Kelkay, the market-leading manufacturer and distributor of aggregates, has a new UK sales manager. Alan Sheppard, a GIMA council member and garden retail industry professional with 27 years’ experience, has joined the company to build on its close relationships with garden centre groups across the UK.
Alan joins Kelkay from Burgon & Ball, the manufacturer of agricultural and gardening tools, where he was head of sales. Here, he managed sales teams and contributed to the company’s dramatic increase in turnover. He was part of the Burgon & Ball team that won two consecutive GIMA Sword of Excellence awards.
Alan oversaw the development of key sales channels for Burgon & Ball. These included retailers such as, Hillier, Blue Diamond, Klondyke, Dobbies, Haskins and Wyevale. Outside the UK, he set up Burgon & Ball’s US distribution network.
Alan started his garden retail management career at Badshot Lea Garden Centre, one of the UK’s largest independent retailers. Headhunted by Sinclairs, he held the area sales manager and key account manager positions before joining Town & Country where he managed 15 sales people.
Speaking of his new role, Alan said: “Kelkay has a clear focus and an ambitious strategy. To get directly involved with the growth of this business was a key factor for me. I’ll be mentoring and motivating the sales team here, supporting them as they strive to build on the impressive growth Kelkay has achieved in the last year.”
Richard Pyrah, sales director at Kelkay, said: “Alan has a deep understanding of our customers and knows this industry well. He’s also a proven people manager, which was a big plus for this appointment. His clear approach will help our whole sales team exceed the expectations existing and prospective customers have of Kelkay.”
Kelkay recently reinforced its position as a leading manufacturer and distributor of aggregates and paving with a £1 million investment in new state of the art machinery. This investment, which completes the commissioning of the Pollington, East Yorkshire plant, means the company can increase efficiency, improve its products and enhance customer service.
Kelkay ensures industry leading stock availability and delivery lead times, especially at peak periods. It offers a £500 carriage paid order service across the UK through its transport logistics department. This ensures customers receive their orders within three days - and in many instances, within two days.
Kelkay’s brand portfolio includes Borderstone®, Build Mate, easyfountain® and Henri®, providing retailers with a single source of supply for a wide range of garden products. These include aggregates, stone, water and garden features, paving, edging and walling, building materials, horticulture, growing media and winter garden products.
By promoting aggregates, paving and fountains with eye-catching point of sale, merchandising units and display stands, garden retailers have seen sales grow in these categories.
For more information, visit www.kelkay.co.uk.
