Laker Builders Merchant says it is thrilled to announce that Tom Parker, the prominent and popular industry-leader and founder and former owner of Parker Building Supplies, has joined its Senior Management Team as the firm’s first ever Chairman.
The move comes as the business prepares to launch “huge plans for 2023” including the launch of a wider portfolio of products and services – especially around heavyside and many new sustainable ranges – while “continuing to develop more unique customer offerings and benefits.”
Founder Ady Laker said: “Having Tom Parker choose Laker Builders Merchant is a huge coup for us. Recognising our ambitions to expand the business, the Board of Directors needed a new stewardship – we needed a knowledge- and mentor-style relationship from someone with notable experience, who could offer insights and guidance to attaining the next level of growth and scale up for our business.
“So, we could not think of anyone more suitable and are now absolutely delighted to welcome Tom Parker to the Laker family. Tom was keen to keep his toe in the water after successfully selling Parkers Builders Merchant in 2017 and believed with Laker’s ambitious plans, forward-thinking strategy, and approach to sustainability and digitisation that Laker could be the perfect fit.”
Tom mentions that he was impressed with the “…diversity between the Board of Directors…” with Ady being the face of the business and his own overall experience being front line and with a dedication to service, complementing the strategic approach to digitisation, technology and sustainability of Laker MD Steve Robinson.
Julie, Laker’s Director of People and Culture (formerly Richard Branson’s Customer Service Director at Virgin Atlantic), said: “Tom’s influence, experience and network will make an enormous difference to our plans and truly help cement Laker’s expansion and success, also completing our Management Team.”
Having admired Parker Building Suppliers and Tom Parker from when he first started Laker in 2010, Ady fondly remembers his ambition back then was that “One day, Laker would grow to be like Parkers…”, and so he is extremely excited to have Tom on board, especially at this key period in the business’ growth.
Similarly, with his own background in technology, Steve says he is keen to have the “heavyside mentorship and knowledge from one of our industry’s finest” to aid and guide the management team in growing the business, utilising Tom’s experience to scale up. In addition, Tom’s personal and local history within the area and his outstanding reputation “will only benefit the Laker team’s drive” to take the company forward.
Tom adds that he is looking forward to supporting a forward-thinking business with an exciting growth strategy firmly planted in the future that is “willing to take on board advice and insights from an old school merchant such as me.”
For Laker, the appointment is viewed as a huge boost at the beginning of a year which will see huge changes in the industry, from the onset of new regulations such as Part L to being better equipped to take on the opportunities and challenges while navigating market unpredictability. It concludes: “With Tom Parker joining Laker, our senior team will focus all effort where it matters and diversify the offering to ensure we are best positioned for robust and intelligent growth going forward.”
The image shows Tom Parker flanked by Ady Laker (left) and Steve Robinson.
