BEDFORD: Richard Birch has been appointed as key account director to co-ordinate sales activity with buying groups and national accounts.

Based out of Bedford, one of F & P’s 11 distribution centres across the UK, Mr Birch will be responsible for overseeing national accounts and Buying Group members. Mr Birch will work with F & P’s extensive sales force to ensure customers receive the best possible service on heating, plumbing and bathroom products in F & P’s range.

Mr Birch, 36, brings over 16 years’ experience in the heating industry to the role. His career started on a trade counter before developing through different roles within the BSS Group, including assistant marketing manager and branch manager at PTS. In 2005 Mr Birch became an account manager for AHED, an independent distributor of heating and plumbing products which was acquired by F & P in 2007 and has been working with key accounts for the past five years.

 

 

 

Mr Birch said: “This is a really great opportunity for me to develop external sales and co-ordinate the approach of F&P to these key accounts. We are also looking to grow new sectors, particularly renewables. I’m very much looking forward to the challenge.”

Peter Hankinson, operations director for F&P, added: “Richard was a standout candidate for the role offering exactly the right skills, plus a structured and methodical approach. He will be a real asset to the team and help us to continue to keep our customers competitive in their own markets.”