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FRANKE ANNOUNCES ACQUISITION OF SINKS & NEW THINGS REGIONAL SALES MANAGER FOR KBBG Franke UK has announced that it has acquired Ashford-based distributor Sinks & Things through a share sale that was completed on the 6th January 2020.
Sinks & Things had been one of Franke’s original distributors since the 1970’s, when the Swissbased brand of sinks was first introduced into the UK market. It has since grown to be a major distribution partner for Franke UK.
Sinks & Things will retain its trading name and continue to distribute the entire Franke portfolio, whilst operating as part of Franke’s distribution network (which includes Waterline, Swift, Forth & Clyde in Scotland, Bodel
in Northern Ireland and Kitchen Accessories Ltd (KAL) in the Republic of Ireland). From April 2020, PJH will be leaving Franke’s distributor network by mutual agreement.
Neil Clark, Managing Director of Franke UK commented: “Sinks & Things are a long-standing and loyal partner to Franke, and we want to strengthen our relationship and regional presence in London and the South East where Sinks & Things is well established. The acquisition enables us to invest in the business to take it forward
with enhanced customer service, delivery and operations and continue building on the heritage of our distribution partnership that has successfully spanned almost 40 years.” Mark Bristow, Managing Director of Sinks & Things said: “Sinks & Things is very proud of its long association with the Franke brand and the loyalty of retail customers across the region. The acquisition enables the business to continue providing its customers with access to all Franke products and taking the business to a new level through further investment and support.”
VOGUE (UK) WINS 'BATHROOM EQUIPMENT SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR 2019' Vogue (UK), has won the SME News 2019 Midlands Enterprise Award for ‘Bathroom Equipment Supplier of the Year’. The SME News Midlands Enterprise Awards celebrates ‘industrious and hardworking individuals and businesses’ based in the Midlands region to reward ‘innovation and excellence in business practice, as well as outstanding overall performance’. Recognising key businesses in East and West Midlands for driving innovation and maintaining healthy competition between sectors, Vogue (UK) has scooped the ‘Bathroom Equipment Supplier of the Year 2019’, reinforcing last year’s win as ‘Best Bathroom
Heating & Accessories Supplier 2018’ Steve Birch, Sales Director at Vogue (UK) says “To be recognised in our region for two years running is a great accolade, enabling us to continue to influence current and future heating trends. As a premium manufacturer, it is our responsibility to grow our business with brilliant local talent and I believe our team’s dedication to customer service at Vogue (UK) has been the key driver of our success.” www.vogueuk.co.uk e: info@vogueuk.co.uk t: 01902 387000
The Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group (KBBG), a European kitchen and bathroom buying group for independent kitchen and bathroom specialists and BiKBBI sponsor, has announced the appointment of its new Regional Sales Manager, Midlands. Neil Whitaker-Johnson joins the KBBG, part of DER KREIS, having held previous positions of national and regional sales manager in various roles across companies including Blanco, Faith Furniture Company, Astracast and 1810. In his new role, WhitakerJohnson will support the sales team and maintain contact with current customers. It is anticipated that he will help to further establish and expand the KBBG customer base with new independent kitchen and bathroom retailers throughout the Midlands. “This is a very exciting time in the industry and is a tremendous opportunity. I have watched the KBBG develop and grow, delivering substantial benefits for the independent kitchen and bathroom specialist. Times are always challenging for business and this is certainly the right time for the independent retailer to come on board,” commented Whitaker -Johnson. Bill Miller, Managing Director of the Kitchen Bathroom Buying Group added: “Neil joins the company with excellent industry skills, market knowledge and experience. Neil’s credentials are vital to meet our ambitious targets and to develop the company to the next level of business growth. We are thrilled to have Neil on board.”
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