Established wholesale group announces passing of co-founder, Derek Balmer

Preston-based wholesaler, Trilanco, has announced the death of its co-founder, Derek Balmer, aged 85.

He passed away on Wednesday, June 17.

Derek and Sylvia Balmer established Trilanco, first known as Triam Lancashire, in 1979, specialising in agricultural products.

Throughout the 1980s he steered the business to continue its growth.

He recognised the importance of good, technical advice and excellent customer service, building the business on those principles.

In the 1990s, as the business grew, demand for equine and pet products saw Trilanco expand its portfolio.

This decade also saw the premises slowly increase its size to accommodate the growing customer database and stock list expansion.

In the late 1990s Derek took a step back from the day-to-day running of the business and handed over the reins to his son, Martin, although Mr Balmer senior was always on hand and a familiar face at the office.

Derek and Sylvia regularly contributed to the Salvation Army – a charity close to their hearts.

Derek was a founder member of BDAM (British Distributors of Animax Medicines) and AHTAG (Animal Health Trade Association Group), which is now known as AHDA.

Trilanco said it will always be known as a family business, a family of three generations, employing more than 120 staff, including office and warehouse staff and area sales managers/national accounts managers out on the road.

The business said Derek’s ethos was old-fashioned values of courtesy and service which are still the values upheld by the company today.

Trilanco is a specialist equine, pet and agricultural products wholesaler, supplying retailers worldwide.

It offers more than 250 brands and in excess of 20,000 products from manufacturers from across the world in its current catalogue.