PEOPLE NEWS ON THE MOVE...


New appointments at Robert Dyas Andrew Georgiou has moved into the new role of buying manager overseeing DIY, smart home, kitchen, cleaning & utility at Robert Dyas. This is a relatively new position within the business with the clear aim of supporting the buying teams to deliver long-term profitable growth. His replacement in the role of senior buyer for DIY and smart home is Shufquat Shah, who joined thee business last month. Mr


Shah brings a wealth of buying experience from Woolworth’s and Wickes. He will report directly to Mr Georgiou and will be suppliers’ new day-to-day buying contact.


HTA bolsters executive team Following a review by the board, the Horticultural Trade Association is strengthening its executive team, with new roles, including the appointment of Martin Simmons as director of membership. Mr


Simmons will promote member


engagement and satisfaction and will be the main point of contact for all membership.


His team includes horticulture manager, Alistair Yeomans. The remits of senior executive director and finance director Alex Vick, and director of HR & learning, Anne Clark are widened to maximise member value across areas, including improved learning and development and gifting. The HTA will also recruit a director of policy and communication.


New chairman for Ladder Association The Ladder Association has welcomed Werner Co’s Paul Bruton, as he takes on the role of chairman. Werner Co product development director Mr Bruton, who has nearly 45 years’ worth of experience within the ladder industry, has taken over from Martin Brookes of Bratts Ladders, who is stepping down after a successful three years in the position. In his new role as chairman, MrBruton


aims to move the association forward in its plans to promote the safe use of ladders on site and focus on ensuring safety is a priority for manufacturers.


Smart expands sales team With the business “growing at an exceptional pace”, Smart has invested further in expanding its sales teams with a number of new appointments. Carl Beiersdorf joins the business as key account manager. With wealth of experience in the


a


garden trade, including roles at Quantil, Ivyline and Webbs of Wychbikd, he is likely to be a familiar face to many customers. Dan Twidle has been appointed area sales manager, working with Adrian Seber in the South West. Louise Craven brings extensive consumer product experience to the company from roles at Gardman, Robert J Hall, Spear & Jackson, and


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Rudridge appoints new financial accountant Groundwork and materials supplier Rudridge has appointed Charlotte Caplin- Hill financial accountant at its Farnham head office.


Ms Caplin-Hill, who is an experienced management accountant and previously worked in the manufacturing industry, will be working closely with the commercial finance manager and the finance assistant


to ensure the smooth running of the finance functions within Rudridge. She said of her new position: “I am delighted to be part of the team.


I am learning so much about the business and the industry and looking forward to getting to grips with my new role.”


6 DIY WEEK 23 NOVEMBER 2018


10 minutes with... Shufquat Shah


Newly-appointed senior buyer at Robert Dyas for DIY and smart home


What’s your background? I started my career at Woolworths as a Saturday boy on a four-hour contract. Since then I’ve completed a degree, spent five years in retail shops and 14 years in head offices across multiple categories. Working in both high street retail and, more recently at Wickes Building Supplies, has prepared me for my new role at Robert Dyas.


What have you learnt from your previous roles? I’ve been grounded by some of my previous experiences. An interesting learning curve for me was realising


that you’re never too big to go


bust, from what happened to Woolworths. This helped me to understand the situation from other perspectives - to help you get what you need by making sure to give others what they need.


What attracted you to Robert Dyas as a business?


Robert Dyas is a respected retailer on the high street. Their custom and innovation has meant that they have withstood the current challenges in the retail marketplace. It is part of a successful group and owned by someone whose achievements I admire. Since starting here it is clear that customers are at the centre of what we do and that colleagues are valued - both of which are important to me.


What motivates you? Privately, my family motivates me to get up every day. Professionally, I am competitive and set high standards for myself. Working for a business where I know I can make a positive difference to thousands of people’s lives by sourcing good products that they want at a price that they can afford, gives me a warm feeling inside. If I get it right, those good choices will also reflect in sales.


What are the biggest issues facing the industry today?


Uncertainty in business is the biggest challenge


currently and, ultimately, not having a clear strategy makes life harder for any business; not just our industry.


What do you think are the biggest misconceptions about retail buyers in the industry?


I believe the biggest misconception is that we’re hard to get hold of and we choose to ignore people. Unfortunately, the truth is that we are working to tight deadlines, planning ahead and are busy prioritising the biggest opportunities for our customers in a time-constrained world. Great products and people will always stand out.


What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? To treat others as you wish to be treated. This approach has been proven to create mutual respect, which is key for good business.


What do you enjoy the most about working in the home improvement sector?


The home improvement sector is diverse and ever changing, with recognised brands and novices alike constantly innovating. I like the fact that I can relate to many of the products and have an opinion on what will work, and see that translate into sales for the business.


Do you think there is enough innovation from retailers and suppliers? Some suppliers dedicate significant resources and target their growth through innovation. Others are comfortable with what they supply. The challenge for all of us is to ensure we’re supplying what the customer needs, or be left behind. How we pay, how and where we shop, the devices we use, the information available to the customer, the price of the product, how it can be delivered are all factors that need to be looked at and improved constantly.


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