Say hello to our new Purchasing Manager, Gary Kinder, who has a wealth of experience in the fitted furniture industry and also in caravan manufacturing.
His career has included roles with Eurospace Furniture, Symphony, Richmond Cabinets and JT Ellis.
Hailing from Leeds, Gary attended Morley High School as a youngster then began work aged 19 with Eurospace Furniture in his home city, at a manufacturing site near the former Yorkshire Post building. At Eurospace, Gary gained experience in stock control and supply and was later promoted to a buyer.
His career then took him to Symphony, based in Leeds at the time, where he spent five years, and then into the touring caravan production industry with Swift Group PLC in Hull.
He said: "The caravan industry was quite different to the furniture industry. It was closer to the automotive sector with some of its advanced operations and components. I learned a lot at Swift Group including about different purchasing principles. It was a very useful experience."
In 2003, Gary attained the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) qualification.
He later returned to the furniture sector and spent over 12 years with Richmond in Derbyshire and Greater Manchester. His last role before joining us was with JT Ellis in Huddersfield.
Speaking about his new role, Gary said: "I'm delighted to have joined HPP. I've known the company for many years through previous roles as a buyer. It has a great reputation and history. Since joining, it's been good to meet everyone here, learn more about HPP's operations at Oldham, Sheffield and nationally; and work with the Managing Director, Keith Wardrope, and Alan Bolton, Purchasing Director."
"I'm working across the business on a variety of projects. These including stock control and buying, evaluating existing product ranges and potential new ones, and looking at product sales reports and data. This includes working closely with the purchasing team, sales representatives and HPP's IT Director, Andy Evans."
Looking ahead as lockdown restrictions ease, Gary said: "I think this year will be a good one for HPP and the wider KBB sector, as the economy opens-up again. Homeowners have made significant investments in property improvements in recent months and that will probably continue."
"Some people will return to commuting to their traditional workplaces but there may be a greater variety of office and home-working in future. These trends and developments will contribute to ongoing consumer spending on homes and residential developments, which will be positive for the KBB industry."
In his leisure time, Gary enjoys playing golf, which he increased during a period of furlough last year, and watches cricket and other sports. He played cricket for East Ardsley near Wakefield for many years but is now retired from playing. He also enjoys watching his sons play rugby and cricket and he supports Leeds United, who are back in the top flight of football this season.
A very warm welcome to Gary from everyone at HPP!