UK manufacturers of horticulture products, Vitax has invested in an expansion of its retail sales team with the appointment of a new area manager.
Bryan Cooper joins Vitax from Fiskars and will be responsible for managing the south midlands and northern Home Counties.

He brings with him more than 30 years' experience in the garden and horticulture sector, working for companies such as Town and Country, Forest Garden and Spear & Jackson. His new role will see him supporting existing customers, whilst helping consolidate Vitax's presence across the region. He will be working within a team of nine managers across the UK.

Vitax sales manager Colin Wetherley-Mein said: "The horticulture sector is changing and customers want more from their suppliers than a product they can sell.

"To do this we need to invest in developing the team further and with individuals who know the industry well. We have created the new area manager's post to work within the existing sales team to enable it to continue to deliver a first-class service as new accounts come on board.

"Bryan already has a great reputation within the trade and is well-known amongst the majority of our customers. This coupled with his retail experience will help drive the business forward as we continue to grow."

Mr Cooper says he is ready for the new challenge. "I am really looking forward to bringing the knowledge I have gained over the years and applying it to a different type of product."

Bryan will be part of the Vitax team attending this year's Glee event at the NEC in Birmingham where the company will be showcasing its new product range.