The Archwood Group, which consists of stairparts and mouldings manufacturer Richard Burbidge, flooring manufacturer Atkinson & Kirby and Masons Timber Products has introduced its new leadership team, helping to ensure a bright future for its merchant partners. The message is simple: “we’ve listened and we’re ready to deliver”.
The team in place to execute the new merchant focused strategy is headed up by Tony Miles, the company’s Chief Executive, Phil Lomas, Operations Director, Damian Bracken Commercial Director, Josh Burbidge, Business Development Director and Andy Simms, Financial Director.
With a combined experience of over 75 years in the timber industry, the team is well placed to deliver the next stage of growth for the Archwood Group, enabling it to become ‘the UK’s premier supplier of sustainable timber components’.
Chief Executive, Tony Miles joined the Archwood Group in February 2017. A well-known figure in the UK timber industry, Tony has worked in the trade for his entire career – in that time he has supported the trade through many external bodies. He currently holds the title of Director of the Confederation of Timber Industries.
Tony has a well-earned reputation for excellent customer service, driven by his strong customer engagement, product knowledge and employee development. He is now focused on building the right team to deliver the next stage of growth for the Archwood Group.
Phil Lomas, heading up operations, brings with him many years’ experience in manufacturing excellence, and has for the last 12 years been working in timber manufacturing and distribution. His focus will be on maintaining the high quality products the Archwood Group is famous for, backed up by a reliable ultra-competitive service model.
Damian Bracken, Commercial Director, brings over 16 years’ experience in the timber industry in sales and supply chain management. Damian’s expertise has been in building sales and product teams which are made up of great staff who can offer sound advice and a friendly support service.
Josh Burbidge has worked in a number of commercial areas of Archwood over the past 10 years. Josh has taken on responsibility for the Atkinson & Kirby brand and is investing in key people, new products and strengthening the brand offer.
The final member of the team is Andy Simms. Andy has worked in finance across a number of different sectors, and has been with the Archwood Group for a number of years. Andy has now stepped up to the role of Financial Director, completing the senior leadership team.
Speaking of the new appointments, Tony said: “The teams combined knowledge and experience in the timber industry will be highly beneficial in strengthening our position in the market.
“Over the years, the Archwood Group has been fortunate enough to engage with a wide range of merchants, from large buying groups to independent family owned businesses. This knowledge and our combined experience has helped us formulate a clear strategy which puts the merchant customer at the forefront of our future business model.”
“Our principles are simple. We will not sell products direct to the public or our ‘customer’s customer’. We will always endeavor to add value through great products, delivered at the most competitive prices in order to allow our customer to manage their own margins and profitability. Our customers will always be allowed to choose whatever brand or product suits their business. Our role is to engage with our customers, help whenever we are invited to and never to dictate.”
“In 2018, Richard Burbidge will be launching a new range of products and services that will broaden the offering for our customers. The extensive manufacturing facilities and services within the Archwood Group will be further utilised to provide new and tailored timber products to align more closely with an individual merchant’s requirements.”
Since Tony’s appointment, the Group has made a conscious effort to listen to its merchant customers and act on the feedback it has received. The new strategy places merchants at the forefront of the business, with new processes in place to ensure an improved service, and an increased range of products moving forward.
With the team fully committed to executing this new strategy, merchants can expect to reap the rewards and benefits moving forward.
