Merritt & Fryers appoints non-exec chairman

Independent builders merchant Merritt & Fryers has appointed Paul Hetherington MBA FIoD as non-executive chairman of its board.

The appointment follows the completion of a management buyout by managing director Rachel Fryers, a transaction that saw Fryers grow her shareholding from one percent to sole ownership of the business.

Fryers commented: “Completing the MBO was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done — but it was also the moment this business got its future back. Now we have the freedom to invest in our team, our customers and our community. Appointing Paul as Chairman is part of that investment.

“Paul brings thirty years of building materials experience at the highest level, and understands what it takes to grow an independent business in this industry. But this isn’t about one appointment — it’s about the signal it sends. We are serious about where Merritt & Fryers is going.

“I’m optimistic about the future for builders merchants in Yorkshire and Lancashire. Every district we serve has grown. The construction pipeline is strong. The customers are here — and we intend to make sure they’re buying from us.

“As a main board member of the National Buying Group, I see every day what the best independent merchants in this country are achieving. We have the heritage, the relationships, the team and now the ownership structure to make it happen.”