As Forest Garden ramps up activity to meet the early spring demand, the garden timber products manufacturer confirmed that it has employed several new team members, strengthening both its sales force presence and approach to new product development.
The expansion of the sales team comes with the appointment of David Bodley as key account manager for the Northern region. Mr Bodley brings a wealth of experience across many channels, including builders' merchants and DIY channels, having worked for both Egger and Kronospan in the decorative panels and flooring markets. Meanwhile, Stephen Gough has been promoted to key account manager for the southern region, following 18 successful months managing sales of Forest products within the south-west region. Together both Mr Bodley and Mr Gough will work with Forest's key group accounts to develop sales across key trading outlets, supported by a network of regional sales executives at a local level.

Filling Mr Gough's shoes in the south-west region will be David Sweetland; another new appointment. A seasoned garden retail professional, Mr Sweetland previously held several roles at Sinclair's, which has helped him to develop a strong understanding of the garden centre market.

Forest sales and marketing director John Gomersall said of the new appointments: "The expansion of our dedicated sales team could not have come at a better time. We now have a full contingent, providing sales coverage at all levels across the country. This is helping us to bring our full product portfolio of fencing, sheds, GYO essentials, garden furniture and decorative structures to garden centres and builders' merchants across the country - ahead of the inevitable spring peak demand."

As part of its ongoing investment into increasing innovation, it has also been confirmed that the role of group product manager has also been created with the specific aim of driving more new product development in 2016 and beyond. The person stepping into this role is Guy Jackson, who brings with him a wealth of experience from his previous 14-year placement at Stanley Black & Decker, and more recently, The Scotts Miracle Gro Company.

Mr Gomersall added: "Forest's portfolio has been on a journey in recent years, diversifying into new areas such as GYO and more recently garden furniture in late 2015. Guy's appointment will help to drive this need for further innovation, enabling us to plug any gaps... We look forward to working with Guy to develop our offering in the coming months and years."