Chris Reddington, wife of Big Red Sales founder, dies
The electrical industry has lost one of its most loved and respected ladies.
Chris Reddington, wife of Big Red Sales founder, John
Reddington, has died, aged 70. She had fought nearly a four-year battle with cancer.
Although well known as John’s wife, she also forged her own very successful career in the consumer electronics industry – starting in 1982, when she opened her own retail store. Once the couple’s two children, Brian and Sarah, were at
school, Chris saw a gap in the market in her local area for hi-fi products and opened an electrical shop in Basingstoke, Hampshire, with a friend and neighbour. The store did extremely well and was sold after eight years. Chris’s next job was with Thorn (Rumbelows/Radio Rentals) in
Theale, Berkshire, as an assistant buyer. Quickly recognising her talent, her bosses soon promoted her to buyer and then senior buyer, and she was with the company for more than 10 years. When Thorn closed, Chris worked with John at Alphason for
over 10 years and managed some of the major accounts, including John Lewis and Euronics. When John started Big Red Sales in 2010, to provide an independent sales force for the industry, Chris undertook the role of managing the accounts office. She was diagnosed with late stages of colon cancer in April
2020. Due to Covid restrictions, Chris, like many people, was worried about visiting the hospital for scans. However, her local doctor, realising there might be a problem, insisted she be admitted for exploratory scans. As a result of this quick diagnosis, Chris was whisked into
hospital to remove a growth, following which she underwent a series of successful chemo treatments.
Chris Reddington Three years of treatment followed, where she went from
strength to strength, continuing to work, and enjoy many lovely cruise holidays with John and the family. The pair had recently returned from a cruise around Italy and Croatia with the entire family, including their three grandchildren. During Chris’s illness, John has worked very closely with the
NHS to raise money to improve staff conditions at the local hospital where Chris undertook most of her treatment. To date he has raised more than £28,000. If you would like to contribute to this fund and help John
reach his target figure of £85,000, please contact him by email at:
JohnBReddington@vqmail.co.uk
Peter Gilks retires from Sirius Buying Group
Peter Gilks, the co-founder and director of the Sirius Buying Group, has announced his retirement. Playing a key role in the co-creation of Sirius over the last 22
years, he took on the role of director in 2005, and carved a niche for himself, furthering business operations within the group.
“His determination to keep pushing the boundaries of what our members can achieve has empowered hundreds of brands and businesses up and down the country to ultimately ‘stay in business’ and like us, are grateful for the time and expertise he has provided over the years.” Mr Gilks said: “I feel it is time to stand aside and let the next
generation of trailblazers take the lead, to continue to ensure the independent electrical retailer remains a fundamental asset to the UK homeowner and property developer. “It has been a huge privilege to help create such a
supportive, loyal, and open-minded environment where Sirius members and suppliers can grow their businesses together, remain agile and respond to the changing needs of the marketplace.” Mr Gilks will be succeeded by Phil Cox, who is managing
Peter Gilks Mr Gilks established award-winning, Bristol-based retailer,
NE Appliances (formerly Nailsea Electrical), in 1983. The company has since evolved into a second-generation family- owned business, which is now managed by his son, Ben. Steve Jones, managing director at Sirius Buying Group,
said: “We are all hugely inspired by Peter’s passion for the industry and his determination to keep it moving forwards with confidence and a clear vision to ensure the retailer remains independent in the marketplace.
12 Associate News
director of Empire Kitchens & Appliances, Cannock, Staffordshire, and has 35 years’ experience working in the electrical appliance industry. Mr Cox commented: “To see the creation and growth of Sirius
under Peter’s guidance over the years has been truly amazing. In his retirement he is taking with him a wealth of experience and knowledge, and I am grateful and thrilled to be able to step in and support the incredible team that we now have. “Working on behalf of our members, I will be assisting the
team to both fill the gap left by Peter and help develop the group further with some of the exciting plans we have for the future.”
Associate News
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