Häfele UK welcomes Richard Curtis as new MD

Häfele UK has announced Richard Curtis as its new Managing Director, in the year the group celebrates its 100th birthday.

Curtis joined the manufacturer and distributor of furniture fittings, architectural hardware, LED lighting and electronic access control systems earlier this year. He brings with him more than 20 years’ experience as a Managing Director across manufacturing and distribution businesses connected with the building products and lighting market sectors.

His key skills lie in managing sales organisations, driving profitable growth and developing new market opportunities through brand leadership and strong customer relationships. Moving forward, he will be responsible for the day-to-day running of the business, driving growth and building on the major successes it has already achieved.

Speaking of his new appointment, Curtis said: “Häfele is renowned for its heritage, innovation and outstanding service for customers working in all areas of retail, production, design and installation. Being able to join such a capable team, at what is a pivotal moment

A management buy-out at Movac Group Limited has seen existing directors – pictured from left: Robert Lang, Craig Matthews and Keith Parvin – acquire the company ahead of a strategic five-year growth plan.

The shareholding group consists of the current leadership team of Robert, Craig and Keith who remain in the business, while Mark Smith, Managing Director, retires from the company after many years of successful leadership.

The three directors will continue the day-today running of the business, which is one of the largest independent coatings suppliers in the UK, serving the automotive, Industrial, and wood industry sectors.

Announcing the changes, Robert outlined the vision for growth: “Firstly, Movac will embed relationships with existing customers, continuing our service and product excellence across all three divisions.

Looking into the future, Movac will become one of the strongest independently owned distribution companies in the UK by incorporating our core values of innovation, dedication, enthusiasm, loyalty, providing our customers with superior service and being right first time every time. This will be achieved with an extensive product portfolio from our worldleading manufacturer supply partners.

For more than 70 years the Movac brand has been known for its heritage, quality and secondto- none product knowledge, and we

British Furniture Manufacturers has appointed a new membership engagement manager with a wealth of experience in a trade body environment.

Joanna Privett joins the BFM team on a number of new projects, as well as providing a first point of contact for members’ communications with the association.

With more than seven years’ experience in membership support at the British Parking Association, Joanna brings in-depth knowledge and skill in benefits and services for trade body members.

Her work with the BFM includes working on the delivery of the trade body’s brand-new Furniture Component Expo in 2024, which will link furniture manufacturers with the components sector in a one-stop shop format.

Taking place at the Telford International Centre, the date for the business-to-business event has been set for the 24-25th April.

Joanna is also supporting the in the group’s history, is a huge opportunity and one I am already enjoying.

“Everyone in the team is committed to Häfele’s values and ethos, which centre on making life easier for customers with products and services that transform the norms of the sector.

“I’m looking forward to being at the helm of the business as we continue to grow, develop and set new standards of excellence in the market.” www.hafele.co.uk continue to develop new innovations to build a sustainable and united business.”

Each of the three directors brings a huge amount of experience, Craig explains: “I’ve been at Movac for many years and have overseen the introduction of high-tech coatings and the growth of the industrial division, combine that with Keith’s track record in automotive and retail, with Roberts experience of driving corporate growth then we have a great foundation for really helping our customers find incredible products that deliver exceptional finishes.”

Keith adds: “I’ve worked in automotive, retail and colour science for more than 35 years and Movac has a great track record of working with supply partners to provide quality, sustainable products alongside a really dedicated service team - with my background, I want to continue to focus on the core business but also to explore new market opportunities.” www.movac.com

BFM’s new Approved Retailer category, which was launched earlier this year and welcomes retailers into membership for the first time.

Joanna said: “It’s been a busy start to the role and it’s exciting to be working as part of the team on building links with members, welcoming new joiners to the association and supporting the events and initiatives we have planned.” www.bfm.org.uk