Alan Woods, the former Managing Director and owner, has now moved into the role of Chief Executive Officer and promoted Thomas Woods to Managing Director of the AJW Distribution Group.

Alan Woods, previous managing director, said: I have watched Thomas work his way up through the business, starting as a yardman in 2008 when he finally joined the family business. He quickly moved onto the trade counter and into Sales, where he found his feet and enjoyment for the industry.

Moving up

Initially based at Chatteris, he jumped at an opportunity to work in one of our newest depots in Witham Essex, where he took a small branch and developed it into our most significant location, moving the site twice to accommodate its growth in five years. He then relocated to Norfolk to find and train a new team at our Norwich site and develop the pitched and flat roofing sector in this area, which is now one of the best depots.

Expansion

Since then, he has also opened two more branches, Bury St Edmunds and St Neots, and assisted in developing our overall structure and computer systems which have improved the overall profitability of the Group. I have great faith that Thomas will continue to show the dedication and drive he has so far and ensure the AJW Group moves forward in the future years.

I have thoroughly enjoyed the last 25 years. Although testing at times, the reward from seeing our staff continue to thrive and enjoy coming to work makes it all worth it. We have taken the business further than I ever dreamed of when I started in 1998, but I know that it will continue to grow, and that is down to the incredible employees we have who stay dedicated to the cause. All of which play a crucial part in business development.

Tom Woods says..

Is it possible to even come close to filling the boots that Alan steps out from; his industry knowledge and years of experience in the roofing sector have stood us great ground over the years. He has made some excellent relationships that have assisted us in our growth and development and are a vital part of how we got to where we are.

I look forward to taking on the role of Managing Director and ensuring the Group continues to perform; however, this is mainly achieved by our staff, who continue to excel in their roles. We have some exciting changes happening within the business over the next year, which will further strengthen the Group and allow us to drive forward into new territories.

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