BHETA has promoted its former Marketing Manager, Stephen Richardson to the newly created role of Marketing Director, making him part of the associations’ executive team. Richardson has been with BHETA since 2019, following eight years at Travis Perkins plc.

In his new role he will continue to support the Exclusively Show, the UK’s premier housewares and gift exhibition, which is owned by BHETA as well as assisting sector managers in member engagement and recruitment and spearheading new initiatives to add value for BHETA members.

Commenting on the new role, Chief Operating Officer for BHETA, Will Jones said: “Since the 2020 lockdown, BHETA’s role in supporting members has necessitated a change in focus and promoting Steve onto the executive team will help the association continue its drive to provide market data, retail engagement, educational webinars, and essential lobbying on key issues.

“The promotion is also well deserved. BHETA has made significant progress during the last three years and Steve’s contribution, together with the rest of the team, puts it in a strong position to move forward and consider future industry opportunities.”

Executive Chairman Andrew Weiss added: “I am very pleased to be welcoming Steve to the executive team. His insight into digital marketing and experience in sustainability issues gained with his previous employer, Travis Perkins, will help us to shape new initiatives for our members. We have a very strong team within the association and as BHETA continues to develop its longer-term plans, I am very confident that we have the right talent to deliver continued value for the membership.”

Steve Richardson has more than 20 years’ experience of both B2B and B2C marketing roles in blue chip organisations. Prior to his eight-year career at Travis Perkins Group, he spent ten years at Focus DIY latterly as Strategy and Development Controller. Before that he worked in a senior marketing role for Collectible World Studios, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers and importers of giftware.

More details of BHETA’s programme of events for members and extensive range of member services can be found on www.bheta.co.uk. For further information, contact Rajni Kaur from the BHETA Member Services Team on 0121 237 1130 or alternatively, email on rk@bheta.co.uk.