Kew Electrical Belfast is looking forward with a new branch manager in place to drive its next phase of growth.
New to the role but not to the electrical wholesaler, Stephen Armstrong joined its Belfast branch back in 2011.
He is stepping into the formidable safety boots of David Adgey, who is retiring after a 50-year career in Northern Ireland’s electrical wholesaling sector.
Stephen previously worked for 10 years at Rexel Belfast before joining Kew Electrical, where he has honed his skills as branch manager designate for a year prior to David’s retirement in March, officially taking up the role at the start of January.
Congratulating Stephen on his appointment, Nik Mulcahy, Managing Director of Kew Electrical, said, “I have personally witnessed Stephen grow in stature within Kew Electrical while in sales roles both internally and out on the road.
“Stephen successfully passed the Kew Management Academy, so he is now well positioned to take over the reins from David. I have no doubt that he will drive our business forward to the next level, obviously with the help of our superb Belfast team.”
The wholesaler’s MD also had high praise for David, who began his industry career back in 1973, estimating at WS Mercer and P&B Electrical before sales roles with Walter Allen and H Ritchie & Sons.
David then moved into director positions at Carpenter & McAllister and Ed’s and Ed’s before the latter was bought by Kew Electrical.
“I have known David since I joined Kew Electrical in 2011, which is only a fraction of his electrical wholesaling career in Northern Ireland,” said Nik.
“David is definitely one of our industry’s gentlemen. I am yet to find a customer, supplier or member of our staff who has a bad word to say about him.
“David famously is happy to take any company visitor on their own personal guided tour around Belfast and I’ll never forget the offer to lend me his car if I wanted to come over with my wife and explore further afield.
“With regards to the job itself, David’s well-earned retirement will mean he is sorely missed, but I will always look forward to future reunions which hopefully will be at David’s golf course.”
Among strengths of the business is long-term planning, with the Belfast branch’s significant stockholding serving it well during the distribution delivery crisis facing a lot of companies post-Brexit and in the pandemic.
Staff retention and development has been a hallmark of the company since the start, as evidenced by David and Stephen’s careers.
As he leads the Belfast branch into its next phase, Stephen will be aiming to add to its many awards in the wholesaler category at the Northern Ireland Electrical Industry Awards since its inception in 2013.
Stephen said, “Having been involved in the management side of the business over the last year, I am excited to lead KEW Belfast into a new era. With my experienced team and the exceptional and professional services we provide, I have no doubt we can take KEW Belfast to the next level.
“With our convenient location just off the M3 Sydenham bypass, well stocked, extensive trade counter with café area and significant stockholdings, we can provide contractors with all materials they might require off the shelf.
“We are always on the lookout for new talent and we work with the various apprenticeship programmes to bolster our already talented team. Call in and see for yourself our fast and efficient service with a friendly and welcoming atmosphere.”
The branch’s trade counter operates early-bird opening on weekdays, from 7am to 5pm, with free breakfast mornings offered to the trade every Wednesday morning. It is also open on Saturday mornings from 9am to 12pm.
Also open to the public, among services offered by the business are a KEW Renewables division, in-house lighting designer and engraving facility.
A dedicated central team pick, pack and collate orders, ready for free next-day delivery in KEW vans direct to sites anywhere in Northern Ireland and the south of England.
Orders can be placed up to 4pm for deliveries the next day to any postcode in London, while local deliveries are on the road from 7am with same-day deliveries also offered. A 24-hour secure collection service is also available.
385 Holywood Road, Belfast BT4 2LS
T: +44 (0)28 9047 1727 – E: BelfastSales@kewelectrical.co.uk
www.kewelectrical.co.uk
