Pro Installer September 2016 - Issue 42 | Page 28

28 SEPTEMBER 2016 PRO INSTALLER PRO NEWS www.proinstaller.co.uk FIRST CLASS TRAIN TREAT FOR LISTERS CUSTOMERS Lister Trade Frames treated customers to a first class train journey with gourmet food and wine to thank them for staying with the business for more than 20 years. The window and door manufacturer based in Fenton, Stoke on Trent, wanted to share the milestone and celebrate its record of keeping customers happy for the last 40 years. Fifty guests joined the Listers team on the platform of Churnet Valley Railway for the private train journey through the gorgeous Staffordshire countryside. “We wanted to do something really special,” said sales director Phil Warren. “And the idea of taking some of our longest serving customers on a train journey symbolised the journey we’ve all been on together for the last 20+ years.” Arriving for cocktails on the platform, customers shared memories of their time working with Listers before being whisked away in a fully restored first class dining coach. There they enjoyed a three-course meal with full waitress service. Every customer was later presented with a professionally printed scrapbook of memories stretching back to the start of Listers trading history. Scrapbook and stainless steel trade cards. Phil Warren, Listers sales director (centre) flanked by longstanding customer Paul Johnson and his wife Alison. Each customer on the train was represented inside the book. The inside front cover held an individual ‘Platinum’ trade card, laser engraved with the customer’s name to replace their well-worn trade cards which many had been using for over 20 years. “The criteria for this evening was simple,” remarked Phil. “To thank customers who have been working with Listers for over 20 years. It was imperative that they understood how much we appreciate not only their business but the friendships that we’ve built over the last two decades.” One customer, Geoff Hodkinson commented: “Listers could have simply given us a bottle of wine or a gift voucher, but the level that they went to is exactly why I have been buying from them for more than 20 years. They go that extra mile for us customers and that means a lot.” For more about the special day, please visit the Lister Trade Frames Facebook page. www.listertf.co.uk WARM WELCOME FOR LAUREN The VEKA UK Group has welcomed Lauren Wilcox to the team as commercial development manager for the north and Midlands. Lauren joins the systems supplier from a previous position as Grosvenor Windows’ contracts manager. “I’ve worked with The VEKA UK Group for a number of years as a customer and I’ve always admired the way the company operates,” Lauren explained. “I’ve been in the window and wider construction industry for ten years and I felt ready to progress with my career. “I’ve really enjoyed working for Grosvenor for the last eight years in different roles. I started as installation administrator before becoming installation manager, then office ‘It’s a pleasure to welcome Lauren to the commercial team. She’s already proven to be a very knowledgeable, keen and enthusiastic team member’ manager, and then full contracts manager where I assisted in the general running of the business. “Where better to develop my professional strengths than with the world’s biggest and best PVCu extrusion company? I love learning, and applying new skills to various challenges. I’m very excited to have joined The VEKA UK Group and I’m looking forward to building relationships with new and existing commercial clients. “I’ll be attending meetings and getting to know contractors, architects, consultants, fabricators and installers, where I’ll be able to discuss how The VEKA UK Group can assist them with a host of products and services to suit the exact requirements of their current projects.” Richard Garland, head of commercial sales said: “It’s a pleasure to welcome Lauren to the commercial team. She’s already proven to be a very knowledge able, keen and enthusiastic team member.” www.vekauk.com