BHETA executive chairman David Smyth to retire

Executive chairman of the British Home Enhancement Trade Association (BHETA) David Smyth is to retire at the end of May, following the body’s AGM.

This will be three years after David’s appointment into what was then a new role for the trade association.

David said: “I’ve very much enjoyed my three years and feel I’m leaving at a time when the association is in excellent shape. This is the right time to bring in someone for the next few years.

“I firmly believe that the executive team and member services team are now much stronger and better placed than they have ever been to provide our members with all their requirements. Our successes over recent years speak volumes.

“I genuinely feel that I’ve helped to raise the profile of the association in a positive way and from this I get a great deal of pleasure. I too have personally gained much from working with members and the team and would like to thank everyone in BHETA for giving me the opportunity to  ‘put something back’ into the industry that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being a part of for almost 50 years.”

David started his career with Crown Paints and subsequently Crown Wallcoverings where he was sales and marketing director until 1988. He then took on managing director roles at Trent Valley Plastics, Trent Hardware and Douglas Kane Hardware, following Trent’s merger with Savage Group Companies. He remained in this post after Newell Rubbermaid acquired the McKechnie Consumer Division. From 2003 to 2013 he was joint owner and director of Siro DIY Products (UK).

BHETA chairman Roger Morgan-Grenville paid tribute to David’s contribution. He said: “I firmly believe that the structure which was introduced, enabling David’s appointment was very sound and will be continued. Having a ‘figurehead’ to whom the executive team can report has proved very successful.

“BHETA’s strategic plans are well established and developed. Its credentials within the industry have been massively enhanced and the practical results for members that have been developed during the last three years are immeasurable in terms of retail engagement, industry knowledge, networking contacts and profile.

“David will be a particularly hard act to follow, but I’m confident that we will attract the right person to continue his good work.”