Bradford-based merchant Taylor’s Timber Centre has strengthened its management team with the appointment of two key players: new depot manager Billy Wright, and sales executive Chris Moralee.

Mr Wright has spent 30 years in the regional timber trade, holding a number of branch manager positions with various firms. He also ran his own company – Building Solutions – in Batley for six years. More recently, he worked as regional sales manager for Encon Insulation in Wetherby, covering the whole of Yorkshire and running a 10-strong sales team.

“I wanted to get back into timber and Taylor’s Timber Centre is a traditional family-run business with values very similar to my own,” Mr Wright explained. “This business is all about offering value for money. Customers have got plenty of choices, so you have to give them something special.

“We have a fantastic team here, with loads of experience. They offer brilliant service – they are good people who will treat people right. That’s what this job’s all about and I am proud to be playing a part in it.”

Meanwhile, Mr Moralee started his career at the old CR Taylors in Denholme, spending five years in the timber yard, before radically switching careers to work for the NHS in mental health, helping patients with behavioural problems.

He also harboured a desire to return to the timber trade and has made an immediate impact on Taylor’s Timber Centre, quickly securing a new account, which is now the centre’s biggest.

Of his new appointment, Mr Moralee said: “Taylor’s is a very respected name in the trade, so I wanted to be part of that. I’m keen to bring in new customers, but also look after existing ones. The main thing is about taking customer service to a higher level and to ensure that everyone knows they’re getting a good deal.”

He is also focusing on more modern marketing techniques, using text messages and social media to alert customers to special offers.

Managing director Charles Taylor added: “Billy and Chris are valuable additions to the team and they’re already making a marked difference. Our conversion rate on quotes has soared, sales enquiries are rolling in, our customer service has improved dramatically and we are seeing many old and familiar faces returning to do business with us.”