Review of the FATG weekend

Graham Miller retired at the end of May after a very impressive 33 years with Larson-Juhl/Arqadia/Arquati.

GOODBYE GRAHAM

Graham says: “When I first started at Arquati in May 1989, I was living in the South East and was brought in to cover various southern territories. Arquati was well into its stride having started trading in 1975.

“A year later, my wife Fiona and I took up the opportunity to move to the South West area, where I was born and raised.

“Arquati went from strength to strength under the direction of Derek Masters. We worked hard and played hard! The Spring Fair exhibitions were definitely a highlight of the year when the industry came together for the big battle to win new customers and show off our products. A lot of the stories from these times still come under ‘what happens in Birmingham, stays in Birmingham!’.

“Arquati became Arqadia in 1998, with Mike Brown taking over the helm in the early Noughties. I was promoted and joined the key account team covering the west side of England and also Wales. I was now clocking up 50,000 miles a year! The industry was starting to change. More major high street retailers and the DIY sheds were starting to offer readymade frames, mobile phones and laptop computers were here to stay, and the internet was showing signs of taking off! Things moved at a much faster pace and we all had to adjust to it.

“In 2007 I was appointed regional sales manager and took on responsibility for some of the sales team, got involved with training and recruiting, but all in all making sure everyone was happy. I still had some key accounts, was given some projects in Europe and enjoyed many a trip to Sweden, The Netherlands and Ireland.

“The reason I stayed so long? The people. My great colleagues. And my customers. I tell my wife that each day I go out and meet my friends and, yes, I want to sell to you but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a friendly, professional experience and one or two laughs along the way.

“I thank you all for making me so welcome and being a small part of your lives. But the time has come to move on, leaving the speed cameras, motorways and parking fines behind - oh and the large cases. It’s time to reconnect with old friends, visit far away relations and enjoy my close family. Yes, I am going to try and master golf and improve my DIY skills - with both I am starting from a very low base!”

Guild awards Hat-trick for Lucy

Lucy Pittaway won the Most Popular Published Artist – sponsored by Larson-Juhl - for the third time. Based in North Yorkshire, Lucy’s work celebrates rural life and it is no surprise that she gets such great recognition. Graham Miller presented Lucy with her award.