Housewares Business-to-business magazine for housewares retailers and their suppliers
David Symth, executive chairman of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA), retired at the end of May: three years after his appointment to what was then a new role for the trade association.
His retirement followed the body’s recent AGM, which was David’s last formal engagement in office.The BHETA AGM confirmed all board members and officers in their posts and welcomed Jonathan Collier of Monument Tools to the board.
At the time his retirement was announced, David said, “I’ve very much enjoyed my three years as chairman of BHETA and feel I’m leaving at a time when the association is in excellent shape, and this is the right time to bring in someone for the next few years.
“I firmly believe that the current executive team and the member services team are now much stronger and better placed than they have ever been to provide members with all their requirements. Our successes over recent years speak volumes for the efficiency of the BHETA team.
“I genuinely feel that I’ve helped to raise the profile of the association in a positive way and from this I get a great deal of pleasure. I too have personally gained much from working with members and the team and would like to thank everyone in BHETA for giving me the opportunity to ‘put something back’ into the industry that I have thoroughly enjoyed being a part of for almost 50 years.”
David started his career with Crown Paints and subsequently Crown Wallcoverings, where he was sales and marketing Director until 1988. David then took on managing director roles at Trent Valley Plastics, Trent Hardware and then Douglas Kane Hardware, after Trent’s merger with Savage Group Companies. He remained in this role after Newell Rubbermaid acquired the McKechnie Consumer Division. From 2003 until 2013 he was joint owner and Director of Siro DIY Products (UK).
BHETA chairman Roger Morgan-Grenville paid tribute to David’s contribution. “I firmly believe that the structure which was introduced, enabling David’s appointment was very sound and will be continued. Having a ‘figurehead’ to whom the executive team can report to has proved to be very successful.
“BHETA’s strategic plans are well established and developed, its credentials within the industry have been massively enhanced and the practical results for members that have been developed during the last three years are immeasurable in terms of retail engagement, industry knowledge, networking contacts and profile.”
Companies interested in joining BHETA or taking part in BHETA events should contact BHETA on 0121 237 1130 or email pg@bheta.co.uk or wj@bheta.co.uk, or visit the website www.bheta.co.uk.
Members of the BHETA team with their retiring chairman David Smyth after the association’ recent AGM
l-r: executive director DIY Paul Grinsell; Dawn Clarke, member services; Clare Holland, financial controller; Will Jones, executive director Housewares; David Smyth; Nicola Adams Brown, office supervisor
