Post by Mark Whitaker

It’s been a sad week as I say goodbye to a business I have given absolutely everything to. I first joined Wolseley UK in 1990 as a 16-year-old apprentice. Over the years, I progressed through multiple roles — from supervisor to Contracts Estimator at Broughton Bathrooms, and later Branch Manager at Plumb Center Chorley, Blackburn and Burnley. During my time across Plumb Centre, Builders Centre and WUK Multisites, I had the privilege of working under some excellent leaders including Brian Daly, Richard Nicholls, Dave Stubbs, Ashley Wilson & remarkable chap called Marc Chitryn from Travis Perkins. After 18 years, I left in 2008 before rejoining in 2010 into what was then a small £11m business. Over the last 16.5 years, I’ve been proud to see it grow to over £80m, evolving from Builder Center Maintenance to Integrated Supplies, Integrated Services and finally Wolseley Managed Services and had the pleasure on the way working with two excellent Managed services MD’s in Paul Whyman & Glen Scorah. The last 7.5 years (16.5 years WUK) as Regional Trading Manager for the North have been especially meaningful — developing people, building teams, and seeing many progress into leadership roles. That’s what I’m most proud of. A special mention to my current branch managers — Jade Fellowes, Glenn Taylor’ marc mcnamara, Michael Plant , Carla Rigby, Terry Brenner & Paul Butterworth. Speaicl thanks Christopher W. , Ashleigh C. ,Anne-Marie Sidaway - MA Chartered MCIPD , Kerry Machin , Emma Hockham , Sharon Challis-Brown , Steven Gibson Andy Morley, Nicholas Hopkins, Kelsey Masters, Carol-Ann Morrison, Robert Light, Liz Light, William Warburton & Matthew McGuigan. Thank you to everyone across the business — accounts, finance, H&S, HR, regional teams and all colleagues I’ve worked alongside over the years. I’m also proud of the partnerships built along the way — with suppliers including LEW Electrical Distributors & Andy Johnson, James Beesley, Mark Devereaux from Beesley & Fildes Ltd, Liam Hoggard , Paul Hoggard, Chris Greenhalgh, First Choice Homes Oldham, Kristel Schirwing, Irwell Valley Homes , Michelle Nutter (MCIPS), Sam Norris & Rob Broadhurst and many more. There are so many people who have been part of this journey — I could be here all day — so please accept my apologies if I haven’t named everyone. It has truly been a pleasure. I leave with great memories, pride, and friendships I will always value. Full of emotion, I will miss you all. I am now enjoying my new adventure after my quick exit from Wolseley UK.