Builder’s merchants appoints new chairman

Midlands builder’s merchants EH Smith has promoted its current chief executive, John Parker, to company chairman.

The move follows the death of longstanding chairman Ken Smith in November.

Mr Parker has been a director at the family firm since the 1990’s and has been chief executive for the last 10 years.

Mr Parker grew up in Hall Green in Birmingham and, like his predecessor, attended King Edward’s School. A well-known figure in the construction industry, Mr Parker has served on the NMBS board, was chairman of Cemco buying group, and more recently took a lead in the formation of Fortis Merchants, becoming its inaugural chairman.

The new appointment comes with EH Smith enjoying some of the best trading in the company’s 95-year history.

The company has grown to become a £140m turnover business, with 15 trading locations across the Midlands and the South East, together responsible for a 19% increase in turnover in the financial year 2016-2017.

Mr Parker said: “I am delighted to be leading EH Smith into its second century in business, particularly at such an exciting time for our company. I am also honoured to be following in Ken’s footsteps.

“We will be maintaining our family and community-focused business culture, including such measures as a 15% profits distribution to staff and giving 10% of profits to local charitable and community causes.”