DARTFORD: Stockgap, the distributor dedicated to providing a range of heavyside building products to stock or site for builders', roofing and timber merchants, has announced major changes to its management structure.
Mark Reid, the current sales director of Keystone Lintels, is joining Stockgap as its sales director at the beginning of December.
"Mark will bring new ideas and lots of energy to Stockgap," said managing director Alan Jones. "He will bring fresh thinking, while also ensuring that the company continues to trade as a merchant-only business and that we maintain our high standards of delivery, reliability and honesty.
"The aim is to promote Mark to managing director within the next six months," Mr Jones stated. "This initial period will enable Mark to learn more about our suppliers and our customers."
Mr Jones will then take the role of chairman of the company and will be supporting Mr Reid on a day-to-day basis. John Ward, the current chairman and founder is a major shareholder in the business. He will remain active as a Stockgap board member.
"Mark has all the right credentials," said Mr Jones. "He is a salesman, an honest trader and has a proven track record at Keystone where, for the last two years he has driven the business forward."
"Mark is also a family man; he is cheerful and knowledgeable and we believe he mirrors our values in every way."
Mr Reid worked in sales in the power tool industry for 20 years. "Keystone is a great company and it's a real wrench to leave," he said. "I was only recently promoted to sales director from the role of national sales manager. But, at Stockgap, I see a huge opportunity that has come at the right time for me.
"Stockgap is looking to expand while maintaining its fine traditions. It is a friendly, customer-focused company where service really is king. Hopefully, I can mix these qualities with some of the skills I can offer.
"There aren't too many companies like Stockgap around," Mr Reid pointed out. "It has a fantastic following of very loyal customers. Stockgap offers terrific service and has a genuinely happy team of people working to do their best for their customers.
"That's a great thing these days when everybody is busy chasing new business you can lose sight of what really matters – the people in our business."
Stockgap is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. The company operates throughout the South East of England. Its fleet of vehicles will deliver to merchants' own stock address or to their customers' site within the South East corner of England and within a boundary formed by the following towns: Basingstoke; Bedford; Hunstanton; Huntingdon; March; Milton Keynes; Oxford; Reading; Southampton and Winchester.
