Garden tools manufacturer Burgon and Ball has strengthened its support for trade customers with three new appointments in its sales and marketing team.
The new team members will work with colleagues across the company to support existing partners, build relationships with new customers and drive consumer demand in trade outlets.

Ruth Posey has joined the company as head of sales. Ms Posey began her career with Coca-Cola and has a wealth of experience in brands in the garden and home markets, most recently with Poole Pottery, Le Creuset and Denby.

Gavin Thomas joins the company as area sales manager (south west). Mr Thomas will look after Burgon & Ball's sales accounts in the south and west of England and south Wales.

Finally, with the creation of a new role at Burgon & Ball, Alison Edwards has joined the company to handle PR and communications for the company, as well as developing the company's online presence through web and social media. Ms Edwards joins the company from a career in PR and digital marketing agencies, where she has worked with clients from a range of sectors, including home and garden.

Burgon & Ball managing director Heather Culpan said: "We are delighted to welcome Ruth, Gavin and Alison to the team at this exciting time. We have a packed programme of new product development underway and are keen to build on our successes of recent years, which have included the GIMA Sword of Excellence for the Weed Slice in 2015, and a Giftware Association 'Gift of the Year 2016' accolade for our Sophie Conran Seed Collections."

She added: "We have nearly 300 years of expertise in steel behind us, and Ruth, Gavin and Alison will help us make the most of our unique heritage in the 21st century - and make sure our trade customers share in our continued success. We are looking forward to the next chapter in our story!"