INDUSTRY UPDATE
Lecico Bathrooms - Leadership Announcement
Lecico Bathrooms is pleased to announce the appointment of Dan Banks as Managing Director.
Dan joined the business earlier this year as Commercial Director and has already made a strong impact across sales, customer engagement and commercial performance. He brings extensive experience across the building products sector, with a strong record of delivering profitable growth and commercial transformation. His appointment reflects the Board’s confidence in his ability to lead the next phase of growth. As Managing Director, Dan will focus on strengthening commercial execution, advancing the product and innovation roadmap, and driving sustainable growth across Lecico’s core markets.
Antony Thompson is stepping down after eight years leading the business. The Board would like to thank Antony for his leadership and significant contribution in growing market share and enriching Lecico’s market leading service levels.
Antony Thompson commented: “It has been a pleasure to lead Lecico Bathrooms over the past 8 years, and I have been fortunate to work with amazing employees, a supportive board, and loyal customers”. Dan Banks commented: “I am delighted to take on the role of Managing Director. Lecico has strong foundations, a talented team and clear opportunities to grow. I look forward to building on this and working closely with our customers and partners.”
Caple welcomes New Business Development Manager Craig Randell to the South West team
Caple welcomes Craig Randell to the South West team as New Business Development Manager covering Devon and Cornwall.
Craig joins Caple with over 25 years’ experience in the KBB industry, bringing extensive knowledge across the sector, including significant experience within distribution. His appointment further strengthens Caple’s regional presence and underlines the company’s continued commitment to supporting
independent retailers and trade partners across the South West. Commenting on his new role, Craig said “I am pleased to be joining such a well-established and respected company within the industry and look forward to building strong relationships with both existing and new customers, as well as supporting the continued growth of the Caple brand.”
Nikki Taylor, West Midlands and South West Regional Manager, added: “I am delighted to welcome Craig to the region. He brings a wealth of industry experience and will be a great asset to the business. His knowledge and fresh perspective will further strengthen our capabilities.” Craig will focus on developing customer partnerships, providing regional support, and driving brand growth throughout Devon and Cornwall, ensuring Caple continues to deliver exceptional products and service to its retailer network.
The IPG – Why Price Isn’t Enough Anymore
n bathrooms and kitchens, buying groups have long been associated with pricing power and rightly so. Strong commercial terms matter.
I But today, they’re only part of the picture
Increasingly, the real value of a buying group lies in something broader: the people behind it and how they bring everything together. The IPG has underlined this in recent months with two senior hires, Lisa Maestranzi and Sofia Chaouachi - both bringing strong experience from complex, fast-paced industries and a refreshingly practical approach to buying.
What stands out isn’t just their CVs. It’s how they think Both are focused on making things work, not just on paper, but in practice. Lisa’s background across supply chain, operations and commercial strategy brings a sharp focus on delivery and continuous improvement, while Sofia’s experience in manufacturing and construction is rooted in simplifying complexity and turning strategy into action.
That mindset matters
Because the sector isn’t getting any simpler. Between sustainability demands, supply chain challenges and shifting customer expectations, the pressure on buying teams has never been greater.
The strongest teams are responding by doing two things well First, they simplify cutting through noise, aligning stakeholders and making decisions clearer and faster.
Second, they collaborate. Strong supplier partnerships, built on trust, transparency and shared goals, are where long-term value is created. It’s also encouraging to see both of The IPG’s latest hires are women, reflecting a broader shift towards more diverse leadership in the sector. Buying is important but it’s how it’s done and the people doing it, that make the real difference.
Nike Lovell,
Operations and Marketing Director, The IPG.
www.the-ipg.co.uk
BKU MAY 2026 37 THE IPG Supporting Independents
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
