Altico Garden Products Ltd, the UK’s leading supplier of landscaping products and water features, has appointed Al Sheppard as National Sales Manager.

Al brings more than 35 years of experience in the garden sector. He began his career in 1988 as a duty manager at a garden centre before going on to hold national account, key account and senior sales roles with some of the industry’s best-known suppliers, including William Sinclair, Town & Country, Burgon & Ball and Kelkay, where he was Sales Director. Most recently, Al was Garden Products Buyer for one of the UK’s leading garden centre groups.

Like many of Altico’s management team, Al has extensive experience on both sides of the garden centre industry, having worked within garden centres as well as for major suppliers to the sector. This gives Altico valuable insight into the day-to-day challenges its customers face and the support they need from their suppliers.

In his new role, Al will lead Altico’s national sales team and take responsibility for a significant part of the company’s UK garden centre customer base.

Garden centres remain at the heart of Altico’s DNA, and the appointment reflects the company’s continued investment in the relationships behind every order. Al’s focus will be on ensuring customers, large and small, receive knowledgeable and consistent support, backed by strong product availability, dependable service and ranges designed to deliver sales throughout the season.

Antony Harker, Owner of Altico Garden Products, said: “I’m delighted to have the opportunity to work with Al again, having spent many years together at Kelkay. Al’s knowledge of the industry and his commitment to looking after customers will be invaluable as we continue the rapid growth of our business.

“Customer service and availability remain our number one priorities, and building a great team is a key part of delivering on those priorities and our plans for the future. I wish Al every success in his new role and look forward to working with him again.”

Al Sheppard, National Sales Manager at Altico, said: “I’ve known Altico and many of the people behind the business for a long time, and I’ve watched the company grow while keeping a real focus on its customers. The opportunity to join the team at such an exciting point in its development was one I couldn’t turn down.

“Having worked both in garden centres and on the supplier side of the industry, I understand what customers need from their suppliers. I’m looking forward to getting out and seeing customers, listening to what they need and making sure Altico continues to be a business they can rely on.”