John Richards hires top team to drive expansion

Cornwall-based shopfitter John Richards (JRS) has added four staff to its senior team as part of its ongoing expansion plan.

Graham Brown joins the company as chairman, having worked with managing director Pete Richards in an advisory capacity for several years.

Richards said that Brown's commercial focus and extensive experience in the retail sector are key to the company's growth.

An in-house resource planning department has also been set up, to be headed by Tim Raynor. In addition, two project managers have been appointed, Paul Wormald and Paul Barber.

A second phase of expansion is planned for January next year, when JRS and its subsidiary company Eden Engineering will move to a new factory, bringing joinery and metal production under one roof.

JRS clients presently include Space NK, Marks & Spencer, Heals and Woodhouse.

The shopfitter recently finished work on fashion retailer Shoon's store on Marylebone High Street in London.