PEOPLE 10 MINUTES WITH: PETER
What does your role entail? My key objective is to deliver improvements in group procurement and to drive long term profitability for our membership while managing and refining our services, communication with the h&b team, and our supplier partners. Our aim is to be a true extension of our suppliers’ offering to meet every application in the construction industry. We will continue to develop an open and friendly approach and support our stakeholders, striving for positive and open relationships with business integrity.
What roles were you doing before and how did they prepare you for this one? I have worked in the building industry all my life, most recently with Polypipe Residential Systems for over eight years. During my career I have worked with some great business leaders and colleagues and tried to see every day as an opportunity to learn and adapt while always striving for excellence and positive results. The key to my development and moderate success has been the people and customer relationships and my appetite to build a winning strategy and execute it with customers and the team.
What would you like to achieve in your role? Continued success and growth for our group
W.Howard has implemented a business reorganisation as part of its ongoing growth and expansion plans. Stuart Murray
extends his role of Group Finance Director, with responsibility for business growth and acquisition. Simon Fleet assumes the role of Managing Director (Polyco), retaining his responsibilities for group UK commercial strategy. Phil Tissington assumes the role of Managing Director (
W.Howard UK), Paul McKenna continues in his role as Managing Director (
W.Howard Kildare). Graham Williams assumes the role of Group Chief Operating Officer, with specific responsibility for HR and wellbeing. Jonathan Grant remains as Group Chief Executive.
10 FLETCHER CEO of h&b Group.
and its members while embracing positive interaction and collaboration. But personally, most of all, respect from our members and the industry.
What have been the highlights of your career so far?
I am quite reserved but I have enjoyed some great times. But I like to operate under the radar rather than in the public eye.
What do you see as the main issues for builders merchants and independent buying groups?
Clearly, right now, the ever changing financial and political climate and cost of living crisis are major concerns. But I always feel that it’s better to concentrate on issues that are within your control to improve and change for the better. For builders merchants it’s a fast changing world with environmental legislation at the forefront of UK construction along with a constant demand to achieve energy efficient buildings which are sustainably sourced using eco-friendly methods. A continued threat to the traditional merchant model is the online and retail routes to market. But while independent merchants continue to offer great technical and product knowledge, sincere and responsive
Setcrete has appointed two new area sales representatives to provide sales support to builders
and the company’s expanding network of builders’ merchant customers. Matt Smith will operate in the north of England and Scotland, while Robert Sheppard will cover South Wales and the south-west of England.
ROCKWOOL has welcomed Nick Wilson as Managing Director to lead the insulation manufacturer across the UK and Irish markets. Wilson brings over 20 years of experience
across the industrial, appliance and heating sectors, having held senior positions across commercial, marketing and operations functions.
support and service, then I feel we all have a very promising future.
How important is membership of a buying group to independent merchants? For our independent merchant members it is vital to act collectively to leverage our purchasing and sourcing capability, and work with manufacturers and distributors so that members can continue to offer the best service to local trade customers and communities. h&b enables our merchant members to fully concentrate on their own customers’ needs with complete confidence in the group’s professional team, all the while building sound relationships with other like-minded businesses in our industry. h&b also offers a unique Development Group scheme which helps and supports new and smaller companies to progress into our industry, with guidance and support to help them quickly mature into their local market.
What piece of advice would you give yourself at the start of your career? Always be respectful of others, embrace change and aim to succeed in everything you do.
If you’re at the bar – what are you drinking?
It depends in which bar in the world I am at: maybe champagne or a Bloody Mary? But bitter would be my favourite.
What’s your favourite book? Favourite film? Book: Schindler’s List. Film: Shane starring Alan Ladd.
If you could be a superhero, what super-power would you choose? Easy. Time travel. BMJ
ON THE MOVE
Wilson Brook Consulting – the executive search firm within the hire and building materials sector, has announced the appointment of Andy Chambers as Business Development Director.
Adrian Shelley, managing director of Manchester and Rochdale based Henshaws Roofing and Building Supplies, has been appointed as regional chairman for the BMF North West region.
Keyline Civils Specialist has appointed two technical development managers and its first ever in-house civil engineer. TDM for the South is Rob Sanders, most recently running Keyline’s South West and Wales regional sales office. Sanders is joined by Leanne Costello as TDM for the North. Serena Solanki, the new civil engineer, has previously worked as a site engineer for Morgan Sindall.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2023
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