in retail sales for a bathroom products
company in Oldham.
Lee, who lives in Peterborough, has extensive experience of working in
bathroom retail, which he feels gives him a strong understanding of customers
needs within the merchants and independent retail sector.
Now as Area Sales Managers, Stephen and Lee’s roles will involve
expanding tc bathroom’s business with customers in their regions,
including demonstrating the company’s new ranges within its 2007/8
catalogue.
Sales Director Steve Parkinson explains: 'Our business is growing rapidly
as retailers and merchants recognise the quality of our products and the
exceptional service we provide. We have a great story to tell at the moment
with our exciting new additions to our showers, bathroom furniture and
taps ranges. We have seen huge growth in recent years as customers are
recognising the high quality of our products and how they help them maximise
their sales and increase their margins.'
tc bathrooms has seen phenomenal growth of its business in the past five
years with independent bathroom retailers and builders merchants. The
company, which is based in West Yorkshire, now offers one of the most
extensive collections of high quality baths, brassware, showers, mirrors
and accessories in the UK through a national network of merchants and
independent retailers.
For more information or to receive a copy of the tc bathrooms catalogue,
contact the sales department on01924 845 000 or visit the website http://www.tc-bathrooms.co.uk.
Sirrus
has announced the appointment of its new National Business Development
Manager Ross Rigby.
With more than 21 years' experience in the industry, Ross Rigby makes
an excellent choice for the position of National Business Development
Manager at Sirrus by Gummers.
Ross was introduced to the world of commercial fittings at an early age,
taking over from his stepfather Les Yates at Meynell Valves, where Les
had worked for 33 years. After a five year stint as an area sales rep
at Meynell Valves, Ross went on to broaden his horizons and contacts with
positions at leading companies such as Harrison & Killey, Vitra and
T&C. Highlights of his career to date include key involvement in the
specification of products for JJB Sports Clubs, Manchester United FC,
Norfolk & Norwich Hospital and most of the prisons in Northern England.
No stranger to the Masco Group, in previous years Ross has worked as an
area sales rep and regional sales manager for Gummers for more than 11
years, where his sales skills and enviable contacts didn't go unnoticed
by the management at Sirrus by Gummers.
Now returning to Sirrus as new National Business Development Manager,
Ross will be endeavouring to maximise the potential of Sirrus' commercial
bathroom products across the leisure, new-build and healthcare industries.
Tel: 0121 706 2241
Web: http://www.sirrusshowers.com
Training
for the Team at Sigma 3
Kitchen
manufacturer and retailer, Sigma 3 has
appointed Jennifer Jones as training manager for its 180 strong team of
employees.
The new position was established to meet the personal development needs
of each member of staff as well as reaching the company's strategic business
objectives.
Based at Sigma 3's headquarters in Llantrisant, Jennifer, aged 30, will
be assisting managers and staff in reaching personal and work related
targets by developing formal and informal training programmes.
With a BA (Hons) in European Business Management from Cardiff University,
a Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) qualification
and seven years experience Jennifer from Aberdare has a clear passion
for Human Resources (HR).
From long term training courses such as NVQ's and degree's to one-off
one day courses including customer care and management training days,
each Sigma 3 employee is offered a training programme to suit individual
needs.
The Sigma 3 management team has recently completed the first year of Personal
Development Reviews (PDR) with all staff members. ‘Jennifer's appointment
has come at a crucial time. She is on board to help with the outcomes
from the PDR's and help progress the company's training needs,’ said
Chairman Brian Lakin.
He continued: ‘From top level management to shop floor staff, the
PDR's have provided all staff members with a structured plan going forward,
including training plans, future aspirations and a critical review.
‘Jennifer has joined with a wealth of experience in the field of
HR and training and is able to help build on the company's business development
and training strategy.’
Web: http://www.sigma3.co.uk
Kirkstone
Adds Another 40 Years' Experience to its Team
Kirkstone
Quarries
has added to its sales team with the appointment of Michael Rooney.
Rooney has spent all his working life in the field of 'hard' wall and
floor finishes: ceramics, porcelain and mosaics. His role at Kirkstone,
whose comprehensive product range includes, slate, limestone, and mosaic,
will be to concentrate on forging strong relationships with architects
and designers; the markets in which he has particular strengths.
Based in London, Rooney will primarily service London, and the home counties;
however since his previous roles have involved extensive travel in Europe,
it is anticipated that it will not be long before he is boarding another
plane!
For more information about Kirkstone telephone 01539 434006 or visit http://www.kirkstone.com
National
kitchen specialist In-toto has recently
strengthened its franchise management team with the appointment of Andrew
Best as a regional franchise manager.
Andrew will be joining Pam Berry and Steve Saunders, as part of the franchise
management team and will be responsible for the Midlands and South West
regions.
He has extensive knowledge and a background stretching over 17 years within
the kitchen industry, most recently as sales & marketing director
for Keller kitchens.
Andrew will be responsible for supporting the growth and development of
showrooms in his regions, as well as finding new franchisees as the network
of franchises increases.
He comments: 'I am really looking forward to my new role at In-toto. The
company has an excellent reputation as a leading kitchen specialist and
I believe that I can make significant contribution to its ambitious plans
for the future. Although I have extensive knowledge of the kitchen industry
working for a franchise company is a first for me, and I welcome the new
challenge.'
Graham Russell, national franchise manager for In-toto kitchens adds:
'Andrew will bring a fresh approach and a new dimension to the team. I
am convinced he will do exceptionally well, as he brings with him a lot
of expertise within the industry.
Graham continues: 'In-toto is growing all the time and we are now up to
51 showrooms nationwide, with new showrooms set to open soon in Birmingham,
Basingstoke and Belfast. Andrew will play a key role in keeping track
of every showroom in his regions and ensuring that they are all performing
to their best ability.'
Web: http://www.intoto.co.uk
Eurobath,
an independently family owned business, says that it recognises that its
people are the company’s key asset; over half of the work force have
been with the company for at least 5 years with many of those over the
10 year mark.
‘The rapid continual growth of 37% is due to the strong team ethic
which runs right the way through the company.’
Tel: 01934 744466
Email: sales@eurobath.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurobath.co.uk